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Mark Van Loon · Apr 2, 2003

After many hours of trying i finally finished my first one. its made from 1084, clay coated and water quenched. hand rubbed finish with a light vinegar etch. blade is 5 1/2" and OAL is 10 1/2". brass guard with Loveless style fasteners. handle is Stringybark burl sanded to 2000 grit with an oil finish. Please let me know what you think, any and all critiques are welcome and encouraged. thanks for looking

and another:

last one:

rlinger · Apr 2, 2003

I think you did great for a first finished knife. I really think that handle wood very interesting. If I were to have any constructive advise it would be that from the pictures it looks as though you may have broke through the spine with the plunge cut. It is difficult to tell from photo's though. Well Done!

Roger

Mark Van Loon · Apr 2, 2003

yep i broke through the spine...i definatley need more grinding time...lol. the wood is real nice when finished, but not easy to finish, the stripes are actually gum deposits, some were almost 1/8" deep before i finished the handle. i used super glue to fill them then sanded smooth then applied the oil.

Bruce Bump · Apr 2, 2003

Looking good! Lets see the next one.

rlinger · Apr 2, 2003

Well, I'll say what else I notice: The plunge looks straight and crisp. The blade grind looks flat with no noticable ripples to me. I think you're a fine flat grinder. The angles will come. They will for sure.

Roger

clint c · Apr 2, 2003

Very nice hamon and handle materials. Water quenching 1084 is nervy, but it worked out nice for ya for sure!

Clint

misque · Apr 2, 2003

That is a superb first effort.

Your choice of wood for the handle is a real eye-grabber. I really love the look of it.
Your hamon is clear and well defined. Definately a fine first knife IMO. Keep up the good work!

edited to add:

I agree with Clint's comments. It took real courage to water quench that rascal.

All the best,
Mike U.

Reg ELLERY · Apr 2, 2003

The quality of your work looks great the handle is very nice.

Style is always personal some times a mm or 2 can make a good knife into a wow knife.

I use a set of french curves to play with the shape of the blade.

I draw the blank onto paper with a heap of variations. Thinner or more belly or shorter - longer points.

After a while you will get to see the style you like and do less drawing.

Your knife is by far better than my first. I normally keep it in the car when I go bush. I also bring it out for beginners to see just how well they are going compared to me. When I started. You obviously have the makings of a fine maker.

Let's see your next.

etp777 · Apr 2, 2003

Beautiful knife. Just read above to all other compliments/comments and you'll get everything I might have said.

I would like to emphasize the comment about the wood though. Think it's beautiful, and seems, at least in pictures, that you did a very good job with a type of wood that isn't easy to work. Think I might have to get some sometime, like how it looks a lot