W.I.P. Your Opinions Would Be Helpful and Appreciated!

Dave Kelly

Dave Kelly

Joined
Dec 17, 2003
Messages
597
I'm stuck and could use your advice you guys!

I was just about ready to take this apart, do final clean-up then epoxy and I'm not sure if I like the spacer configuration. I was also going to add another pin and thong tube but for some reason this time (I've done a couple of these) the handle started to look too busy.

I know my questions are a matter of personal taste and I'm the person making it but would still appreciate your opinions.

My ?'s
Spacers look OK?
Add the other pin and thong tube or leave it alone?
And anything else you guys think I should do or change?

Thanks,
Dave


orig.jpg






orig.jpg






The stag isn't yellow as the photos show, don't know why this is happening :confused:
orig.jpg






orig.jpg






Here's one I textured the spacer and it has the 2nd pin and thong tube
orig.jpg
 
That spacer is a real toss up. I really like the addition of a second pin and thong hole tube. The cross hatch? really adds some character to those pins.
Very nice job. However, as you know, we are our own worst critics.

Matt
 
First let me say, that is a great looking knife.

I think the way you put the extra pin and thong tube in the knife in the last photo seems to work real well. They blend in real well.

My vote would be, extra pin and thong tube.

Charles
 
for what my openion is worth I like the second pin with the spacer textured and the thong tube the best, looks complete to me.
 
Nice work Dave. I would be proud to own both of those handle designs.

IMHO, the only thing missing, is another blade to complete a matched set.
Both handle designs are equally nice and unique in their own way. :thumbup:
Regards
Cliff
 
Dave,

In my opinion, the spacers are just fine, and I thin that the texture of the stag on that piece is why you're seeing "busy" in the handle. If I were you I'd leave it with the one pin. The one thing I see that throws me off just a little is the thickness and squareness at the bottom of the guard. Maybe just soften the edges there, or thin it slightly. You've got some great curves and lines in that handle, but the one square spot throws my eye of just a little. Not how in the other piece you posted with this that the guard is slightly thinner, the front of the guard curves back slightly and the edges of the guard are just rounded a little. It doesn't need much, but I think it'll help just that extra bit you're looking for.

Just my $.02. You're clearly better at this whole knifemaking thing than I am anyways :)

-d
 
Last edited:
If it ain't broke don't fix it. Who knows what could happen if you add the extra work? What if the stag cracks or worse and you have to completely start over?
 
Glad to see you working Dave.
I like the second handle better.
I agree with deker on the squarer guard bottom. It just looks different from your normal work. Either would go great with my other one.
 
Have to type fast, my browser keeps crashing!

The knife is on the bench in 30 some pieces waiting for me to make a decision, coin tossing isn't helping so I really appreciate your help!!

Thanks Matt, the pins are 20 l.p.i. checker filed in 2 directions

Thanks Charles!

Thanks Cloyde, I've done a couple with the texturing and wanted to try something different, just not sure if I made the correct decision.

Thank you Mike!

Thanks Cliff, here's the blade that went with that other handle
orig.jpg





Thanks D, you're probably correct about the busy stag texture on this one. For the quillion I use the rule of thumb the thickness should be equal to or less than the thickness of the blade, this is thinner. I still may thin it out some, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Here's a not so good pic with another view hopefully showing a rounder, softer point.
orig.jpg





Thanks Danbo:)

I agree Chuck, I get nervous every time I drill for a thong tube that close to the edge! Thanks

Thank you balibalistic!

It would kind of go with your knife Dwight, thanks! Hope you're still happy with them!!
 
I think that You've mastered your techniques on everything shown here. The blade is drop dead gorgeous and your choice of stag makes me jealous big time. Your style is great and if you keep it up like these two you work will be recognizable from across the room.

There is something to marvel at every place the eye roams which from what I know about art is the only thing I think you should change. Give the eye a short break between pleasures. When you say too "busy" you already know what I mean. Like I said, you have mastered your talent so now just show us less eye candy on the next one.

These are some of the most beautiful knives I've seen for awhile. Thanks for showing them.
 
You are all done here, the knife looks fine the way it is. What you may want to try is to make a couple more with the add ons you were concidering, then make comparisons.
 
Bruce Bump said:
I think that You've mastered your techniques on everything shown here. The blade is drop dead gorgeous and your choice of stag makes me jealous big time. Your style is great and if you keep it up like these two you work will be recognizable from across the room.

There is something to marvel at every place the eye roams which from what I know about art is the only thing I think you should change. Give the eye a short break between pleasures. When you say too "busy" you already know what I mean. Like I said, you have mastered your talent so now just show us less eye candy on the next one.

These are some of the most beautiful knives I've seen for awhile. Thanks for showing them.
Click to expand...


I am in complete agreement...lovely work!
 
Just want to tell you guys how much I appreciate your help, when I get stuck like this I have no one else to ask. I haven't been out for the last 2 1/2 years except for medical stuff and the only person I can ask is me :barf: :), and like Matt and most knifemakers I'm my own worst critic.

Still can't decide so I've put this one aside and working on another similar knife, this time with a simpler spacer design (thanks Bruce).

Thanks again,
Dave
 
Dave Kelly said:
Thanks D, you're probably correct about the busy stag texture on this one. For the quillion I use the rule of thumb the thickness should be equal to or less than the thickness of the blade, this is thinner. I still may thin it out some, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Here's a not so good pic with another view hopefully showing a rounder, softer point.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily thinner, but maybe just a slight rounding of corners. I dunno. Mostly I'm jealous of your skill :)

-d
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top