Wanna trade work?

[Chiro75]

After grinding out a new blade a couple weeks ago, I have a real hankering to do a little more work, and I was curious if there was another maker here who wanted to trade work? It seems like my work improves the most following a long hiatus, and I came back from this most recent break with new understanding of draw filing. Sounds like a basic thing, but trust me, this helps my finish process dramatically! Anyway, I do all my work in 1084 with a differential heat treat (do it all myself). Blades are roughed on a bench grinder, then I do the rest with files and finish up with stones, then sandpaper to whatever grit I have the patience to get to! I usually etch the blades to develop the temper line more, but you can see it pretty good without etching usually. The one I'm planning for a trade, if it happens, will be a little "tactical" number with maybe a 3" blade and some G-10 (blue or black) or Micarta (I think I have black linen, black canvas, tan canvas, maybe maroon, too) with a Kydex multicarry sheath. Something fun and sharp! My knives all come out with a slightly convex edge because of hand filing, although I use 1/8" stock and sharpen them like I would a flat ground blade. They usually turn out really sharp! Anyway, thought it might be fun to trade work with someone else. I could probably have mine done after the weekend...when I get going I usually work pretty fast! Email me or post here if you want to set up a trade. I'm open to anything.

 

[ddavelarsen]

I've been thinking about this too. What about a deal like the Outpost folks often do called Iron In The Hat. Everyone who wants to participate puts their name in and there's a drawing; knives are exchanged on a given date. Usually there's a theme of some kind to focus the work and I think to put things on an even ground.

How does that sound? Are there any other takers? I could produce something in a couple weeks if it wasn't fancy.

If this doesn't work for the group, I'd be willing to work a trade with you too.

Dave

 

[etp777]

I'd be willing to give it a go. Or at least attempt to. Probably be best if I say I'm willing, but until I see how well the blade turns out. I'm same as chiro, getting better every time, and taken another week and a half off to learn more(may end up being longer before I come up with a new drawing or three I like), so hopefully that will help too.

But yeah, i'm game.

 

[Chiro75]

Dave, good idea. It would have to be something pretty basic, though. I can knock out a decent knife, but I am limited to about 3-4 inches for blade length right now, and I don't do stuff like hidden tangs, guards, etc. My stuff is basic, but useful! Anyway, if either of you guys are serious shoot me an email. Or, let's get something going that's a little more random like what Dave said. When I was into cigars a few years ago rec.cigars did a Christmas thing where everyone put their name in and we "drew." We each had to send at least x amount of cigars to the person we drew. I ended up getting a box of great stuff, including something special from a little island south of Miami, a little bottle of scotch, etc. Not a bad deal!
Anyway, I can make one thing for this, so either email me and we can work it out or let's get multiple people started on it. I'll start a new thread!