Wheeler Fighting Bowie Project :) ( UPDATED CUTTING & FORGING VIDEOS)

Beautiful thread all around, Nick.

I didn't know about last winter, and I'm truly sorry to hear it.

But I'm happy to see you back on the horse and making the knives that only you can.

All best.
 
Seriously

I hope the knife world appreciates the jewel we have in you my friend

As always you give so much and I am proud to be your friend
 
Nick - I understand the difficulty in trying to articulate to others who ask how they will know when a knife handle feels "right". There is no calculus that can define it. My recommendation would be that they attend a few shows and pick up some knives by guys who really have handle design dialed in, such as yourself, Jason Knight, Burt Foster, Lin Rhea to name just a few.

Constantly checking the feel of the handle as the shaping progresses is something that Dan Farr taught me and I endorse that wholeheartedly.
 
RogerP said:
Nick - I understand the difficulty in trying to articulate to others who ask how they will know when a knife handle feels "right". There is no calculus that can define it. My recommendation would be that they attend a few shows and pick up some knives by guys who really have handle design dialed in, such as yourself, Jason Knight, Burt Foster, Lin Rhea to name just a few.

Constantly checking the feel of the handle as the shaping progresses is something that Dan Farr taught me and I endorse that wholeheartedly.
Click to expand...

I agree Roger but even than putting the knife to task shows even more

I know that this is hard to do in most cases but it is amazing what snap cutting thru a target or even chopping a piece of wood shows

Manipulating the knife in hand shows a lot but I have found when you spin a knife at a show over a concrete floor in a rapid way it makes most makers get pretty nervous :)
 
JParanee said:
I agree Roger but even than putting the knife to task shows even more

I know that this is hard to do in most cases but it is amazing what snap cutting thru a target or even chopping a piece of wood shows

Manipulating the knife in hand shows a lot but I have found when you spin a knife at a show over a concrete floor in a rapid way it makes most makers get pretty nervous :)
Click to expand...

Indeed - that tells you FAR more - but kind of frowned upon at shows. :) When I did an article on Dan's competition cutting knife design, I did a number of the standard tets (rope, 2 by 4, dowel, water bottles etc) with each of several versions. Amazing the difference you can feel between similar-looking designs when you put them to hard use.
 
I am learning a lot from this video. The few times I have made this type of handle I have spent an almost ridiculous amount of time getting it right. Just seeing the right sequence and the movements that you make on the grinder have given me a tremendous head start on the next one. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
 
RogerP said:
Indeed - that tells you FAR more - but kind of frowned upon at shows. :) When I did an article on Dan's competition cutting knife design, I did a number of the standard tets (rope, 2 by 4, dowel, water bottles etc) with each of several versions. Amazing the difference you can feel between similar-looking designs when you put them to hard use.
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I remember it well

And yes you are correct my friend
 
I remember a tip you gave, Roger, on dipping the handle in mineral oil and testing handle ergos that way.
I haven't ever trained with anyone, just went through drills by myself.
A word of caution on using an oiled handle, approach this measure very carefully. :)

Sorry for the OT, Joe, Nick and all but we were talking about handles. :D

Doug
 
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Thank You Nick, I watched all 3 videos tonight, and watched another one again that I liked. I understand you are working a "regular job" now and can't devote all the time you used to. Missed you while you were gone, but so glad you're back to the thing you love to do, making Beautiful Knives.
 
Thank you guys! :)

I left for work at 5pm last night and got home at 8:30 am this morning, so when I say my time has been limited... that's what I mean.

I've found a minute here and there though... so here's the 4th part in the handle shaping series. :)

[video=youtube;pvZFx0FW58g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvZFx0FW58g[/video]
 
Wow! Eyes calibrated to within 0.001". But I guess that is what we should expect from the most famous knifemaker in Castle Rock Washington. Another great video Nick. These real time, detailed videos are very educational as well as entertaining. I'm definitely keeping them all but will buy the compilation videos when they are available :D. Thanks once again Nick. Mike
 
You really sound like you're starting to enjoy yourself in the fourth installment, the thin guard lug comment was classic:D
Looking forward to number 5.
 
NickWheeler said:
Thank you guys! :)

I left for work at 5pm last night and got home at 8:30 am this morning, so when I say my time has been limited... that's what I mean.

I've found a minute here and there though... so here's the 4th part in the handle shaping series. :)

[video=youtube;pvZFx0FW58g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvZFx0FW58g[/video]
Click to expand...

I did not think that you realize a knife was manner too complicated , congrats very impressive video mister Wheeler
 
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Thanks guys. :)


Here's the 5th Part... :)

[video=youtube;mulwJCzj3hg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mulwJCzj3hg[/video]
 
Thanks for sharing Nick, I am learning a lot! Your sculpted handles have always impressed and bewildered me!! :thumbup:
 
Thanks fellas. :)


Here's #6.... (please make sure the settings are on 720p to get the most out of the picture quality).

[video=youtube;BEHouX1MxRc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEHouX1MxRc[/video]
 
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