WIP (work in progress) Ken Erickson whittler

ken erickson

ken erickson

Joined
Aug 27, 2004
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Let me start by saying that I hope you enjoy watching me struggle through building a couple of whittlers. Both of these knives are sold however I think you may find it interesting to watch the progression. This whittler is based on the Case 6380 , a three blade whittler that features a secondary clip blade along with a coping blade. I was sent an intact 6380 by a BF member which gave me the outside dimensions. I did not take the knife apart so what your seeing being built here is a working prototype. I will then use this pattern to cut the springs and blades. I hope to update in the evenings.

I am going to start a little bit into the knife as I needed the blades to be heat treated before making the springs. (remember that other slipjoint builders will do things different than I)

IMGP3713_edited-1.jpg


This shows the Case 6380 printed out with the frame , master and one secondary in frame.

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A few parts laid on the bench along with the scales. My jigged and dyed bone

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This shows the springs and secondary blades before they are ground to half the thickness as the master blade tang

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Getting ready to surface grind the secondary blades and springs

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After grinding blades and springs. You can see that my center tapered spacer is too thick at this point. I want the tips of the springs to touch with no gap.

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I have both springs and the three blades working in the frame. I have left most fitting points "proud" at this point.
 
Watching you struggle?? :confused:
I doubt that Ken, your knives turn out like the pro you are.... :thumbup:
I have yet to make a three bladed knife, some day though??? :confused::rolleyes::)

This will be another beauty I'm sure. - :thumbup::thumbup:

Todd
 
Very interesting indeed

Any true creative endevour is a struggle as you explore new ground
 
Great thread. I like these WIP threads. I'm sure these whittlers will add yet another dimension to your knifemaking abilities, as well as a few additional wrinkles on your brain.

Let's see that jigged bone!
 
I love these threads and the progression of a whittler is something else. It is a good edumacation to all of us who do not make how much work is involved in making a multiblade.

Thank you for taking the time to do this Ken. I am sure many of us will come away from it with a lot more appreciation of what it takes to build these knives that we enjoy so much.
 
Great pictures Ken, looking forward to seeing this as it progresses!
 
I too look forward to "watching" your progress, it's very interesting. Thanks for doing this.

Mike
 
This is a cool thread, Ken!

I don't know how much struggling you'll actually be doing on this project knowing the kind of cutler you have become but I suspect its got to be a challenge to build this type of Whittler model for any of the current top custom slipjoint makers they're first time out.. I have had and used several of Case's old # 6380's over the years and still do. My impression is that with the center tapered/beveled spacer and the way the springs must line up, it is certainly no easy feet to get her perfect and have the knife work as intended. That said, your experience and vastly talented expertise is surely up to such a challenge. It will be a my pleasure to watch and follow along with this thread in the comming days to what I am convinced will be a flawless outcome in every respect.

Thanks for the opportunity to view this project.


Anthony
 
Thanks for the great pics Ken...
I love seeing pics like these. I can't imagine trying to make a knife like that, especially one that comes out like yours do... Someones gonna be very happy when they get that one :thumbup:
Unfortunately, its not me...:(
 
Ken,

Great photos, as well as a very good description to go along with it! Thanks for sharing this with us. :thumbup:

Kent
 
Nicely done, Ken. Hope you have almost as much fun building them as we will watching your progress. :cool:
 
Ken,This kind of thread is great to see.Thanks for doing it & we'll get to view the making of one of your master - pieces :thumbup:
-Vince
 
I gotta go with the crowd her Ken, I really enjoy these WIP threads.
Thank You for sharing. :cool:
 
Too cool !


ken erickson said:
IMGP3729_edited-1.jpg


After grinding blades and springs. You can see that my center tapered spacer is too thick at this point. I want the tips of the springs to touch with no gap.
Click to expand...





Ken, to close the gap (so to speak) I take it you're grinding the springs and not the tapered spacer ?

Either way, not much wiggle room there. :eek:
 
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