Wrought, Ironwood, Beaver tail

M.Griffin

M.Griffin

Joined
Nov 8, 2007
Messages
460
Here is one I just finished for my dad. It is a small knife with a 3 finger handle. My dad is missing his entire index finger so a 3 finger knife gives him a full grip. I thought it would be funny to make him a knife custom fit to his messed up hand.
The blade is 15n20/1084/15n20. I wanted to see if I could get a good weld and it seems solid. I gave it a dark etch and left a few hammer marks. My stamp rolled in my little home made bottle jack press and launched the knife, that is why half the impression is so deep. Guard is wrought, handle is desert ironwood. I wanted to try a little nicer sheath than I usually do so I did a beaver tail inlay that was graciously donated by a problem beaver at my work. Any and all comments/critique is appreciated.

OAL: ~7"
Cutting edge: ~3"
Spine: 3/16" at ricasso with a distal taper

-Mike

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looks very nice! that's something i would buy. looks like a sort of "rustic" mini bushcraft knife. very nice job!
 
How did you tan the beaver tail? I have some in the freezer that I need to do something with.
 
V@rmint said:
How did you tan the beaver tail? I have some in the freezer that I need to do something with.
Click to expand...

I would be very interested in how you tanned the tail too, I bet the leather is nails. I see at least 4 or 5 road killed Beavers every year, free leather is good:D
Great knife and sheath combo, your Dad must be lovin his life.

Best regards

Robin
 
Thank you all for the comments, they are much appreciated.



Pipeman said:
I would be very interested in how you tanned the tail too, I bet the leather is nails. I see at least 4 or 5 road killed Beavers every year, free leather is good:D
Great knife and sheath combo, your Dad must be lovin his life.

Best regards

Robin
Click to expand...

I alum tanned the tail. The tail was pretty hard to skin out so I left the flesh pretty thick. After tanning, I let it dry a little then coated with neatsfoot oil and let it sit. Once it was done, I sanded the flesh off with the belt grinder until it was nice and thin. I then tried to soften it a bit, but is stayed pretty stiff so there may be a better way. I am no skinner/tanner.

My Dad doesn't know it is coming yet. He is recovering from knee replacement so I figured he would appreciate it right now.

-Mike
 
Thanks Mike. I'm sure your Dad will be out walking soon, wearing his new knife with pride.

Best regards

Robin
 
Thanks guys, it is appreciated. I was originally making this one for myself since I need to upgrade my edc, but after forging and grinding it I kept thinking about how my dad would like it.

-Mike
 
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