Some of you may remember my build thread on the old forum. Life happened and these got delayed. I finally finished them up recently. So far they have only seen light use. We've had a warm streak these past few days and I took them out for some pics. These are the 2nd knives I've ever made. I never thought they would turn out bad; however they turned out better than I expected. I'm not going to post all my previous build pictures, and honestly I stopped taking pics of the progress once the old forum shut down. Here's a quick summary on them: 5/32" thick A-2. Approx. 4.5" blade and 9" OAL. Full flat grind. Canvas micarta scales with G10 liners. The profile was cut with a hacksaw and files, the bevels were cut with a file using a file jig, hand polished, the scales were shaped with a file and sandpaper, initials and serial numbers (002 and 003 respectively) etched with PCB etchant. The only thing I used power tools on was a drill press for the holes. I also have a cheap wood bandsaw and 4x36 sander (originally bought for the kid's pinewood derby cars) that I used to rough in the scales. A belt grinder would have made this whole job much easier, but I don't have one. I put the initial edge on using the EdgePro, but will maintain them freehand. Well enough talking. Here are some pics:
I also made the kydex. The sheaths are functional, but could be a little better. I didn't have any kydex experience prior to these. I did run (or scrap ha ha ha) a few small test sheaths before making these two.
For S---- and giggles. Here is the first knife I ever made. Years ago when I worked in a machine shop I ground this out of an old file. Delrin scales milled out to fit the full width hidden tang.
Thanks. Even though these were my first true attempt at knives, I do have a lot of experience with metal working. I have a journeymans card as a machinist (mostly tool and die type work), although I've been out of the trade for over a decade.
I'm not sure if I like them or not. I will PM you my address and you can send them up here to the Pacific NW for a long term test!!
I don't have anything in the works; however I do have an idea floating around in my head. I'm thinking a small EDC sized fixed blade. Maybe around the length of an Izula. 3/32" thick steel with full flat grind. Micarta scales with liners. I was thinking of trying a stonewash finish if I go with a stainless steel as listed below. I love a good tool steel, but was thinking 154CM or 440C (depends on which one I can obtain some surface ground flat stock the easiest). The ol' lady wants one too, and I'm not sure she'd keep up with the maintenance of a tool steel so the extra corrosion resistance would be nice. The only thing that worries me is the additional difficulty cutting and shaping the steel since I'll be doing it with hand tools. There were plenty of times that stainless could be a real pain in the ass to machine at the shop.
Yeah, you have to screw up or post junk to get insulted. Those are some really good looking blades and the kydex appears good as well. I would be happy to insult you, but you have to give me something to work with.
I keep coming back and checking these out. You did a fantastic job. On your second and third, no less!