Turned out real nice. I think this just may be my symmetrical eye but I think if the length of the bolster was equal with the length of the rear bolster it might balance the look. This could be a personal thing on my part! Other than that I think you nailed it!!! Two thumbs up!!
Great choice on putting that spacer in there I think it sets the handle apart. Also the gut hook looks great. I have shyed away from them but now I know who to ask... Customer will be happy.
The original gut hook was just a notch in the spine of the blade to catch the bail of a coffee pot that was sitting on the camp fire. If you hunt and you bag a deer give it a try. It will probably fill up with hair on you and not open the abdominal cavity. There is a gizmo for that sort of thing and it holds an injectable razor blade to cut through the belly muscles. That's how undersized that notch is.
Doug
You may have to learn to tell people that you don't do that (whatever it is) even though it is hard when you are dealing with a close friend or a family member.
Doug
I think that handle is perfect the way it is...the bolster look like a bolster and the other end looks like a cap. the little bit of asymmetry works perfect. Had you been symmetrical the antler would have been too short.(or the bolster)
The color/material choices of the handle? Nailed it!
Yeah, I don't care for making gut hooks either. They are a pain. I'm working on two right now with all the same pains you are experiencing. For the final polishing/sharpening I did find a blue dremel stone that fits nicely and does a good job. Though the notch on mine is bigger.
I do like a good one in the field though. I haven't had them clog with hair, they just zip right up the hide.