A knife story

Cazador

Cazador

Well-Known Member
IMG_1123.JPG IMG_1122.JPG
Well, how this knife finished is not how I envisioned it. I started this knife intending it to have dovetailed stainless steel bolster with nice cocobolo handles. I also planned for the bevels to have a mirror polish and a 400 grit satin finish on the flats. That finish I pretty much was able to accomplish. I taped off the blade and peened the bolsters. I’ve had some problems with the pins showing after peening but received some advice from some fellow makers, so I was hopeful. I also planned to stipple the bolsters if the pins did show.

I attached the cocobolo handles and began working on blending with the bolsters. The first issue occurs - I get that a dip in the wood right at the juncture with the bolster. My initial thought was that I could take the bolsters down a bit more and even them up. I did that and it looked stupid. I took the handles off (they weren’t glued up yet) and considered a different wood. But, with the bolsters jacked up from trying to take them down I’d decided to grind them off. I got the bolsters off without too much of an issue, at least that I saw at the time.

So I decide just to go with some black G-10. In doing so I wanted to work more on the contours of the handle. Second issue - I got the handles cut out started doing the contours and didn’t like where it was going, so back to the drawing board.

I went with black G-10 again on the third try at getting this knife finished. This time it worked better. I’m still not entirely happy with the handle shape, but it works. But in finishing the handle, I noticed a small nick on the side of the spine. Third issue - I had put a small nick on the handle flat that touched the spine when I ground off the bolsters.

Took the tape off the blade and it mostly looks the same. I use an etch to put my mark on my blades but have a hell of a time getting it right. Often when I etch I have the problem of leaving an outline of my stencil where I mask it off on the blade. There is a little mark this time as well. So I am going with a cold stamp in the near future.

Long story I know. Thanks if you made it this far. Appreciate any comments, suggestions, etc
 
I think it turned out great! You definitely fought like hell for this knife, and you deserve much respect for doing whatever it takes to make it right.
 
John Wilson said:
I think it turned out great! You definitely fought like hell for this knife, and you deserve much respect for doing whatever it takes to make it right.
Click to expand...
Thank you. It was a tough at times to keep going, and more than once I wanted to throw it in the junk pile.
 
This sounds like every knife I’ve ever made. But hey it turned out very nice. Very different looking ... I like it
 
Smallshop said:
the patterning on the g10 is very nice...as is the entire knife. Way to stick with it!
Click to expand...
Thanks Ted! While it seemed like a disaster at every turn, I've gotten to the point where I can in most cases adapt and overcome. Previously, a mistake equated to the knife being tossed in the junk pile, perhaps after being thrown against a wall :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top