A letter opener for that uncle who has everything....

[funkyjedi]

So, I have a Great Uncle who is turning 89 this week. He literally has everything. But, I thought, why not make him something semi-sharp?

So, here is my first letter opener, other than ruined blades that I just ground down... It was a letter opener from beginning to finish.

Its 1095, and I decided to heat treat it, as that thin part in the choil (I think thats a choil) was still a little bendy while annealed. So, it got heat treated as all my 1095, except, I tempered once at 450 for an hour, hopefully it'll soften it up some.

The handle is stabilized buckeye burl. I did some filework as well. It was a fun little project. I started and finished all in one evening.
Its not super symmetrical, but I did it all by hand--and feel like it came out alright.


Here's to an Awesome '17!

chris

 

[BrandantR]

Looks great, Chris. I love that buckeye. I'm sure your uncle will appreciate it.

 

[John Wilson]

very cool idea! the design is really nice

 

[MikeL]

Good idea and nicely done. Gives me some ideas with some leftover larger scraps pieces I have.