critique

[curtisk]

Gentlemen, this will be the first time I have posted any photos of my work for critique. I have only been at this new found love for around 8 months and most of the techniques I have learned have come from the invaluable knowledge found in this forum. I thank each of you for answering my inquiries and giving of yourself.

An abundance of wisdom has also been attained via the “hard way”. And for those of you just starting out I have included a few of those newly obtained pearls of wisdom.

The belt grinder removes flesh at a much faster rate than it does metal.

The drill press will beat the living poo out of you if you don’t clamp things down.

A piece of metal fresh out of the forge is in fact very hot.

The cotton wheel on a buffer likes to grab things and take them from you, and most unfortunately it does so at 3450 rpms (I learned that after 15 stitches and a cauterized artery).

And finally, when starting a new belt on the grinder it is a good idea to stand to one side. A belt flying off at 4000sfpm is kind of cool to watch as long as you ain’t in its way.

I look forward to hearing your input on the knives.

 

[DLBrothers]

If you continue in this hobby, isuggest you increease you life insurance coverage...

 

[curtisk]

DL, my wife has already thought of that!

 

[DiverTexas]

Hard to critique those. Beautiful work.

 

[Billy Helton]

They look great love the deep finger guard.

 

[amcardon]

I am probably not one to comment due to severe lack of experience but there is only one thing that throws me off and that is the grind breaking the spine. I love the look of a nice full grind but when it breaks the spine I personally think it looks weird.

That being said (and I really hope it didn't come across wrong!) I really like the styles you've gone with. Finish looks spot on (is the 2nd one parkerized?) and they look like great knives that I would be very proud of. Keep it up, I'd love to see more of your work!

 

[Fletch Helical]

I would have to say there seems to be something wrong with that first one. Why don't you send it to me so I can inspect it better .

Very nice work.

 

[Frstr8]

.

The belt grinder removes flesh at a much faster rate than it does metal.

The drill press will beat the living poo out of you if you don’t clamp things down.

A piece of metal fresh out of the forge is in fact very hot.

The cotton wheel on a buffer likes to grab things and take them from you, and most unfortunately it does so at 3450 rpms (I learned that after 15 stitches and a cauterized artery).

And finally, when starting a new belt on the grinder it is a good idea to stand to one side. A belt flying off at 4000sfpm is kind of cool to watch as long as you ain’t in its way.

Anyone in boy scouts when they were young? Remember the saying they had?
It started out something like this.

On my honor I will do my best, To do my duty.......

Knife makers should make one up and incorporate the above pearls of wisdom.

 

[curtisk]

thanks again gents. I really appreciate the comments and suggestions. To answer AmCardon, it is a nitre blue finish.

 

[Chris Martin]

I remember having to remember that and repeat it on command....LOL

Anyone in boy scouts when they were young? Remember the saying they had?
It started out something like this.

On my honor I will do my best, To do my duty.......

Knife makers should make one up and incorporate the above pearls of wisdom.

 

[CShepherd]

Your knives look very good. Solid designs and execution. The area behind the guard on the second knife, where your finger would go looks a bit small but it's hard to tell for sure without seeing it in hand. Could be that your handle is large enough overall to make it look smaller.

Not a big fan of the hole in the last knife but it's a personal preference. I think I would like it if it were a bit higher up in the blade. In practical use it could be good if you were to choke up on the blade. Give you somewhere for the thumb and forefinger to pinch.


The third knife looks like a wonderful skinner.

Charlie

 

[Keith Willis]

I like them all.Good job2thumbs

God bless,Keith

 

[LR Adkins]

Your knives look much better it seems than your luck with the machinery. They have a great finish.

Larry

 

[Fross]

They look great, my only input would be the hole in the blade, not my thing but that doesnt make it wrong at all, if anything I would just enlarge it and bring it closer to the handle to serve a greater purpose as a finger hole... kinda looks out of place where it is at. Again, its just my opinion and your work looks awesome.