Jeff, can you post pics of your broken file guide? I think I might have a quick fix that will get you back in the game.
Also, on that first blade, there's plenty of room to save that plunge cut. I thought I posted this already, but I guess I was dreaming it instead of doing it.
Anyhow, I noted that you're plunge is well forward of that notch thing everyone uses to separate the edge from the choil/ricasso. A lot of knives have the plunge cut bisecting this notch thingie. You could easily move your plunge back an eighth and do it again.
Another option is to make a semi-circular cut out in advance of the guard area. This would give you a place to "choke up" on the blade for finer work AND get you into some thicker metal. It looks good and saves the blade!
The second knife looks like a very nice design. I'll enjoy seeing it come to life.
Also, on that first blade, there's plenty of room to save that plunge cut. I thought I posted this already, but I guess I was dreaming it instead of doing it.
Anyhow, I noted that you're plunge is well forward of that notch thing everyone uses to separate the edge from the choil/ricasso. A lot of knives have the plunge cut bisecting this notch thingie. You could easily move your plunge back an eighth and do it again.
Another option is to make a semi-circular cut out in advance of the guard area. This would give you a place to "choke up" on the blade for finer work AND get you into some thicker metal. It looks good and saves the blade!
The second knife looks like a very nice design. I'll enjoy seeing it come to life.