MikeL and KITH WIP

[MikeL]

Thanks for the compliments!

Left to do:
Makers mark, etch spine and edge under handle, didn’t quite get all super glue off surface so more sanding, sharpen. Then make the second one so you all can vote which one to put in KITH.

Enough for today.

 

[Justin Presson]

Mike that profile on this guy is great. Looks so dang handy.

 

[Von Gruff]

The wood on the handle is georgous

 

[Kevin Zito]

Dude that is stunning!

 

[bladegrinder]

That is one nice looking knife there Mike and the handle is beautiful.

 

[MikeL]

I appreciate the compliments.

A couple shots from Bro of the second prototype for this knife.

 

[Chris Railey]

You guys make a great team.

 

[MikeL]

I have no intentions of turning this WIP into an advertisement but a few have said they don’t like making sheaths. Over time as others saw my knives with his sheaths, he has now done work for other makers. He is not just a maker exclusively for me. I can give his info if anyone is interested. Just for fun, I attached a you tube video you might be interested in seeing. He doesn’t just do sheaths.

Enjoy your long weekend (if you’re getting one).

 

[MikeL]

Time for makers mark and etching the Damascus on the edges. The process of shaping and sanding the handle takes the detail out of the Damascus on the spine and underneath the handle. I’m not sure how others do this but I’ve settled on masking off the handle with electrical tape after putting on the makers mark. I’ve used blue painters tape and electrical. Painters tape leaves less residue on the handle but didn’t seem to sanitize the wood from the ferric chloride as well.

The Damascus detail is now uniform throughout the knife.

 

[Dennis Morland]

Most excellent. Those little details make a big difference.

 

[Gliden07]

Love that wood!! I have to try Super Glue finish! I've been using Tru-Oil works great just trying to expand the arsenal!

 

[MikeL]

Love that wood!! I have to try Super Glue finish! I've been using Tru-Oil works great just trying to expand the arsenal!

Thank you.
Just Incase I didn’t explain very well, I only used CA to fill the voids. Although CA coated the handle, I sanded it off so only the voids were filled. The wood is stabilized so a complete CA finish wasn’t needed. Most voids were filled pretty good by the stabilization process. I have turned a ton of pens and put a complete CA finish on and it looks pretty good. Just be aware, a polished CA finish can look a little plasticy and might be slick for a knife handle. Just a matter of individual taste.

Just wanted to clarify.

 

[MikeL]

Just a quick WIP update. Second blade is underway. Grind complete, etch is complete, handle is next.
That’s it for now.

 

[BrandantR]

I like that low-layer Damascus. The pattern is really bold.

 

[MikeL]

I like that low-layer Damascus. The pattern is really bold.

Thank you. The Damascus is Alabama Damascus. I’m not at a point to make my own damascus, but when I do it will be by hand and I expect it will be really, really, low count.

 

[bladegrinder]

Nice Mike, that looks like a deep grind, how thick is the steel?

 

[MikeL]

Nice Mike, that looks like a deep grind, how thick is the steel?

Thanks. It’s 1/8” thick. I use a 12” wheel so it isn’t too deep. May be the shadow playing tricks.

 

[MikeL]

I did post this photo on IG. There really isn’t any progress on the second blade from yesterday but I enjoy the challenge of product photography so once in a while I go for the more dramatic photo. It’s just another photo without showing any progress. Just having fun in my retirement.

 

[bladegrinder]

I just recently went from an 8" to a twelve...I'm loving it !

 

[bladegrinder]

Nice photography !