This is My WIP

[ricky_arthur]

Probably better here where I can make updates.

Well, I was looking at the 2012 Bowie contest and just knew I would have to give one a try. I have done mostly smaller knives and this one, although not big by Bowie standards (probably not even medium) is by far the largest I have attempted. I decided to do it with a leaf spring so I wouldn't waste steel if I bit off more than I could handle (no pun intended). And also because it was free. So Here it is ready to be cut out. The tang is longer than necessary and will be cut back when I decide what to do for a handle. It is just over 1/4 inch thick and just over 12 inches long. With the Blade a little under 7 inches.

Cut out and cleaned up a little.

and rough grind nearly complete. I had to remove the rest from my sander and do it all freehand because of the step I put on the spine.

I will swedge the front half and file the rest of the spine tomorrow.

Any criticism or suggestions are welcome.

 

[ricky_arthur]

When I first designed this knife it was a full tang knife. Then I realized that I don't know how to make or put on a tang for a full tang knife like this. I thought about it for a while and decided I would put the full tang on hold while I did some research and just make it a hidden tang knife. Of which I have made a couple. That is a long way around to say that I am going to forge something from the same steel. (which will be new to me as well, but at least I "think"I can do it ) I have an idea in my head but I wouldn't be able to describe it very well.


Here is a Morning update. I started the swedge, It is very near done. And also Started filework. I was all wrapped up in it when I realized I was late for work. So here it is so far.

I plan on trying a Hammon line on this one (My first attempt at that too )

 

[ricky_arthur]

I need some input here. I Made this guard from the same spring. I left the pits in it and wanted some input on if anyone has an opinion on it. Go? Or NO Go?

ETA I fitted this guard to the knife and it was WAY to big. I modified it, but I also started a new guard. I'll Post pics of the two when I get home from work. The Blade has been heat treated and is in the oven tempering right now.

 

[dallas1]

yes i think the pits add ca rector to the guard leave them it looks good to me.

 

[Josh Dabney]

I'm liking the pitted up guard also !

-Josh

 

[ricky_arthur]

Better than the new one?

 

[ricky_arthur]

Here is the nightly progress. I am now just waiting for the handle material to get here. Heat treat and first polishing done. I will take the blade to 2000 grit later but 600 grit is where it sits for now.

Also The new guard is almost done too.

 

[Steven Long]

Looking good. Very nice file work.

 

[backtines]

Lovin it so far.

 

[ricky_arthur]

Making progress, Will probably have it done by tomorrow.

 

[ricky_arthur]

While I was waiting for the handle Material to arrive, I started another similar knife.

and one after cutting the swedge.

It is now in the oven tempering.

 

[ricky_arthur]

It is finished, except for sharpening and a sheath.

What do you think? Suggestions? Improvements?

 

[ricky_arthur]

Well, I finished it, polished it and sharpened it. Then made a Kydex sheath and Delivered it to it's new owner. (I need to learn how to work with leather)

I was worried about whether he would like it or think it was worth the money he paid. Which was a pretty good sum for a newbie knife maker to ask. The first thing he said when I handed it to him was...

"I owe you more Money!"

It made me feel good. Then about half hour later he called and asked if he could order another for his dad. I felt even better cause I knew he had meant what he said.

Here it is...It was a little hard to let go of.

 

[backtines]

Ricky, I think the knife came out really nice. Good job.

 

[Steven Long]

Great job on this one Ricky. I bet you feel pretty proud having the customer say that, then order another one. It's a good thing you started a second one, now you are that much closer to filling his order.

Keep us posted!