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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Bigriver on May 09, 2009, 11:52:00 AM

Title: Knife number 2
Post by: Bigriver on May 09, 2009, 11:52:00 AM

A few pics of my 2nd knife from a file. Not the best pics but ok. I did this one by myself with tools I had in my shop. It makes it a lot harder  :)  I tried to put pins in, but broke a few supposed carbide bits trying to drill holes. I hope the handle stays on. It is made from cross grain ipe burnt & polished. I have no fingerprints left on my hand from sanding, but it was fun. Dave Ricke (Knifemaker) helped me with the sheath design. I like it. It will be a backpack skinner for my elk hunt this fall.

 (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1000805.jpg)

 (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1000816.jpg)

 (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1000819.jpg)

 (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1000822.jpg)

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: woodsman1031 on May 09, 2009, 12:20:00 PM

nice one!

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Chris Surtees on May 09, 2009, 12:44:00 PM

That is gorgeous!!!!!

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Chris Surtees on May 09, 2009, 12:45:00 PM

Great looking knife! I really like the shape of the blade. Simple but elegant design...AWESOME!!!!!

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Bigriver on May 09, 2009, 01:09:00 PM

Thanks for the kind words. Those pics look funny, the blade in the one looks bent, but it is not. The macro lense makes thing look wierd, I look like a ghost.

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: chiger on May 09, 2009, 01:15:00 PM

Nice job Brian,

You definitely paid attention to Dave's instructions!

Files are what the fist knives a guy makes should be made from!  ;~)

It does present a couple problems though.  Files are a water hardened steels that are as hard as they can be.  Usually 62-64 Rockwell C scale and brittle as glass.  Kind of makes drilling a real pain, as you've discovered.  

You may already know this, but I'll say it for the guys who haven't run into it before.  For the next one you can get around the problem by using a simple propane torch.  Just heat the tang, starting at the hilt end and chase the heat up the tang until it reaches the spine of the blade.  Quickly stick just the edge portion of the blade in water or heat it with just the edge suspended in water.  Let the tang cool to room temp with the edge in water.

The steel will turn several colors as it heats.  If you heat it till it goes thru the blues to brown or wheat colors it should soften the steel to about 40-45 Rc.  Not soft, but a lot easier to drill.  Even with the so called carbide bits.  Plus it makes the steel tougher.  It takes the brittle out of it.  

Just be careful not to get the cutting edge past the blue or purple color it was when you tempered it.  Don't want that edge to get too soft and that is the color of about 56-58 Rc.  

Again, great work.  That's gonna be a perfect little pack knife!  And the scabbard looks great too.  Very tasteful, classic package.

Good work!

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: mwmwmb on May 09, 2009, 01:36:00 PM

i like it I have been planning my next one for that shape.

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Steve O on May 09, 2009, 03:16:00 PM

Bigriver,

That is a great looking knife!  Where did you find directions on how to do it?  Any tips for a pre-beginner?

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on May 09, 2009, 04:06:00 PM

VERY VERY nice Brain! You've got the bug now!
 I really like that size and design of knife alot. I haven't used anything larger than that size since I started hunting many years ago.
It's an excellent all purpose size and shape IMO.

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: drewsbow on May 09, 2009, 05:00:00 PM

Very nice , I like it  :thumbsup:    :clapper:

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Bigriver on May 09, 2009, 05:46:00 PM

Steve, I have been lurking here getting info since this forum opened up. There are real experts here & some incrediable craftsman. I got some free knife blanks & just started grinding. I went to my friend & master knifemake Dave Ricke`s shop when I got stuck & he helped me along on my first one. I have a lot to learn, but I figure the stuff is free & I have time lately.

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: monterey on May 09, 2009, 08:48:00 PM

Nice knife!  Hope your scales stay put.

Notice that the dog is wondering if you still love him (her?).

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Kevin Evans on May 09, 2009, 09:27:00 PM

Brian very nice knife  :thumbsup:  
the problem is now you've got the bug hope it doesn't cost you as much as it did me(eqip wise) LOL
Wait till you try distil taper on handle and try to take pic looks like a worm (LOL)
If there is any thing I can help with give me a buss!! Kevin

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Steve O on May 09, 2009, 09:42:00 PM

Well, I'm going to start looking for instructions, but if you want to make another one EXACTLY like that one (I can do the handle even...), I'll buy it off you!

That baby is SHARP--pun intended   :D

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Steve Nuckels on May 09, 2009, 10:14:00 PM

Really nice!  And I like the sheath Too!

----------------
IN GOD WE TRUST

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: GRINCH on May 09, 2009, 11:27:00 PM

Great package,I really like the lines on the knife.

Title: Re: Knife number 2
Post by: Whip on May 10, 2009, 09:14:00 PM

Great looking knife Brian!  Dave is a obviously as good at teaching as he is at making knives!
I lurk here too thinking, someday.......
Your success gives me hope.