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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Rusty Snuffers on June 24, 2011, 10:03:00 AM

Title: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Rusty Snuffers on June 24, 2011, 10:03:00 AM

I bought a Helle Harding blank a few weeks back and finally got around to messing with the handle last week.  I'm pleased with the way it came out, especially with my very limited tool collection.  (Bench belt/disc sander, Dremel, some 220 grit sandpaper, and a few small hand files.)  I still have to seal and clear coat it - Looking for recommendations there.  The wood is striped ebony.

   (http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/rpmahony/25395eb0.jpg)
  (http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/rpmahony/f00c47d3.jpg)

How'd I do?  What would you recommend I use to seal and "shine" the wood?

Rusty

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: DANA HOLMAN on June 24, 2011, 10:19:00 AM

Looks good, you did a fine job, I use Tru-Oil, about two to three coats and buff lightly. Be sure to sand between coats, some guys use danish oil., I think i going to try it my self
Dana

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: charlie phillips on June 24, 2011, 11:41:00 AM

GOOD JOB.


    TXCP

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Rusty Snuffers on June 24, 2011, 12:17:00 PM

Thanks guys.

Dana, is 220 ok to use to sand between coats?

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: madness522 on June 24, 2011, 12:22:00 PM

220 may be a little too much. I like to use 0000 steel wool between coats.  just enough to make it hazy then wipe clean with acetone and rub in another coat.

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Lin Rhea on June 24, 2011, 12:44:00 PM

That made a nice comfortable looking knife. Great job for your first. Beats the heck out of my first.

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: James Oertel on June 24, 2011, 02:43:00 PM

it looks like it would be comfortable to use .  good job .  on to the next project !

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Rusty Snuffers on June 24, 2011, 03:38:00 PM

Thanks again.  The next project will likely be a sheath... -searches for leatherworking threads-    :D  

The knife was fun.  I'm already looking for the next blank and some wood for the next one.    I certainly learned a lot making this one and am anxious to improve with the next.  I'd like to make a horizontal belt sheath for this one between now and hunting season.  Feels pretty good knowing I turned a blade into a working knife.  Hopefully it'll be the first of many.

As usual, the Gang's info is invaluable.  I particularly used Lin's hidden tang build-along for tips.  (Thanks, Lin!)  I'm thinking about trying a bit of file work on the top, if I find the courage to do so.   ;)

Rusty

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Doug Campbell on June 24, 2011, 11:20:00 PM

Yep, looks like it should serve you for a long time Rusty, nice job.   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Bodork on June 25, 2011, 12:03:00 AM

Nice job! You're hooked now!

Title: Re: My first handle attempt - And file work (New Pic Added)
Post by: Rusty Snuffers on June 27, 2011, 09:36:00 PM

Rough cut on the file work:

  (http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/rpmahony/cd63d8ad.jpg)

I'll sharpen it up tomorrow.

This is fun!

Rusty