I have been frettin over a knife that I had to build knowing that to be true to the original plan, I had to have a black line in the fittings. I usually use a black fiber spacer, pretty thin but enough to show a line for contrast.
This particular knife has damascus fittings and I hated the thought of making thin spacers from damascus. So, I decided to try to cut a thin groove around the fitting to give the look since it should black out in the etch. I'm pleased with the way it worked. 
  (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7275727718_bd1e39389c_c.jpg) 
  (http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7275727420_fb30ab1cae_c.jpg)
			
			
			
				Can't wait to see the finished knife!
			
			
			
				Very ingenious!!!! That's using the best tool a maker can use, your mind!!!!  Well done sir.
Chris
			
			
			
				Me too Bill. Cant wait to see it finished!  :D  
Thanks Chris
			
			
			
				Lin, I love seeing creative ideas like that as apposed to getting it machined/die cut.
			
			
			
				(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7276605262_9903b34166_c.jpg)
   
   (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7276626654_870466927b_c.jpg)
			
			
			
				That is just the coolest tool!   :cool:
			
			
			
				Lin, you are smarter then the average Bear. can't wait to see it.
thanks for the all the tips you share.
Dana
			
			
			
				Great !
I envision an inverted version of yours with my mini drill press    :)
			
			
			
				Great !
I envision an inverted version of yours with my mini drill press    :)
			
			
			
				Those are some pretty guards. 
I noticed dimples in by the tang hole. Is that to give a press fit or accept glue?
			
			
			
				Joe,
    It's to tighten the hole a little to stop any slop. The front of the hole is slightly tighter anyway. I bell out the back somewhat. In the event the guard needs to drift only one way, I can punch only one side.
			
			
			
				Here's the whole knife. Just got done. I'll get better pics this week. The blade is 8 inches.  
  (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7283393508_20b07b208f_c.jpg)
			
			
			
				Ooooooweeeee Lin that's purty!!!!!
			
			
			
				That dremel table is pretty slick Lin! Beautiful knife too
			
			
			
				I guess the saying of "necessity is the mother of invention" is definitely true. That knife looks awesome Lin. There is a reason you have the title master smith.
TBRA
			
			
			
				Been away from this thread for a few days. Sure came back at the right time! Beautiful.