I started off building me a Bowie that is all business. But as often is the case, I start getting ideas and cant leave well enough alone. :rolleyes:
Here's the blade. It is 10-1/8 long and is fairly wide and plenty hefty although not excessive. About 5/16 thick at the ricasso. The clip is sharp with a smooth curve. I hand sanded all surfaces except the main blade sides, on which I put a Scotch Brite finish.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16765278075_c118804636_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rxur5x)
This is the part you might find usable so I separated this post from the blade.
Although this guard is 416 stainless and I did forge it, I want to show you the sequence of the grinding and heating that makes it easier. At least for me. It will end up in an "S" shape.
Here is the forged guard. Notice it is forged flat on the front face (facing down). I used a chisel to get the slot started (handle side) just to spread the material and keep me from having so much to remove with the mill.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8615/16764213902_3ed4325b0a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rxoYJJ)
The intimidating part of making an "S" guard, to me, is the finishing. The back of the guard is going to take some hand work starting off with a grinder (to get rid of the forge scale) or by file to refine the slopes and the curves, ending up by some work on slack belt and/or hand sanding in a shoe shine fashion.
This is where what I do might be interesting to you. I do most of my grinding and sanding while the piece is still flat.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8567/16142975514_d9c5a87a55_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qAuYd3)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16142977134_8c42b71ded_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qAuYFY)
I even go to a little better finish than the above pictures show. Notice that I used a flat platen to grind the guard face. You can also use a surface grinder if you like. Now is when I curve the guard lugs. I have the guard clamped in a vise with the jaws covering the area where the ricasso shoulders will sit. That area will remain flat of course. I use a torch and don't get it above a nice red color so as to create any more scale than I have to. I heat evenly and taper the heat too in order to get the nice curve. I don't want it to be jerky looking. Use a light hammer, or a soft face of some sort.
416 will leave a hamon line right at the top of the vise jaw which I do not want on a guard so I will stick it in the forge and bring the whole thing back up to a nice medium red and let it slow cool. This gets rid of the line and keeps it from air hardening so easily.
This picture shows it to be brighter than it actually is.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7616/16142978444_cddf38c89e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qAuZ5y)
Summation: By grinding while it is flat I can access it with the platen and get rid of the heavier forge scale. after that, controlling the heat allows me to put in the curves and minimize the scaling so I am closer to my finish when I start hand sanding the face. That is the only reliable way that I have found to get the face of an "S" guard right, hand sanding. A combination of cross hatching the flat area while using long linear strokes through the entire "S" will get it right. This process will give you an understanding of this type of guard if only you dont get frustrated and give up.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16739404326_9718c5cb48_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rvcPHq)
Looking good Lin!!
So thats how its done? Cool!
I really like the shape of that blade.
Thanks. I'm whittling away at it. I have the handle under way but won't finish for another day or two. This is turning out pretty nice. I'm anxious to get it done.
I love reading these posts. You have a great way of explaining things, Lin. I know I'm not alone when I say how much your time and help is appreciated.
Jeremy
Cant wait to see this hefty one finished!
I got some of it put together. Still working on the butt cap.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16596980498_a4fc16bac5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rhBS5b)
Very Nice Bowie Lin, I think they need to upgrade you to a Grand Master Smith. Everything you do is over the top.
Ditto on the GMS!
Thanks but that's a lot to have to live up to. :)
This is the butt cap getting to shape. It's still a bit big around any given point and needs to be sanded and refined. As you have seen, the piece of stainless was rectangular to start with and hammered in a swage block to dome it. Then I profiled it close and ground a flat base on it so it would fit the stag and I could mark it to the shape.
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16785829975_b62ff30281_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rziLrD)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7618/16165890863_6af3e16c71_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qCwq9g)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16791935801_8630cd3289_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rzR4uv)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8672/16767205066_2f2a730342_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rxEiUw)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7625/16605701880_95ffa4a36d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rioyCQ)
Lin I can't stop grinning!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice work Lin.
Darcy :campfire:
Man that is beautiful. I really like the handle. The detail of every piece is amazing.
You can do some amazing work that's for sure! I think I've looked at this knife 7 or 8 times and like it more and more each time.
This is just about the perfect Bowie.
Just when I thought I've seen the best you had, you come up with another totally unique knife. Outstanding handle, great looking blade.
Thank you gentlemen! I really appreciate your comments. :campfire:
Cliff, It's good to have something to grin at, aint it? Let's have lunch when you can.
Yessir next time in town im gonna holler at you
Thanks guys.
Here's Chuck's photo.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/16250290214_1c02f5262e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qKYZ8u)
Great pics of a great looking knife.
That knife is gorgeous!
I really enjoy seeing your work.
Steve
---------
Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Museum & Foundation
Thanks guys. :campfire:
Truly amazing work Sir!!!
Jay
Beautiful......BEAutiful......BEAUTIFUL..knife and pictures are exceptional.
Wow ! I can't imagine a more exquisite bowie. Your work is outstanding Lin.
Rick
:notworthy: That is beautiful!!!!!
WOW!!!!!! :clapper:
Absolute artistry! You are a SUPERB craftsman Sir!
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it. :campfire:
Perfect example of 'movement'.
Your eye starts at one end and is pulled along all the way to the other.
Don't get no better.
My o' my! Lin,that knife is stunning!!
I don't think Lin touched on this- but that portion near the front that appears to be stacked leather is actually wood- little rectangles of wood, turned in alternating directions to appear to be leather- I believe it's cherry wood- and it's stabilized.
A perfect example of why Lin is a Master Smith- AND an artist....combining materials and techniques that separate him from the crowd- always trying new things- always putting a personal twist on something others have done- to make it a "Rhea".
Fabulous knife...glad I got to hold it on two occasions recently.
Thanks guys.
:campfire: