I've seen some posts from folks who built some Helle Knives from kits they got from Dryad Bows and I thought, "Me too!"

I ordered the Harding -- the kit they recommend for beginners.  Here's what happened.




   

I did a couple things different.  I like a big handle that swells to fill my palm and has a couple flat surfaces for my thumb and index finger.  The block they provided was barely long enough for what I wanted and I had this piece of oak lying about, so... oak it is -- big, open grain and all!

I sawed and re-sawed some oak, layed-out the tang and the handle, rough-cut the wood on a bandsaw, drilled some holes, gouged more space behind the bolster, got busy with the JB Weld, and spent an hour sanding the handle.

As I made the sheath, I had to relocate the hole where the tang retainer and belt loop are attached.  I used a Chicago screw instead of the fastener provided with the kit.  I also used a heavier twine than they supplied.

In the end I'm looking at a servicable knife with a nice blade and a handle I like with a pretty good sheath -- for $46 delivered, a couple components I had lying about, and an afternoon's work.

A very good deal, I'd say...

Nice work.  Those kits are well worth every penny.

Looks good, and the best part, it's yours!  In more ways than one!  It'll be with you for a long time, skinning many a Tennessee buck!
Mike

Nice job on your first!  Watch out, though.  This knifemaking can be real addicting!

-Brett