You know how when you start with something
in your head, but the finished product looks NOTHING at all like what you
planned.
Anyway, this is exactly what happened to me.
To make the blank I utilized (as I always
do) the stock removal method. I used
some 5mm Engineering steel bar (U1004 Carbon steel bright bar) and as you can
see the total length was 225mm. The
blade is approx 105mm.
I went for a flat grind with a satin
finish. This is my first satin finish
and I achieved it by using a 400 grit belt.
I was quite pleased with the grind.
For the full tang handle I used European Walnut,
copper pins, copper lined lanyard hole.
As I mentioned in the title, this was my
first attempt, and I very quickly learned, that if you are not experienced,
then it is a lot safer to use hand files to do this. My first try was done with the belt edge, and
I completely stuffed it up. To try and
salvage the blade, I ground away the jimping, but this adversely affected the balance
of the blade and the handle.
I had to make the blade significantly
narrower and then to try and address the balance, I changed the design to a modified
Bowie shape instead of the normal drop point.
Let’s face it, she is not going to win any beauty contests, but it is definitely a very functional knife.
Enjoy the knife Oom Kallie van die
Bosveld...
.
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