Thom Board Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Ahoy folks, Only at the rough fitting and head scratching stage at the moment, but here's number three from me. Again, forged from an old cold chisel with the bevels badly forged in. But forged in nonetheless. It will be fitted with a brass bolster and tang block on Ash but I need suggestions; The tang block should be reduced in size I'm thinking, but do you guys reckon the bolster should be thicker? I have a small thicker brass plate shown in the picture that I could use instead of the current one. I'm excited about this blade as "touch wood" it's my best heat treatment to date, ( I use the term Best loosely ) and as such I'm damned well going to try and give it a decent finish. Any and all suggestions welcomed, if that includes "Scrap it and start again" So be it! Best regards Thom "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoy's Forge Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Brass is beautiful , the more the merrier . Use the thicker piece for the bolster! Looks great other wise. Thats my opinion for what its worth. www.hoyfamily.net Isa 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.Lu 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Mr 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBrackett Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Use both pieces. Thicker one, darker wood spacer, thinner one, and then the handle. This one is very nice. I like it! ”Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor!” George Brackett American Bladesmith's Society, Apprentice Member Hialeah, Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 Use both pieces. Thicker one, darker wood spacer, thinner one, and then the handle. This one is very nice. I like it! Nice one George, I like that idea! Much obliged, and thanks too Ron. Hmm, I have some Yew that might work.....or Walnut.... Time for another head scratch. Best regards Thom "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 I like the shape of the wood so far. The swell towards the pommel is visually nice and would be rather comfortable in the hand. Of course, it needs a bit of cleaning up, but I could definitely see it curving in to mate with the brass pommel. It would make for a rather nice bulb end for something of a persian look. The blade has some great lines and I like how they flow smoothly into the handle. The only concern I have would be to better balance the piece with equal amounts of brass fore and aft of the wood. It just looks right to me. When reason fails... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Colwell Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I too like the shape of the blade. I also agree about making the handle rounded at the pommel end. Great for a third knife. My first 15 or so were UGLY. you are off to a killer start. please visit my website http://www.professorsforge.com/ “Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.” E. V. Debs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Yates Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I see no photo of the blade or work / Sam Robert D. Yates , 13 & On Forge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 Thanks Vaughn and Kevin, it's still on the bench (work does tends to get in the way of fun doesn't it?) hopefully I can get back to it soon. Sam.....I don't know what to suggest, ........if it were me, this'd be the point when I poke the hamster powering the PC to get back on his wheel.....technology is not really my friend. Regards Thom "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Yates Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Ok Now I can see them . Yes I would go with a bit more brass or even a Buffalo furl at the bolster, I like the thought of Yew it is very nice when done right (remember to wear your respirator) Yew is very toxic to breath and burns/stings some folks when it hits their skin. a sub/small washer at the pommel will aid when penning the tang over and with the fit & finish . Looking good so far keep up the good work . Sam Robert D. Yates , 13 & On Forge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted November 2, 2013 Author Share Posted November 2, 2013 Thanks Sam. I work with Yew quite a bit and either as a result, or just good old tough callused hands, it doesn't give me any skin irritation. I've got the blade ground and near to it's final edge, but it now has a completely different feel to it, (To my eyes at least, I'll get a photo up when I find my camera) and I'm rethinking the whole handle situation..... Currently thinking Yew with some Copper and Fallow Antler that I have. Gotta find my camera..... Regards Thom "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted November 2, 2013 Author Share Posted November 2, 2013 Apologies for the quality..... "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Page Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Great start! I really like the shape. George's suggestion using both pieces of brass sounds great. How are you thinking of finishing the pommel end? Not that structure has anything against using a hex nut to screw it all together, but... Peening is just as sturdy and, like Sam said, will go miles for your final fit and finish. Just try to have as small a space as possible between the tang and peening block/washer/whathaveyou. That makes the fit much tighter and easier. Keep up the good work! John Not all those who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien-Shards of the Dark Age- my blog-Nine Worlds Workshop--Last Apocalypse Forge- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBrackett Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Make a washer and recess it slightly, then peen against it. I make my washer out of the same material that I use for my guard or spacers. ”Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor!” George Brackett American Bladesmith's Society, Apprentice Member Hialeah, Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted November 3, 2013 Author Share Posted November 3, 2013 Don't worry, the Hex nut is only temporary..... "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R. Yates Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 I love the Puukko blade style . Here is a few Ideas about the style handles and shapes I was talking about -- http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showgallery.php?fid/125/ there is some very excellent work there and the inspiration for a new batch of Knives I am set to make very soon . Sam Robert D. Yates , 13 & On Forge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom Board Posted November 18, 2013 Author Share Posted November 18, 2013 Hi all, There's not been much progress with this I'm afraid. Work and family distractions have meant its still on the bench. However I decided I'd invest in some hardness testing files and when they arrived I gave it a quick go and this blade seems to be coming in around the 55 to 60 side of things..... is that about right or should I be aiming for a little higher? You buy something thinking it'll take some of the guesswork out for you.....and in the end it just makes you ask more questions......Ahhhh life! Regards Thom "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest." Dylan Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I'm a fan of the softer blades, personally, as I'd prefer something that might need frequent sharpening but doesn't snap or chip. When reason fails... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBrackett Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I like my edge around 60 and the spine about 55. ”Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor!” George Brackett American Bladesmith's Society, Apprentice Member Hialeah, Florida Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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