San Mai wrought over AEB-L

[Gary LT]

Hello All,

In between work trips, I got some fun time in. This one is due to finish and I thought I’d ask for opinions.

I like the overall silhouette.

The blade is AEL-L core, 15/20 thin stock, then some nice wrought iron I’ve had for a while. N/S 2 piece guard soldered together, Axis stag dyed to match the lower handles and the molded handle I worked on. The crown stag button is a “cigar band spacer”. I’ll pin the sections later.
Just can’t decide how I want to finish the crown antler, I do want it slightly proud or rounded but decorated and I can’t make up my mind.

(Actually I like it as is, but it interferes with the grip)

Any suggestions, comments? 
Gary LT

[Kreg Whitehead]

Speechless other than thar a first for me combo and gorgeous.

[Doug Lester]

Sort of like a retaining ring on the handle of a khurkuri.  Try it as you have it and see if it gives you any comfort problems.  You can always round it off later if it doesn't work.

 

Doug

[Alan Longmire]

Nice!  How was it welding the AEB-L?  

As for the crown, i see what you mean. I think rounded, but still with a little texture, amd see if that works.

[Dick Sexstone]

I think it maters what you intend it to be….. A knife to be used , or a knife not meant to be used….could you glue it together with some hot glue and see how it feel while using it…. And then it would be easy to take apart if you decide to… 

 

I also think it looks a like it would be hard on the hand to grip it hard for any length of time ….. but because it looks that way doesn’t mean it would be …. Being able to trying it would tell the tale…..

[Gary LT]

Thank you everyone.

Alan, the AEB-L did great, I did mig weld all around. It was a scrap and  I quenched between 2 flats of steel, even with the wrought wrap.The AEB-L is hard as a file. But I thought it would finish out lighter after etch, that’s why chose it…..

 

Kreg, Doug, Dick, thank you. I prefit all component first and I will do it again to reduce the crown button. I’ll trace off, and take it down to the scribed lines and finish it domed, polished, then assemble pinned for stability. It’ll feel good in hand.

As far as any design onto the band still open !

Gary LT

 

 

Edited May 24 by Gary LT

[Alan Longmire]

4 hours ago, Gary LT said:

I thought it would finish out lighter after etch

 

One secret of pattern-weld:  Take a very small stiff felt rod about the size of a pencil, and polish the AEB-L back with either fine abrasive of your choice or with Mothers' Mag Polish/simichrome/goo of your choice, being careful not to get into the grain of the wrought.  

 

AEB-L doesn't etch brighter because it's nickel, not chrome, that etches bright.  Even in stainless alloys.  Gotta have at least 2% nickel for that bright etch.  

[Gary LT]

Great advice Alan. I didn’t want to etch it anymore and did a coffee soak which helped a little to get more contrast.
I have 1000 grit and 2500 grit on hand, so I’ll lighten it as you suggest.

 

Gary LT

[Gary LT]

Well, done for now……time  to move on. There are lines from the crown stag which are to be expect. I colored the epoxy to match the crown in order to fill gaps. Even though the edges are flush on the band, I have some residual discoloration from the crown which HP would not bleach out so it is what it is! 

Alan your advice worked as I got the lightness on the edge and very much appreciated!

Gary LT