this is the result of many hours in the shop and lots of research on this site (lurking). All knives use bought blanks that I've modified. Sheaths are 8-9 oz veg tanned leather, dyed, and hand stitched.
I built these knives for the group of guys I hunt with, my son, brother and just good friends. Each got a pair of matching knives.
1st set of 6 are called Deer Hunter's. 7 1'4" oal, 3 3/4" blade, handle material is dymondwood except mine which is stabilized western red cedar, nickel silver pins or brass corby rivets to match handle color.
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4193.jpg)
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4184.jpg)
Next set of 6 are skinners. 7" oal, 3 1/8" blade, same handle and hardware material.
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4233.jpg)
My sons Deer Hunter & sheath
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4200.jpg)
My brothers set.
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4244.jpg)
My skinner
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/arrowest1/DSC_4214.jpg)
Thanks for looking and many thanks for all the how to's and tips.
Those are pretty nice. The sheaths look especially well done.
Awesome stuff'
Where did you get your sharp finger blanks? Those look nice and I would like to make one since the sharp finger was one of the first knives I owned as a kid, but they are made in china now.
George, I got the blanks from Pat at North Coast Knives. The blank is the Deer Hunter Jr. NCK540, 440C stainless. It comes with an extreme upswept point which I knocked off with the grinder and did the finish by hand with sandpaper to 600 grit. Much easier to make a sheath for it without the upswept tip. I found them to be good quality and nice finish as well.