I recently got home from a visit to the NESM where I taught "handles and guards" class. I was very impressed with the students that took the class and wanted to show some of the progress of one of the students (Will)as he went along in putting his handle on the knife. He was making a hunter and these photos are strictly incidental, with no thought of a work in progress. But I think you can tell a little about his enthusiasm for his project.
He came prepared with a drawing pad and a nicely finished blade. He filed the shoulders for the guard fit up first. He laid his blade on the paper and traced it and then drew his imaginary handle. Looks nice.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5984527058_d148463948_z.jpg)
Will worked most a of a day fitting his guard to the blade and really did a great job. He then drilled and broached out the handle block and here he has it glued up. (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5984527090_e79d1da7b1_z.jpg)
I caught him doing some delicate filing on the guard trying not to hit wood. We spent a lot of time discussing this stage of the game. Again, he listened well. At this point he's really gettin excited, because of the way it's looking so far. So I am cautioning him often not to go too far and mess up his hard work.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5971327147_45fde7fd23_z.jpg)
Here is a short video of him piening his pins, which he took to naturally.
video (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36496110@N00/5970166976/in/photostream)
Here is a grouping of the knives finished or worked on during the class. Will's is third from the left. My own project knife is kind of in the middle.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5971868898_fac0c81292_z.jpg)
This was most enjoyable to go to Maine and see the country and meet the people. Thanks for letting me share.
Thats Nice work, but they had a very good teacher, Lin I think your ready to go full time in teaching, so many good things happen when your leading.
Dana
Sounds like I missed a good class! I certainly hope I get the chance to meet and learn from you Lin.
I nice line up of great work there, I like the Woodhead Bowie and the Dogbone handle!
I'm making plans to attend the 2012 Blade show and get to meet many of the bladesmiths I admire!
Steve
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Potomac Forge
That is one impressive line-up of knives right there. Even looks like a little testing going on with the broken blades?
That's a chisel point Karl.
I thought it was broke too when I first saw it. It actually is a nice little knife when you see it up close.
Karl, the dogbone handle has a fake tang from mild steel. He used that just for the fit up.
Good stuff!
Nathan
I would have loved to be there. Or at least a fly on the wall. The hammer-in would have been great too. The folks that stopped by and attended must have been interesting to say the least.
Chris
I was pleasantly surprised when Don Fogg stopped in for a visit. It was great to see him again.