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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: srtben on June 25, 2012, 10:55:00 PM

Title: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: srtben on June 25, 2012, 10:55:00 PM
Just finished this one up today. It is my take on a traditional swayback folder, but in a fixed blade platform.
I tried a different handle combo with this one with the purpleheart and nat can liners and pins.
The blade is etched and blued for a nice dark gray finish. What do you guys think?

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1946.jpg)

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1948.jpg)

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1947.jpg)

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1949.jpg)

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1970.jpg)

(http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af354/srtben/IMG_1969.jpg)
This knife is currently available.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: Bobby Urban on June 26, 2012, 07:37:00 AM
Again Ben - really nice.  I am going to have to order some of that Nat Can Micarta - I like it on your knifes.  

Are you using a file guard to cut your plunge lines. I think I need to build one because I try but fail to freehand them at this point but yours look great.  

Is that a cold blue?  If so what kind and where to get it?  Are you dipping the blade or brushing it on?  I currently brush it on but I am not getting the even finish your blade is showing and I am not prepared to get set up like Mr. Anderson.  His method is sweet but a little more than I am ready to take on with the melted snow and toxicity.

Bob
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: kansas stik man on June 26, 2012, 04:36:00 PM
great job  id say most of your knives would make great edc.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: srtben on June 29, 2012, 11:49:00 PM
Hey Bobby, right now I just freehand my plunge lines.
I just picked up a carbide faced file guide that I will probably be using on most of them in the future though.

I use the super blue from birchwood casey, I let this knife soak in vinegar overnight first, brushed on the cold blue (I use a wool dobber and soak it on) , and then lightly buffed it with 0000 steel wool.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: GWV on June 30, 2012, 06:21:00 PM
Ben,

I like the whole package.  Very nice!  I second the edc comment made by the stick man.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: WRV on July 17, 2012, 12:32:00 PM
Good looking knife!
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: tomsm44 on August 20, 2012, 09:10:00 PM
What grit to you finish the blade to before the vinegar/cold blue?  I have access to a bead blaster.  Would that be too rough of a finish for the look that you achieved?

Do you blue the metal and then sand the scales to fit before attaching, or do you attach the scales, sand to the tang profile, and then blue the metal after the knife is finished?  I like the matte gray/black finish on this knife and may give this a try, just curious as to what you have found to be the best method.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: srtben on August 20, 2012, 10:02:00 PM
A bead blaster will probably work about the same, and should be fine. I don't know if it will come out as dark though.

I blue both sides of the blade, and lightly clean up with 0000 steel wool. I then glue everything up and profile like normal.

On this one I went ahead and blued the spine all the way around just for a different look. I did that very last and again hit it with 0000 steel wool.
Its easier done than said.

I like to use the Super blue, it seems to work better than the Perma blue.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: tomsm44 on August 21, 2012, 07:47:00 AM
Thanks Ben,
I have two that I'm working on right now for a friend of mine and his dad.  Matching blade profiles with different handles.  I may try this on one of them so that I can compare the different finishes.  Thanks for posting the pics.
Title: Re: Purpleheart swayback
Post by: Steve Nuckels on August 21, 2012, 08:56:00 PM
Great looking knife with an interesting profile.  I like the purplehart.

Steve
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Potomac Forge