In case some of you hadn't heard the dates are set for this year's St Jude Auction here on Trad Gang. You can check it out and/or add items you want to donate by clicking here St Jude Auction (http://auction1.tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi)
OK on with the knife, some of you might remember a couple years ago when Lin, Karl, Robin and myself built a collaboration knife/sheath for the Auction. We decided back then to try and do the same thing every couple years. This year I get to forge out the blade then send it on to Karl for the next step. I decided to forge some of the meteorite I've been playing with into the Damascus billet. Sorry I didn't take more pics but here is the blade nearly forged and then rough ground with a light etch just to show the pattern. I've sent it on to Karl in the still frozen North so he can work his magic.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/IMG_0777_zps4cda0b42.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/gotahunt/IMG_0789_zps4f1c43c7.jpg)
Thanks in advance to all who help out with the Auction!!
Looks great so far. I unfortunately wasn't on here yet to see the first knife. I'd guess that with input from you three, this thing will have mucho mojo. I'll have to check the dates out. Do you have to be a sponsor to donate something you make yourself? Haven't been involved with this yet, so I don't know all the rules.
Matt Toms
Woo hoo!! I can't wait 'til....... wait I minute.
I already got it.
In fact, I milled in the guard shoulders yesterday and as I type this, my forge is coming up to heat for me to harden and then temper the blade.
I've also begun milling and surface grinding the guard material.
Haven't chosen the handle material - yet.
I'll get a few photos up this weekend.
Stay tuned, everybody!
Gonna be a sweet li'l hunter.
Thanks, Doug.
QuoteOriginally posted by tomsm44:
Looks great so far. I unfortunately wasn't on here yet to see the first knife. I'd guess that with input from you three, this thing will have mucho mojo. I'll have to check the dates out. Do you have to be a sponsor to donate something you make yourself? Haven't been involved with this yet, so I don't know all the rules.
Matt Toms
Fortunately, I was around for the first collaboration knife, and now it is here with me as a permanent resident in my home. It is one of the finest knives I have ever seen, and one of my most favorite. I own other knives (and sheath) made by each of the 4 collaborators, but that knife is incredibly special to me. Doug is off to a great start on this one! Just a warning -- I will be bidding. I have several St. Jude knives, including Doug's from last year. It is a great cause, and the knife makers are among the best contributors. Thanks guys!
Allan
DANG!
That damascus has already got some great personality.
:jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
This is gonna be SWEET!
FOR THE KIDS!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
I've been looking forward to this! Good job Doug!
Karl, I cant wait to see your pictures. :wavey:
This knife will be different this year because it being a smaller hunting knife. I look forward to seeing Robin's sheath with those beautiful scrolls. Whatever it is will be nice, I'm sure.
Thanks so much guys! I'm just waiting for the bid start date!!
What a collaboration of knife making talent :bigsmyl: !!
Oh great, now I have to spend some serious bucks if I want this one. Looking forward to the final pics. :knothead: :thumbsup:
Well, I've had some time to work on the knife, but it really came at "crunch time" this time.
Regardless, I'll get 'er done.
She's gonna make a sweet li'l hunter at the end.
During last year's St. Jude's knife, the same thing happened I was the middle man. Meaning I had to harden the blade, which meant I needed Doug's stamp so I could get his and my signatures on the knife before the blade gets hard.
Then the blade goes to Lin, which will be alright, as he will etch the name in and it doesn't matter about the blade being hard.
Anyway, get 'er stamped:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1b_zps7300564f.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1b_zps7300564f.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1c_zps18614ab5.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1c_zps18614ab5.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1d_zps4c69713e.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1d_zps4c69713e.jpg.html)
Then I clean up the stamp areas:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1e_zps962ab4df.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1e_zps962ab4df.jpg.html)
Locate guard shoulders:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1f_zps0a497f33.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1f_zps0a497f33.jpg.html)
Mill in shoulders and harden and temper:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1g_zpse3d7be42.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1g_zpse3d7be42.jpg.html)
Now a round bar of 416 stainless to forge into some guard material:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1h_zps16f87e0a.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1h_zps16f87e0a.jpg.html)
Clean up the guard material:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1i_zpsb876ed53.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1i_zpsb876ed53.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1j_zps580771de.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1j_zps580771de.jpg.html)
Locate the slot needed for the tang:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1k_zpsc0ebf1b0.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1k_zpsc0ebf1b0.jpg.html)
And then mill the slot:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1l_zps0ad4ca44.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1l_zps0ad4ca44.jpg.html)
Guard fitted:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1m_zps5127b54d.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1m_zps5127b54d.jpg.html)
Great pictures Karl, and cool progress.
Looking good buddy!
That looks great so far. What are the dimensions of that beauty, anyway?
Allan
Mr. Devore, the blade is about 4 1/8 I think and overall it's 8 7/8".
QuoteOriginally posted by amar911:
That looks great so far. What are the dimensions of that beauty, anyway?
Allan
I always mill my handle blocks perfectly square so they stand up in my press vise when I drill my tang holes. Just makes things easy.
Here you can even see the spectacular curl on this black dyed curly maple right off the mill!
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1n_zps146db2bb.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1n_zps146db2bb.jpg.html)
Our three components.
Sorry about the lighting here - I just had a bench light go out.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1o_zpsaf3feed3.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1o_zpsaf3feed3.jpg.html)
I also always draw my knives, and then even save the handle profiles for use on later knife drawings. Nice to have a template to begin with.
Here I determine where to cut off my tang for threading.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1p_zps5df20ea1.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1p_zps5df20ea1.jpg.html)
Then I cut out the handle profile from the drawing and trace it on my material.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1q_zpsf496aaf8.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1q_zpsf496aaf8.jpg.html)
Then grind and thread the tang.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1r_zps025d4c4a.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1r_zps025d4c4a.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1s_zps91958f28.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1s_zps91958f28.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1t_zps0a55c216.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1t_zps0a55c216.jpg.html)
Then I will mill the face of the handle material for a decent fit against the back of the guard.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1u_zps5bd73377.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1u_zps5bd73377.jpg.html)
KARL!
This is a most-impressive build-along!
Thank you for taking the time to take excellent photos and provide a description at each step of the process!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Most-excellent!
And best of all it's
FOR THE KIDS!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
So, this wood is so black I had to cover it with masking tape to see my marker lines.
This will give you an idea of where the tang lies:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1v_zps262d09c6.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1v_zps262d09c6.jpg.html)
After some drilling, filing and pinning, we end up here:
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1w_zps678bceef.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1w_zps678bceef.jpg.html)
Here I use a machined clamping block that I use about a dozen different ways.
In this application I can indicate a center line all the way around the knife to check on accuracy and reference when shaping the knife handle and guard.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1x_zpsfaf0ef02.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1x_zpsfaf0ef02.jpg.html)
Here she is all screwed together and pinned, with the finial intact.
On her way to Lin in the morning.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c247/kbaknife/St%20Judes/MD1y_zps87cf0d98.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/kbaknife/media/St%20Judes/MD1y_zps87cf0d98.jpg.html)
OMGosh and WOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome thread, great to see the step by step of the build.
Dan
:campfire:
Looking Great Guys!
I have the knife now and should start getting something going on it soon. Been kinda busy, if you know what I mean.
This is such an incredible collaboration!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
I can hardly wait to see the final production!
Keep the wind in your face!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Gentlemen, it is an honor to be among you. Thank you for doing this to benefit the children of St. Judes Childrens Hospital. It is a charity near and dear to me and my family. Oh, I almost forgot, the knife looks awesome!!!!
Awesome!
I love this...
thats some precision work right there!
ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!!! Great job guys. I can't wait to see the finished product.
WOWZA....get it listed somebody!!!!
I just talked to Doug. He about to list it and we'll get some of these photos and more on there.
I'll be working throughout this week on my part. Then it's off to Robin to make a custom fitted sheath. I'll be posting some "in progress" pics as I'm sure will Robin.
This will be a solid working knife but should look pretty good too if I do what I'm supposed to do. :)
Yeah...its Listed!!!! :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
WOW you guys are doing an outstanding job on this one! Good thing I have been saving my pennies!! But I should have been saving those Franklins...
Oh yes! This is gonna' be good!!
ok, I know its way farther along then those last pics! ;)
Looking forward to the bidding on this one for sure. :scared: Allan, I don't heed warnings very well :knothead: and never been one to shy away from a good ol' bid-me-up. :bigsmyl: :wavey: . Just setting the tone ya know.
It's gonna be pretty cool to be a small part in what these guys turn out. Looking forward to wraping some leather around this blade. Robin
I'm studying this project and how I can contribute to its flow and continuity. Taking it apart and putting it together is helping. Thanks for that feature Karl. :) It also helpes me know where the innards are and how far to shape into it.
I've had a some busy days but should have some pics of the handle shaping and the finished knife very soon. Bear with me.
OK I had a schedule change unexpected and now I'm going to do my best to add the finishing touches to this hunting knife. Here's a shot of it after I have the handle mostly shaped. It's all powdery but will slick up with the final sanding and polishing. I also have to finish the blade completely and etch it. This all should be done today if all goes well. Thank ya'll for being patient with me. It's gonna be nice.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/8814621760_713b23a45a_z.jpg)
The handle is finished as well as the guard. Now for the blade. It's sharp, I can tell you that.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/8805319819_1e324e4e6d_z.jpg)
Very nice work on all parts. Thanks for the update Lin.
Chris.
It looks like it will be a couple days before I can post the finished pic. No problems on this end though. :)
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Can't wait to see the finished pics.
Getting close. This Damascus pattern is pretty wild Doug. At least three distinct colors. :)
Well she's done. She has a spooky look to her. But I like that. Here are two views with a cell camera. I stuck the blade tip into the wood a little so you know it does have a sharp tip.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/8844018573_9f0bd35ef7_c.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8549/8844642432_1c219fac10_c.jpg)
WOW! You guys are knocking it out of the park! Very cool. Can't wait to see the sheath.
Awesome stuff Lin and I know she fits together like a fine watch with Karl's takedown system. No telling what kind of outer space spirits are in that blade. She sure seemed possessed as I was forging all those pieces together. Thanks a bunch for the great pics!
It fits so well that I like putting it together and taking it apart. Smoooooth.
:clapper:
Outstanding. Wish I had the money to bid on it. I'm goin to have to look back at some of Karl's WIPs and see if I can figure out the whole take down thing. I'd love to be able to offer that as an option if I ever start selling my knives.
Thanks too all three of you for letting us share the experience of building this knife.
Matt
Wow!! I don't quite know what to say!
That is a really fantastic knife right there.
I can see all three colors, Lin.
Way to go, Doug!
She's a beauty.
It certainly is a great looking knife! Great job to all involved for a worthy cause.
Steve
---------
Potomac Forge
W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
I cannot find this knife listed on any of the St. Jude forums. Could someone please post a link here in this forum?
Thanks,
John
http://auction1.tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=196;t=000130
Wow, I am still in shock. :D
Allan, thank you ever so much for getting involved and helping push that knife to the value it needed to be at. And even more so for the opportunity to bid that one last time. You are a gentleman sir. :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: ..if there was a happy dance graemlin, I'd be using it... :)
Thank you sir! You are a true credit to our ranks!! :notworthy: :clapper:
Thank you. I'm just glad to be a part of it.
Dale, I think you know we are all waiting to see the finished product with sheath. And what a bid! Recognizes the worthiness of both the cause and the craftsmanship of makers.
Way to go :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Wow, you guys are incredible and like Lin I'm tickled just to be part of such a great thing. Doug
Dale,
Seeing you bid well and high was a pleasure and truly entitled you to be the high bidder once we reached that $2K mark. You went a C-note better! Since I have the last collaboration knife from the "Fantastic Four" and had already taken the high bid on Darcy's monster Bowie, I couldn't rob you of the chance to share in the bounty of our talented bladesmiths here. Congratulations and thanks for such a generous bid. I think it was the highest bid in the entire auction, so you should feel proud of your contribution, as should Doug, Lin, Karl and Robin, who are all wonderful guys and magnificent craftsmen. Thanks to all of you for the donation and the high bid.
Now, enjoy that beautiful knife and sheath you will be getting soon!!!
Allan
Congrats Dale, great bid for a great cause.
I should have a sheath picture up soon. I wasn't happy with the fit of the first try so hopefully practice makes perfect.
I really don't mind getting to handle this blade a little bit longer but I'll try to be quick.
Robin
The sheath is done and the knife is headed back to Lin for the pro pics. Photobucket is being stubborn so I can't post any pictures. The pro pictures will be better anyway.
Really fun to be a small part of this project, thanks to all that were part of the St Jude auction.
Robin
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Can't wait to see the completed project.
Got a few pictures on the bucket. Lets see if I can get them posted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/roughcountry/bth_005-5.jpg
The knife came out great, I can't wait to see the sheath.
I cant see them. I open the link but it ain't hap'nin.
The mail ran earlier and it's not here yet. I bet it will be tomorrow.
It was working when I previewed the post but it sure isn't now Lin. pretty confusing stuff to me :dunno:
Robin,
Hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of changing the code a bit on your links. How about these:
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v347/roughcountry/bth_005-5.jpg
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v347/roughcountry/bth_004-2.jpg
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v347/roughcountry/bth_003-3.jpg
They dont work for me. :dunno:
Thanks for trying Andrew. I tried last night but it just gives me a error sign. Photobucket seems to have changed something and my downlode's are fouled up.
The pro pics will be better than anything I took and should be worth the wait.
RS
My wife texted me to say the package has arrived. I plan to drop it off to the photographer's this evening. :)
Not that we are waiting anxiously or anything :)
:campfire:
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Ok, one more try. Its some weird coding issue with the spaces in the name of the picture...at least I think it is. We'll see, I could see the other links before, but they didn't last 12 hours. These may disappear also. I don't give up easy and I've been really wanting to see this project completed! :clapper: Everyone did a fantastic job!
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/akinslow/003-3_zps3f61b355.jpg)
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/akinslow/004-2_zpse8ddf152.jpg)
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/akinslow/005-5_zpsb0c87872.jpg)
AWESOME :thumbsup:
What a package!
I'd have had to sell 3 of my bows to bid on it. Otherwise it would have been coming here.
The knife and sheath are at Chuck Ward's for a pro photo. This sheath has an old world traditional feel and look, which we can relate to. It's so appealing.
Robin, you done good my friend.
Wow!!!!
Thanks for getting them up Andrew, had me stumped.
Thanks Lin, I thought this sheath would fit the knife the best.
I used all veg tanned saddle skirting, including the lining. I dyed the background in the carving dark to match the knife handle. It's all hand stitched with waxed linen using six stitches to the inch.
It was a fun sheath to build and I enjoyed it.
Thanks to some fine bladesmiths for the chance to do it for such a great cause.
Robin
Lin did I miss the finished pictures?
I was thinking it was posted. I'm sorry if I over looked that.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/9078676234_ba8a1d0450_z.jpg)
Stunning!
I agree Bob. Absolutely stunning package. Robin, awesome job on the sheath. Can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm sorta thinking it should be arriving some time this week.
Wonder if the wife would mind if I put it on a pillow between us on the bed....hmmmm!
It will indeed be there this week. Thank you so much. :campfire:
Fantastic job gentlemen! That wood almost has a luxurious " fur pelt" look to it - great combination of materials and high level skills - your collaborations just keep going off the charts!
Fantastic Job Guy's:)
I'm glad I clicked on this older thread. World class skill on the knife, and I think I could marry a sheath that beautiful.
Again, I'm sure glad I saw this.
QuoteOriginally posted by Lin Rhea:
I was thinking it was posted. I'm sorry if I over looked that.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/9078676234_ba8a1d0450_z.jpg)
Simply *incredible* team work!Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2: