Trad Gang

I have been away and very busy lately. I hope to get back to the grindstone in full force except when I'm sitting under a tree in the woods. But I got an early start this morning making some progress on a few blades. These are all heat treated and finish ground. I still have to etch my name, hand sand, and etch the finish (all are Damascus). All of these are spoken for except one, btw (second from the left 3-1/2 inch).

I will be working heavy on these this week and should finish one and post a picture this week and the rest will be following along too. I may just keep this thread and show them as they get finished since they are all similar in size and shape.

I just got back from a short trip to SW Kentucky where I was able to spend time with some fellow knife makers and we each were assigned to give a demonstration as part of the agreement to attend. I'm still excited by some of the things I learned. I'll be sharing a great tip on etching Damascus soon.

    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15549018120_997940eca3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pG1Mnj)

I cant wait to see these finished.

You built all five upside down.  The edge goes on the bottom.  You'll get the hang of it eventually.   ;)   Can't wait to see them finished.

Matt

Thanks guys.

Matt, I'm forgetful like that.  :)

Caley, Nice buck on the Pow Wow. Congratulations.


I got one of the blades finished. It is the smallest one on the far left in the above picture. This one is for my new grandson, Ethan. He's 5 months old but eventually he'll need one and I don't want to wait too long. It'll keep till he can use it.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/15562322418_9711d7be4c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pHbYgL)
   (https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15749294822_8736dba3fc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pZHfDU)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7576/15128358583_121bf20ebe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/p3QMWF)
I'm working on another of the blades now.

I love these, Lin and the Damascus and filed in arrow head just put it over the top. Can I ask if you stamped in your mark or do you etch? I've not etched my name yet in a Damascus blade, but have heard it can be difficult to get looking right because of the need to etch the blade. At any rate, yours looks great.   :)  .

Jeremy

I've heard that too Jeremy but I don't have a problem. I just hand sand to about 220, then electro-etch my name into the blade, then complete the hand sanding, after which I etch the blade in ferric. There does not seem to be any conflict between the electro etch and the ferric etch.

I suspect that the problem might be this: Some people etch their name very lightly into the blade. As you see, mine is pretty deep. I think a lighter name etch might get washed out by the ferric etch but I'm not really sure of that.

This is the blade just before the ferric etch. Notice the stamp is essentially the same.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15725937216_753cb45ac5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pXDxfy)

Thanks for the info, Lin. Gives me some help for when I get there on a blade I have rough ground.

Bet your grandson loves that knife as he grows and gets to use it. What a cool legacy to leave.    :thumbsup:  

Jeremy

Lin, where do you get your electrolyte?

:thumbsup:

Looks great Lin!

Thanks guys.

Karl, I get mine from Pop's knife supply. It's the same that comes with the Personalizer Plus,
SCE-1 from Metal Markings Inc.

Felix, Yours is one of the three toward the right in the above picture. I have names written on the opposite side.    :)

This is another of those blades. Both sides. We'll call it "RM" to refer to it later. It should end up with Ironwood and stainless.

   (https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15567824317_c40547741f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pHFaN6)
   (https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15729275926_08204df0c7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pXWDJw)

The next blade to be hand sanded and etched will be called "Felix".    ;)  You should see it this week.

Those blades are amazing, great work!

I can't wait! It will be used as it is supposed.

Great looking blades, Lin. Really like the profiles. Can't wait for the finished knives.

Thanks guy.

Here is the one called Felix. It will have some beautiful crackle Mammoth ivory.

   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/15192512083_f1da310b1a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/p9vAxv)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7533/15192000384_10de31af7b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/p9sYr7)

I'm also working on the one called RM. It will have some gorgeous Ironwood burl.

That Felix is gorgeous,Lin.LOL.

Yes, he ......I mean, yes, it is.    :)

I love mammoth ivory and that is the nicest Ive seen. Congrats Felix and may you enjoy that knife.

Thanks Izzy,I think it will love to hunt along one of my Tips!

Something about a knife with a handle made from an animal that died 10,000 or 12,000 years ago. Have the scales been stabilized Lin?

Not specifically stabilized Roger.

Just curious, Lin. Do you treat the ivory in any way to keep it from drying and cracking down the line? Guess it would apply to stag handles too.

I would use mineral oil on both.

I usually keep ivory of any kind for a number of years after it is cut. This allows it to settle into it's desired state slowly while sitting in a controlled environment. I also drill any holes a tiny bit over sized so as not to apply very much pressure to any given spot.

Ok ok I like the tech talk,but where is it the final pic? Lol

Lin,remember Felix is a lefty!

Lin, since it's not stabilized I assume you might use some sort of backing/liner for it???

The fossil ivory's tend to be pretty stable. A light wipe down with mineral oil and a reasonable amount of coon fingering usually keeps em just fine. Worst would be to put it on display under bright lights or leave it lying in the direct sunlight.
Pretty blade and ivory Lin, I look forward to the final pics.
Darcy   :campfire:

Thanks Lin, thanks Darcy. I have some sheep horn I'll try that on too.

I'm working on two of these today. I hope to finish them both this weekend.

Here is the Felix knife in a bunch of pieces!  :scared:     :D

Yes, Darcy, I agree. After thousands of years curing it ought to be rather stable. Of course any drastic changes in climate from where it has spent the last few years might reveal some shrinkage, but very little.

A knife is like an old house. It needs to be  lived in. A knife needs handling and used.    :)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/15706661397_973fdab3ac_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pVWKdR)

Oh my!  This is gonna be good!

Keith,hands down from my knife,lol.

What do you think of the Felix knife?

   (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/15880929396_cdac2fd579_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qckV2w)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15287078583_821c2b0aca_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/phSgSp)

beautiful!

Here is the RM knife. Desert Ironwood.  :)

   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7474/15908013415_91dec5f2c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qeJJan)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7495/15720525718_d9986ace88_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pXaNAS)

WOW, great knives.

Outstanding, Lin!

Both beauties Lin........I'm especially fond of the ivory one.
Darcy   :campfire:

Did you want me to try it out for you Felix?    :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

For sure,brother Keith,you can add some whitetail Mojo.PM me

Fantastic job,Lin! I can speak high enough of you.

Stunning knife, congratulation  Lin , yuo are the best! Hi Felixe

I agree with Felix, fantastic job, Lin !!

Beautiful Knife!! and Beautiful Ivory!!

Congrats.

Enzo

A beautiful knife and I'm sure that Felix will use it in the right way  :)  
Very nice job. Outstanding

Beautiful work Lin

That ivory is awesome.  The whole package; blade design, damascus pattern, guard/spacer combination, ivory, and the domed pins; all works perfectly together.  Its amazing that it manages to make the other one, a hand forged damascus/desert ironwood knife, look kinda plain.  

Matt Toms

Thanks guys. I'm working my way through this group of blades.    :campfire:  

I added to the group forging two very small 2-3/4 inch well proportioned blades of the same Damascus pattern. It seems I always have enough Damascus to keep some of these blades on hand. And more in the pipe line waiting.

Lovely work Lin. Really like the ivory. Congratulations Felix.

Chris

I got another finished from this thread's group. This one is for my grandson. I wanted to make it interesting to sit and look at as he gets older. 3-1/4 inch blade of my twist Damascus. There is some mammoth ivory spacers with stacked cherry wood and some stag. This one also has a dogwood flower on the pommel.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15423509643_1565d0ce02_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/puVw54)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/15855638648_294be85d3c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qa7hY9)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/15857031789_6c8f3aa475_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qaer6P)

This is Ethan, my grandson.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/16042511322_c1d0bdfb80_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qrC4GN)

Now I have two more to finish from this bunch.

Lin, it looks as though you certainly have his attention!

Beautiful knives as usual.

That's a beauty Lin, lots of detail to keep him looking at it.......at least until he gets into his teens and finds other objects more appealing   ;)  
Nice photo of the wee one........he'll have a forging hammer in his mitts before too long I'll bet!
Darcy   :campfire:

Beautiful knife for Ethan to admire for years to come. Looks to me like he is one to be proud of too.

Chris

wow he's growing F-A-S-T !!!!!

Thanks guys.

I'm really hoping he will take to working with his hands. I'm hoping to share all I can to help him get started if he will accept it. They grow fast don't they? He's seems to have a serious demeanor but he will smile a lot so I'm hoping he will develop a personality that can exhibit patience and enjoy working a craft.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/16006206276_df65fc48c8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qopZtJ)

That's a Fine looking young man! He Looks a lot like you Lin.

He will certainly have a top notch mentor - someone trained both in a craft and in teaching. I envy him   :)

Thanks guys.

I should have the 4th knife of this group finished today. I will have a picture or two later. The blade looks good.

This is the Duffy knife. It is one of my Vagabond Hunters. I have the guard on and the stag ready but no pics yet.

  (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7490/16049108111_e786253a59_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qscSGx)
   (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/15443166313_b1d6c9507d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pwEgja)

I can see some genetics in there. Really.

QuoteOriginally posted by Lin Rhea:

    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/16006206276_df65fc48c8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qopZtJ)  

Must be the hair Karl.    :D  

I got the Duffy knife done.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/15443803494_041aabd7b9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pwHwJ3)
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/16064168831_026f5a8aba_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qtx4J8)

It's a lot more than just hair, grandpappy!!!!! He's been just like that most of the time I've seen him- smiling!

Another beauty Lin.
If you didn't live so far away(and have big sharp knives close to hand) I'd love to raid your stag pile!    :smileystooges:    
Darcy   :campfire:

The stag pile is low Darcy. Better wait. The Duffy knife stag was real thick and rough. I had to thin it and more or less re cut it so the good stuff was on a plane with the envisioned handle sides. I will be shopping for ,more in Little Rock.

That's another beauty. You made the best use of that stag for sure, as we expect. I am liking G the way your Damascus seems to have more contrast lately. Thanks for sharing.

Chris

Here is the last of these five knives. It has a 3-5/8 inch blade and natural stag scales.

    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/16086227386_6ae6e9f605_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qvu7Y3)
   (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/15926255167_3be4940a21_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qgmdNk)

All 5 came out wery nice.

Those all turned out beautifully.  I enjoy watching what these turn into.

Chris

I just rec'd Felixs knife yesterday to hold for him.  Unbelievable.  The detail and finish is amazing.  Did I say unbelievable?  If I wasnt paying for a couple Tips due this summer, and a custom rifle due at the same time....oh my!  I will never shoot the rifle.  Hmmm.  I love that last one that is finished.  Did I say unbelievable??

Thanks guys.

Keith, I appreciate you saying so. The Natural Stag Hunter is at the sheath makers getting fitted as we speak.
  :campfire:

Lin, I believe I read something in the IP about a tip for etching damascus. My etches are some times inconsistant. I'd love to read that tip.

Lin your amber stag hunters are absolutely fantastic, never get tired of seeing them.

Another home run build! Can't wait to get mine on my belt.

Thank you guys.   :campfire:


Ron, as hard as this might be to believe, it is true.

The etch itself is about the same as usual except for this suggestion. Place a fish aquarium air bubbler in the bottom of the ferric chloride tank and let it bubble while you are etching your blade. This seems to stir the acid in a consistent manner. I have not tested this to know just what difference it makes but will.

Ok here is the part that is pretty wild. After the last etch, go straight from the etch to clean water, then into a bath of strongly mixed instant coffee. It's much stronger than if it were for drinking. Don't touch the blade with your hands at any point during this for the same reasons as usual. Leave the blade suspended in the coffee for several hours and don't mess with it.

This will serve to darken the dark steel of the Damascus pattern and it seems to be pretty durable. It stands to reason the more of the dark steel per bright steel you mix in you pattern the more impact this method will make. In other words some patterns will benefit more from the coffee soak while other patterns wont show the dramatic difference quite as much.  

Felix's knife was soaked in the coffee as well as Ethan's knife.

I like the idea of soaking the blade in coffee.  I love coffee.  Great knives and I like to see that Ethan already has one of his Grandad's knives.

Interesting idea with the coffee.......gonna have to try that.
Darcy   :campfire:

I got the sheath back on Ethan's knife.   (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/16629088215_303d474506_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rksqzv)
  (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16628426922_1a7e0583e9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rkp2ZU)

Here is Ethan getting to hold it in the sheath for the first time. As soon as he got his hands on it he stuck it in his mouth.    :D
  (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16628079681_19e2e6cffa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rknfLZ)

Tasty looking knife and sheath Lin......can't blame the lad!   :D  
Darcy   :campfire:

He knows a good knife when he tastes one. That is a group photo to be proud of Lin.