Ok, I have been wanting to do a tutorial/build-along for a while, because they helped me out when I first started, but there were several things I didn't have access to. So, I decided to do a basic, bare bones type tutorial, for those first time knife makers wanting to try it out.

I am starting with a whitetail antler, just about any antler will do, as well as wood. I have an industrial hacksaw blade I will be cutting the blade from, it doesnt require a heat treating, and will air harden the edge as you work it. Making it even easier for you to accomplish.

Step 1: I decide what section of antler I want to use, and cut to shape. I used my 4 1/2" angle grinder and a .045 cutting disk, but a hacksaw is reccomended.



Step 2: Now I head over to the belt sander and clean everything up, round the back edge and clean up the front where the guard will sit.

Step 3: Now, I draw out my rough blade shape with a sharpie, and cut it out with a 4 1/2" angle grinder sporting a .045 cutting disk. A dremel rool with cut-off disks can be used here, as well as a hacksaw but I pity you if that is your only option.



Step 4:  I test the shape of the blade, and mark off the steel I will have to remove in order for it to fit into the antler. The blade is actually centered, but the angle of the picture makes it look offset.


Step 5: I take the blade over to my belt sander after final shaping with my grinder, and shape my bevels on the blade.


Step 6: I take a file and square up the ricasso where it is to meet the guard. The ricasso is where you are used to seeing  "Made in Pakistan" LOL

Step 7: I mark out my brass and cut it with my grinder and cutting wheel, once again, dremel or hacksaw can be utilized here.


Step 8: I left out the picture of this, and I apologize, for it. I put my brass in the vice, marked my tang width with a sharpie, and took a matched thickness drill bit and drilled a series of holes for my tang to slide through. I then took a small flat file and cleaned it up, where it would JUST slide onto the tang.

Step 9:  I did the same with my antler, and made sure everything fit together.

Step 10:  Now that I am basically done with the rough work, I clean my blade up with some wet sanding.I used 220-400 grit sandpaper, until all major scratches were removed.


Step 11: I decided a blued blade would look good, so thats just what happened. Easy to follow directions make cold blueing a blade simple, and effortless. Birchwood Casey Super Blue was used.


Step 12: Now that my guard is fitted and sanded, as is my handle, my blade is blued, and I am ready for final assembly. I cut some notches in the tang for the epoxy to have more surface area, making a stronger bond.



Step 13:  Everything is lined up, and glued together.


Step 14: Final clean up and shaping was done on the belt sander, then sanded by hand to acheive the desired finish. A coat of clear poly is applied, the blade sharpened, and you can now sit back, and admire your work!


I hope this was helpful to someone out there, I had a good time putting it together.

The Kid

Cool!!!!  I think I could do that!   Thanks Kid!

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IN GOD WE TRUST

Nice work Kid!!

Great build a long! Now you've showed everyone how simple it is! LOL! Good job, Kid!

Way to good kid
Do another one

dana