Well I'm finally winding down on Kevin's (Rooster) sawmill steel that he gave me.  I've made a ton of mistakes (especially after hardening that have been difficult to fix)... but I've learned a lot.  I've got a lot to learn but I'm happy with it for a start.  The copper wire inlay is sort of a joke.. I pounded the stuff out of 10gauge and it's pretty rough! But I'm excited to get better at that.  I've also got a lot to learn about the file work.... well everything about this business.

I'm gonna practice some more before (if) I do the other side on the copper wire

This is the curly maple I've been talking about on the other thread... started with Fiebings, sanded it off leaving some darkness in the curls and then using Clay's muriatic and heat treatment.  I like it.

I'm also posting a hook knife I made out of 1084 that I will be using for carving and bow shaping.

I tested both of these blades using a brass rod... using the technique Goddard writes about. The blades did not crack and did not hold a deflection.

So what do you think?  What to do better next time?

Looks like one heck of a good knife for your first and you did it the hard way. The whole idea is to have fun so keep at it!      

You bet! Great effort and a fine knife.    Lin

Thanks guys. I am enjoying this. I've always been one to make stuff... but this is one of the most rewarding endeavors I've taken on.  I've got a couple more stock removal knives... then to the forge.

Also... when folks are using simple pins... brass brazing rods, etc... what kind of epoxy?  I used the same two part black stuff I used for the scales and it is impossible to get rid of around the perimeter. I was very careful not to burn (which I've done in the past)... but the epoxy is there. My thoughts are that I just should've used something clear... or maybe I will rivet and peen into a countersink next time.

Also... what are folk's thoughts on the thickness of the blade relative to the tang?  Seems way to thin to me... but that was achieved by an inexorable process put into effect by a series of haphazard misfortunes caused by lack of careful forethought. Does that still happen to you guys?

scott, looks real good.i think you're ahead of the curve.mine aren't any better and i've made a bunch. patience is the hardest thing for me to learn...and that is one of the biggest parts of knifemaking ....and bowhunting.

Scott thats a Great job!!  :thumbsup:Save that knife you will really enjoy looking at it from time to time.  
If I were you, write down all you learned you might need it someday.
Now move to that 5160 I sent ,then you will understand why I sent you steel!!!
Later Kevin

Thanks Kevin... You've been a big help for me and I appreciate it.

You know... It's amazing what a picture tells ya... I just looking at my picture above and I noticed that my scales are a different thickness. I guess I was getting too aggressive trying to blend my inlays in. Dang it.

Scott, I really like that knife!  Everything about it!  Very nice!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
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IN GOD WE TRUST

Thanks Steve!  I will have to pick your brain sometime on the wire inlays...

Another thing... I need a better lanyard.

here's the sheath.  I think I'm gonna like having that strap on there to make it a bit more versatile... for clipping to a pack, on a quiver, etc. I like the look too...

great job on both!!!!

Itruely like #1!!!  

thank you fellas.... I appreciate it.

That is a great first knife.  Just keep working at it.  I just spent the day in my shop pounding out a bunch of new tomahawk heads and working on the parts for a handle and guard on a knife I am refurbishing.  I learned a couple of new things from the work, and realized I needed to buy another couple of tools. Bummer there, the wife even agreed I need them so it is off to the tool store tomorrow.

have fun! I love buying tools. what are ya getting? my next purchase is a drill press.

and I got my grinder set up today and I'm just about ready to quench a blade I started this morning. Between learning from the first one and having that grinder... things happen a little quiker. So do new mistakes.