I'm trying to imagine it textured like leather- waiting to see how this turns out!

Lin, that self leveling butplate dohickey is a stroke of pure genious. I'm probably gonna have to steal that idea. Pulled me out of the lurking shadows just to compliment you for that one.
Beautifull blade as well, it's been awesome watching you progress over the years, you've come a long way since the days on Terry Primos's old forum.
Darcy:)

Thanks Darcy. And Welcome to the forum! Some one showed it to me so steal away!

One thing, you'll notice that the slot in the guard is narrow to fit the tang tight. It's the same with the ferrle/spacer. You'll have to leave the coupling nut un peened untill after they are fit and set. I also grind off the hex corners of the coupling nut so as to drill as small a hole as possible in the handle material.

The mention of Terry's old forum brings a smile. Thanks. You're here now, so stay a while.    

y'all leave Lin alone so he can finish this Bowie!  :D

Love this, thanks for the work-in-progress pics!

Lucas

I did not get anything done on it last evening.

I was distracted by the arrival of some special material for another knife. I cant say much now, but it's interesting. I'll show more as I go along about that project too.

Back to this bowie. I did some shaping on the blackwood making it look nearly finished, but the texture I want to try is yet to be started. I'll try to do that during the week and as I get time on the weekend. There's an event in Old Washington over the weekend so that will pull me away some. We'll see how it goes.

Here's a shot of the butt cap that I just etched.

 

YOWZA!!!!!

 

Guys, I think I may have to back up on some of my plan for this knife. The leather texture might wait for another knife. I am thinking with the damascus blade and the fittings like they are, a textureed handle might be too busy. Not sure yet. I'll do some testing, but I think this knife will be finished like it is. My wife has a good eye for such things and she says "no texture" on this one. I do think a Carbon Steel blade would look better for the texture. I'm gonna study on it.

I say go with your wife!  That looks incredible!!!  WOW!!!

Yep. And that "looks like a leather grip like on an old golf club.  Beautiful work- really like the butt cap and finial

Beautiful knife,congrats Lin.

Don't change a thing, Lin! That is another museum piece. All I can say is "HOLY S#%T" that's a BEAUTIFUL knife!!!!!

Allan

Thanks. Here are a couple more of the fittings.

 

 

knockout!

That is my favorite blade you've done.  Incredibly work, Lin.  The contract, contour, and flow is just gorgeous!

Crikey! That's a dandy! I really like your flares at each end of the handle.......and that steel is nuts.  
   
Yup, 2 thumbs up    :D  
Darcy

Stunning!!! Its even beter than I had envisioned.

Chris

Beautiful !!!