1st neck knife complete w/alligator sheath

[beetlebailey1977]

I got started today.  Blade is being made from a knife edge nicholson file.  I have it shaped up pretty close to what I need.  The blade is 3 1/4" long.  I plan to set the tang with epoxy into a antler handle.  I think that I am going to make some sort of guard but nothing big because this is supposed to be a neck knife.  I did not anneal the blade since I did not have to take off much material.  I have tempered it once at 400 degrees for 2 hours plan to temper it 2 more times.  I will post some more pics soon.
   

[KHALVERSON]

looks real good
be carefull on the temper
i would sharpen and test the edge
do a brass rod test and if the edge chips temper again at that temperature
kevin

[beetlebailey1977]

Well I finished and set the blade in the handle today.  Just have to do final sharpening.  I did the brass rod test.  The blade did not bend, and it did not chip.  I would say that the hardness is good.  The handle worked out perfect with the small finger guard.  It came from a main beam and the finger guard was a tine base.  Now time for the sheath.  It will be from alligator leather.

[skullworks]

I like it! Wish my first had looked that good!

[beetlebailey1977]

It was fun.  Simple but usefull.  I have plans to do some more.  I plan to try and make up a forge.  I have a lot of old large files begging to be knives.  I like useing the antler.

[beetlebailey1977]

Well here is the sheath.  It turned out well.  This is from the tail section of the gator.

[stickytoes]

knife looks cool....alligator sheath is amazing! i have to ask, what is the brass rod test?

[skullworks]

Awesome job all around! Your addicted now!

[Bobby Urban]

Google or Bing Brass rod test - it is a poor mans heat treat test that works pretty well. Basically if the edge of the blade flexs and returns when run across a brass rod you hit it right.  If it bends your too soft, chips your too hard.

[S.C. Hunter]

Nice job!

[beetlebailey1977]

Thanks yall.  I think it turned out good for a 1st try.

[toppredator]

Awesome knife.  Amazing first try.

[carbonflyr]

finally, finally, finally a knife for a lefty.

[Steve Nuckels]

James, like Skullworks said "your addicted now"

Nice work!

Steve
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Potomac Forge