Two just completed- sheaths almost finished

[Ray Hammond]

The top one is Mel's...the bottom one is Dave McReynolds.

The most difficult part of this process is getting a sheath that matches up well, fits right, and doesnt have flaws in it.

I know I've been asking for patience for a while now, but ...it'll be there soon.

[theunluckyhunter]

that bottom one is very nice. what kind of damascus is the top one?

[Irish]

The top one has "Irish" damascus!!!     Looks great Mr. Hammond

[Ray Hammond]

I think its called Circuit Board..or something like that. Its a very tight pattern...really neat in person.

They're both desert ironwood...the top one is an absolutely gorgeous piece with lots of depth to the color when you hold it in the sun...its awesome.

You just never know what these scales are going to look like till you polish them...they are all unique.

[Caveman IL]

Very nice work ( the other two also-the osage ones).  That dark d. ironwood looks way cool.  Larry  PS package in the mail tomorrow!

[theunluckyhunter]

one more thing ray, how do you do your finger grooves? to me thats one of the hardest parts of a knife

[OconeeDan]

Looking good Ray, I especially like the bottom one.
Dan

[Steve Nuckels]

You got it goin on Sir!

[vermonster13]

Very well done ray!

[Kevin Evans]

VERY NICE !!!THAT IRON WOOD IS GOOD STUFF

[skullworks]

Great job Ray!!!!

[Ray Hammond]

un,
I use a drill press drum sander to rough them out- with 80 grit, then 120 grit sleeves.

Then its on to my Grizzly grinder...I use a 320 belt, then an 800 belt - I push the belt off the edge of my 8 inch wheel and soften the 320 up with a piece of steel, to make it pliable, then holding the knife sideways you run the edge of the belt across the grooves...the 800 grit is very soft already, so you dont need to break it down.

I then use a dremel type tool with buffing wheels and buff them shiny, then finish on my clean wheels on big buffer motor.

[McDave]

Looks great, Ray.  Can't wait to see it in person!

[Ray Hammond]

Dave! I'm sequestered in training this week in Gainesville, GA (read that P R I S O N for an outdoor guy) insurance training...big test tomorrow for certification as Certified Insurance Counselor. I will definitely get that thing out Saturday morning when I get home, bud.

Sorry about that. I know you've been waiting a long time.

[2 edges]

I want one.

[Chris Surtees]

Great looking knives Ray  

[rod sarver]

Ray - you make some of the best lookin knives i have seen ever. I have got real interested in making knives, but I have nothing but good intentions. I would like to know what all I need to make a few myself - thank Rod

[McDave]

Thanks Ray.  The knife just arrived.  It is a beautiful piece of work, and locks into the sheath perfectly.  Well worth the wait!

[Ray Hammond]

Rod,
First you have to decide if you are making them for yourself- for pleasure- or if you are making them to sell.

If you are doing it for fun the rules go out the window because the only person you have to please is ROD.

If on the other hand, you are making them to sell, then you need to know all the rules, and try to build each one as perfectly as you can, eliminating all flaws possible. There are no perfect handmade knives...but send out a shoddy one and see what happens!

My advice? If you are interested do some YouTube searches, look on here for Bowhunterinchile's build along and you should have enough information to build a quality knife and get started on your way.

Good luck