Longhunter

[JohnHV]

Always wanted to make a longhunter style and here it is.

Forged 1084 blade 5.5 inches, 11 inches OAL.
Handle is whitetail stag with copper furniture.
I peened over the pins on this one.

It came out a little larger than I had originally planned but it is well balance in the hand and takes a wicked edge.

I really enjoyed making this one!  More will be forthcoming over the summer.

[mater]

I really like the copper, and the shape of that blade!


   Mark

[GWV]

John buddy, that is nice!!! No sheath pic?

[JohnHV]

GWV

Still workin' on it...I haven't decided exactly how I want the sheath yet.  Maybe something like Daniel Winkler does with his knives?

[Steve Nuckels]

John, that, is very cool!

I love that!  Next try some Chromium Permanginate it will turn the antler a nice chocolate color.

I'll be attending a two day work shop next month in TN, among the instructors will be Daniel Winkler, one of my favorite Bladesmiths!

Steve
-------
Potomac Forge

[JMR]

Very nice and I like that copper too.

[JohnHV]

Thanks for the kind comments.

Steve, Winkler is one of my favorites as well. Thanks for the tip on using Chromium Permanganate.  Can you tell me where I might get some?

[Roughcountry]

That copper sure sets it off. I like the looks of that one.

[sticshooter]

That looks great. Was that a copper pipe cap?<><

[JohnHV]

Thanks Stic, I'm glad you liked it.

Yes it was a copper cap from the plumbing dept. at a big box store.  Cheap, pure copper and easy to drill and fit on the tang.  Come in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" diameters.

I slotted and reduced the end of the antler so it completely fills the cap.  Made for a very solid attachment together with the pin. I was very pleased with it and will use this technique again.

[caleb0100]

Very nice John! That handle looks really comfortable.

[hardwaymike]

Beautiful knife John. I really like the combo of the antler and copper. I may try that with the handle of the Helle that I am going to get started on tomarrow.

[Steve Nuckels]

John. I made a mistake it is Potassium Permangnate.  And you can get it from the pharamcy and maybe the hardware store at the water softner dept.  It comes in a purple crystal form and you mix it in water. The mixture will be a very deep shade of purple, as you apply it to antler or Osage don't freak out, it will start out that purple color and change quickly to a deep brown.  Wear medical gloves because it will turn your hands a deep brown, and it is hard to get off.

I keep my mixture in a jar with the lid on tight and it will last a long time.

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge

[JohnHV]

Thanks Steve,

I am familiar with Potassium Permanganate. I didn't put 2 and 2 together (Duh!). It is an oxidizer and I've used it for other things but never on antler.  Will have to try that!

BTW I didn't know what finish to use on the antler because I didn't want anything too shiny, wanted more of an antique look.  I ended up rubbing several applications of mineral oil onto it.  It came out very nice, sort of a satin finish and it darkened it up some.  Just in case anyone else wants to try that.

[Izzy]

They dont come much nicer than that.

[MTArrowLauncher]

That looks great  

Fin