New one for my daughter

[Bigriver]

I finished this one for my daughter Nicole. Sort of a new bowhunter/new job present (she landed a job as a vet tech fresh out of college woo-hoo!).

ats 34 blade , dyed elk antler scales, red liners, stainless bolster. Dave Ricke helped me make the mosaic pins and some work on the bolster. I`m still having a hard time with that.

I made this knife with a little smaller & delicate handle for a womans hand.  I finished the elk antler with super glue because I had some scale shrinkage problems with another elk antler knife I made. I dont know if this will stop it, I am open for suggestions on stopping that deal. I dont like it.

comments & critiqes are always welcome. Thanks for looking.

[Bladepeek]

Very nice piece of work. Bet she will love it.

As far as the antler shrinkage, send it out to have it stabilized before cutting the scales. I really like working with stabilized woods and bone.

[Steve Nuckels]

Great looking knife, I like the profile and materials.  I really like seeing some bark and the polished on the antler.

I do not have a solution to the antler shrinkage issue, will watch this post and see if a answeris forthcomming.

Steve
---------
Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Museum & Foundation
ABS AP

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Looks Great Brian.  If she doesn't like it, I know someone who will  

[D.Ellis]

That's a beauty of knife. Well done    
Antler needs to be as dry as possible before you attach it to the tang. And then it's a good idea to purposely leave it a bit "proud" of the tang, so if it shrinks the edges of the tang are not exposed. I personally do not like to do full tangs with antler anymore because of the shrinkage issues. Hidden tangs are much easier to deal with in this respect.
The other thing that helps with the shrinkage is to rub the handle down with oil periodically. There are some who claim this softens the antler, but that has never been a problem for me........maybe if you soaked it in oil it would be bad, but a light wipe just seems to help keep it hydrated and stable.
Again, good looking knife.
Darcy  

[cacciatore]

Stunning,Brian.

[Ragin Bull]

Beautiful work Brian!

[BowHuntingFool]

Well done Brian!!!!!!!!!

[madness522]

Nice!

[FerretWYO]

I really like this knife. You do great work.

[Bobby Urban]

Very nice.  Antler, bone and wood need to be stabilized to guarantee no shrinkage.  Unfortunately.

[Bazooka Joe]

Very nice knife and sheath Brian, you're daughter should love it and treasure it for a long time as it was made by her father.

Rick