OKCA show knives

[srtben]

I figured I would start a thread to show knives as I finish them for the upcoming OKCA show on April 12-13th.
Anyone else is welcome to show what they are bringing in this thread as well.

Here is the first one I have finished up. A smallish fighter with a big attitude. I gave this one a larger than my normal handle, for some extra grip options and more power. It is 1075 with a polished hamon and black linen micarta scales. It is .265" thick at the ricasso and it tapers very thin in both directions (the tang down to about .030"). The OAL is 10.25" with a 5.125" blade, tip to handle. The clip is sharpened.

[D.Ellis]

Mean looking little fighter Ben.........of course the company it keeps might add to the "mean" effect   :D  
I like the extreme taper in the tang, I bet it balances real nice on the index finger.
Darcy  

[tomsm44]

Awesome.  The profile looks great and the hamon is sweet.  Great design all around.  I have some of Aldo's low manganese 1075 and am going to try some differential hardening/hamons this year.  Looking forward to seeing what else you come up with.

Matt Toms

[Kevin Evans]

That is some Really nice work  Ben !      

[Track]

Great job, wicked looking knife.

[srtben]

Thanks very much guys!!

Here is a hunter that I have been meaning to finish out for months, and I figured it would be a good one to have on my table.
I did a full rounded spine and ricasso/choil on this one, a first for me. I keep seeing the awesome rounded spines on John Doyle and Nick Wheelers awesome blades, and I thought I would give it a shot.

This one has a 1095 blade w/ a polished hamon. The Spacer is fluted and hammered mild steel with a nice brown finish, the pommel is the same. The handle is a very nice piece of stag. OAL is 9 5/8", and the blade is about 5".
I am pretty pleased with this one, let me know what you all think.

[D.Ellis]

That stag guardless is just a beauty. Nice work Ben.    
Darcy

[Steve Nuckels]

Like them both!

#2 is my fave!

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

[srtben]

Thanks Steve and Darcy!
I have plans for a Big ol' Bowie as well some of my more basic utility models as well. I guess I will see how much time I have.

[Lin Rhea]

They are both nice. I like the stag and browned fittings in particular.

[srtben]

Thanks Lin, I appreciate it!
Hopefully I will have more to post up in a few days.
My dad was over yesterday and snapped a pic of me throwing sparks on some knives for the show.

[Lin Rhea]

I'd be interested in your respirator if you get an opportunity to tell us about it. Thanks Ben.

[srtben]

Hey Lin,
This is the respirator setup I have, it uses standard filters, but puts them behind your back. I got mine at a local safety supply store for much cheaper.
http://mittrobe.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89_91&products_id=1218

[Lin Rhea]

I have to get me one of those. The filters on the front block my vision. It also provides an excuse to not use it, which I do not need to happen. Thank you Ben. Chuck also sent me a link that has a good one too. Thank you both.

Back to the thread.
 

[gables]

Both are great and I too like the stag and rusted fittings.

Are you running your vacuum to a water bucket/cyclone setup? I'm still a little nervous hooking up a woodworking vacuum with cloth bags.

[srtben]

The dust collector is a standard blower/drum type dust catcher, I do not use it to catch sparks, only handle material dust. Although I do leave it running while I grind steel, I just have it aimed so it doesn't suck up sparks.

It is basically like this, only an older craftsman model.
http://www.grainger.com/product/3AA17?gclid=CKakl7zk_rwCFchFMgodXDkASg&cm_mmc=PPC:GooglePLA-_-Machining-_-Finishing%20Supplies-_-3AA17&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=3AA17&ef_id=UFtJtwAAU8 DbD5Hx:20140306204954:s

[srtben]

I just finished up this little belt knife with nice, dark ebony scales that should be on my table as well.

[srtben]

I am getting started on what hopefully be my Bowie entry for the show. I am a using a stellar piece of natural stag for this one.



All clayed up and ready to go!


Getting the handle parts cut and together.

[D.Ellis]

Oh ya! I'm liking where you are going with that. Beauty chunk of stag.    
Darcy

[Alexander13]

Looking good!Great materials.