New Cutter

[Adam Savage]

I have just finished knife number three. Blade supplied by Savagewolfrm, home made Micarta paper liners (red), olive drab Micarta scales and black high impact liners (supplied by Wood and Knife Supplies (http://woodandknifesupply.com/).
End of last week I received my shiny new blank, from Rick (savagewolfrm), and started work on the Micarta liners and getting the rest of the bits together.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_4737.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/110920111039.jpg

On Monday I bought the aluminium tube and extra epoxy.

Tuesday saw the arrival of the other components, courtesy of Wood and Knife.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/130920111041.jpg

I then proceeded with bonding the liners to the scales.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/130920111042.jpg

While they were curing, I knocked up some mosaic pins, plus some graphite epoxy filled pins (I had my doubts about the mosaics working out, and they didn't, so used the others :))

Today the liners had cured, the pins were ready, and the day was young, so got on with drilling and "sticking" he lot together.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111046.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111047.jpg

This afternoon the epoxy had set, all that was left to do was, shape it and smooth it.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111048.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111049.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111050.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111051.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111053.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111054.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111056.jpg

And the finished article.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111057.jpg

[bushcraftboy]

Well done mate, very very nice knife.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks bcb. It's as much down to Rick for making the blade though, after all, that's the business end lol.

Have another project in the pipeline, but I'm away working over the weekend, So it'll have to wait for now.

Here's how far I have gotten with machining the blade.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111044.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111045.jpg

[LandRoverMatt]

really good looking knife adam

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Matt.

[jus_young]

Sweet

[Savagewolfrm]

I am liking that new knife design very sweet and sexy
Look forward to seeing that one finished

[Adam Savage]

Isn't it just...Jus :)

I shall be making a start on it early next week, well making a start on the grind, anyhow.

Thanks again for supplying such a top blank for this one though Rick.

[Adam Savage]

Got started on a quick sheath, that'll last me until I can get the camo Kydex.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111058.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111059.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111060.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/140920111061.jpg

Still needs stitching, tidying, and a little more forming.

[nat110732]

nice, that mate! scales are special, what are they? Not really up on my wood( for want of a better phrase!!)

[Silverback]

Nice work Adam.....are you taking orders ?

[CanadianMike]

Very nice, love the design of the second one!

[markal17]

yes are you taking orders ? and how much great looking knife

[Adam Savage]

nice, that mate! scales are special, what are they? Not really up on my wood( for want of a better phrase!!)

The scales are made of Micarta, which is layers of cotton, or canvas, soaked in epoxy resin, and put under a great deal of pressure, until cured. You can make it yourself with fibreglass resin and cotton fabric, but it won't be as dense, due to the limited about of pressure you can put it under.
Adam

[Adam Savage]

Nice work Adam.....are you taking orders ?


yes are you taking orders ? and how much great looking knife

Thanks guys, not really at the quality stage for commission work at the minute, but maybe in the near future. Might even have a word with Rick, see if he wants to go into partnership on them ;).

[Adam Savage]

Very nice, love the design of the second one!

Thanks Mike. Will try and get on with that this week if I have chance. Will keep you posted.

[CanadianMike]

Remember buddy, it's peer pressure like the above that will make you turn out like me........ not saying that's a good or bad thing. ;)

[Adam Savage]

Lol

[markal17]

not really at the quality stage for commission work man they look great to me would love to now were you get yer leather from
cool pic

[Adam Savage]

The leather comes from a local saddler. They are kind enough to sell me their offcuts, at a reasonable price. :)
My leather sheaths are terrible mate. I much prefer Kydex.

[Adam Savage]

Progress report on the next blade...

Bevel ground to 95% of final, and pin holes drilled. It looks a little rough in the photos, but it's actually pretty spot on. The final sharpen with diamond stone, after hardening should smooth it off nicely.

Also a shot of the jig I have been trying out.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/180920111063.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/180920111064.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/180920111065.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/180920111068.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/200920111069.jpg

And don't worry, that's not a chip out of the edge. Just a little dip in the grind :)

[markal17]

is that my order your doing there mate (i wish lol )

[Adam Savage]

is that my order your doing there mate (i wish lol )

We'll have to see if it turns out ok ;)

[CanadianMike]

What angle did you decide on for the bevel? Looks about 12 degrees overall to me.

And why don't you try my bevel grinding set up, shouldn't cost you more than $100 (including the 1"x30" belt grinder) of your heavy money (ok, half of that maybe) to do the same as I do, stupid easy, stupid cheap......just like me. ;)

Cheap belt grinder, 1" thick peice of wood, bevel cut by a table saw on one side to the right HALF angle you want, some rare earth magnets and steel cups to hold them on, screws and a small square. Add in some cheap sanding belts, you are golden.

[Adam Savage]

He's good, isn't he... Yes mate, 12º.

I've been looking into belt grinders here, the cheapest I found is around £69 ($107-$108 CAD), so waiting until I know I'm going to use it a lot first :).

[CanadianMike]

I esimated the width to be about 1/4" wide and saw how far up the width the bevel goes, thought about all the bevel angles I have, the one I'm using on my new Scout knife is 12 degrees and about same blade width, so I chose that. So, what do I win? :D

The sander will be worth it's weight in gold for so many things beyond just knives, you can use it for handles too. Lol

[Adam Savage]

I esimated the width to be about 1/4" wide and saw how far up the width the bevel goes, thought about all the bevel angles I have, the one I'm using on my new Scout knife is 12 degrees and about same blade width, so I chose that. So, what do I win? :D

The sander will be worth it's weight in gold for so many things beyond just knives, you can use it for handles too. Lol

Ok, you win a free night in the woods (you must arrange your own transport though :p), and I shall look into getting la lijadora in the near future :)

[CanadianMike]

Lol

[Realearner]

Hi Canadianmike, any pictures of your jig? would be very intrested in that, got my own little workshop so an extra bit of kit should fit in ok

[paul standley]

Adam, you are turning into a one-man bushcraft whirlwind these days mate, can't keep up with you buddy...!

Loving the knives mate.

Re: a belt sander... have you thought about a cheapo hand-held like the one here... http://www.screwfix.com/p/direct-power-pgfb76-3-belt-sander-230v/82946 and then make a simple wooden mount to hold it either upside down (like the one i've got in the workshop) or else upright a bit like a linisher. I'm guessing that Mike's jig/rig could then be built into this set up ?

Paul.

[CanadianMike]

Sure, it's pretty stupidly simple overall, just a matter of finding the magnets and the cups that you put them in. I suppose you could glue some steel to the wood and put the magnets on that, but these things heat up and the glue will melt.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316553_159712340779970_117036668380871_305480_7462 34860_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309444_159712490779955_117036668380871_305482_3454 89407_n.jpg

[Adam Savage]

Adam, you are turning into a one-man bushcraft whirlwind these days mate, can't keep up with you buddy...!

Loving the knives mate.

Re: a belt sander... have you thought about a cheapo hand-held like the one here... http://www.screwfix.com/p/direct-power-pgfb76-3-belt-sander-230v/82946 and then make a simple wooden mount to hold it either upside down (like the one i've got in the workshop) or else upright a bit like a linisher. I'm guessing that Mike's jig/rig could then be built into this set up ?

Paul.

Thanks Paul. I have a 3" handheld belt sander already, which I use some times. The only trouble with it is, the drive belt casing gets in the way, so only one bevel can be ground properly. A reverse jig could be made, but it would need a lot of setting up to get it perfect, plus they spin at a much higher speed than the larger band sanders and belt grinders.

[Adam Savage]

Work on the Kydex sheath has begun...

In the homemade press (silicone sheet, four layers of roll mat, two pieces of 1" MDF)

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/220920111072.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/220920111073.jpg

Rough cut out...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/220920111074.jpg

Smoothed and eased edges...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/220920111075.jpg

Just waiting for the eyelets to arrive now. :)

[CanadianMike]

Looking good! I'm making a better Kydex belt sheath for my Swiss Army Soldier Knife (the new one, the one that's hard to find a decent sheath for due to shape), first one worked great but was done with thinner kydex and the belt loop (went with integral, folded over without support at the bottom, with a hook on the bottom, was too floppy) in between making Scout knives. Working with Kydex is fun! :)

[Adam Savage]

Looking good! I'm making a better Kydex belt sheath for my Swiss Army Soldier Knife (the new one, the one that's hard to find a decent sheath for due to shape), first one worked great but was done with thinner kydex and the belt loop (went with integral, folded over without support at the bottom, with a hook on the bottom, was too floppy) in between making Scout knives. Working with Kydex is fun! :)

It's so much easier than leather and you get to play with hot stuff and rubbery plastic :p

Need to make the firesteel loop, and have a dangler idea for the belt loop.

[Savagewolfrm]

love the Kydex press much simpler than my one. the whole degign is looking great mate, really looking forward to seeing the finished article in the flesh next week.. didnt think obout asking if you wanted eyelets for the kydex, i have some of them as well and some screws. oh well next time
ATB

[Adam Savage]

love the Kydex press much simpler than my one. the whole degign is looking great mate, really looking forward to seeing the finished article in the flesh next week.. didnt think obout asking if you wanted eyelets for the kydex, i have some of them as well and some screws. oh well next time
ATB

I got the idea from a guy on youtube, but he didn't have the silicone sheet, so his foam kept melting. It does for what I want though lol. Thinking of using the orange kydex for axe sheaths. Cheers for sending the sheets over mate. Have just about enough of the black left for the firesteel loop, so all is looking good.
You'll be the first to see it at the weekend mate, don't worry :)

[Adam Savage]

Update...again...:p

Started the next one (my excuse is, I didn't want to fire up the forge, just to harden one blade :))..

Cut out and keep...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/230920111076.jpg

Start to grind...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/230920111077.jpg

[markal17]

this is my not home made knife http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2467&d=1316819631

[Adam Savage]

Do you use that knife a lot? I used to have a rubbery, grippy, type handled knife before, but found it gave me blisters if I used it heavily. Maybe it was just a poor shape though.

[Adam Savage]

That blade does look nice though :)

[markal17]

all the time in and around the house it splits wood lovely it does all i need it to do well sharp to

[Adam Savage]

Latest update...

Sheath is now complete...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111080.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111081.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111082.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111083.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111084.jpg

Sorry for the fuzzy last pic.

New jig put to work again...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111085.jpg

And two blades ready for hardening...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111088.jpg

[markal17]

cool pic knife looks good mate

[CanadianMike]

Nice job. You might want to draw file the area where the bevel meets the flat, will straighten in out more, but after hardening and removing the de-carbourized surfaces on the edge and sanding, it might just blend in.

BTW, do you file right to your final edge before heat treating? Should leave about 1mm width at the edge before HT, then clear off the soft exterior to get to the sharpenable part of the steel. But, trying to use a file on a hardened and tempered blade.......... buy the damned belt grinder you were looking at already!!!! Lol :P

[Adam Savage]

Thanks guys.

Mike, I may well do that. It's only the top one that has a "grey area" I think. And I left a mil on each mate, it's just hidden by the shadow :)

[Adam Savage]

ok, hardened and tempered, most of the gunk taken off. All that's left is to final sharpen them, then it's onto scale city. :)

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/240920111090.jpg

[Adam Savage]

And they aren't actually brown, that's the poor light in here lol.

[CanadianMike]

Yay!

Guess I am used to what HT'd blades look like, didn't look brown at all to me. What temp/how long/how many cycles did you temper them for? Heck, never asked, (beer makes me blind too), what type of steel did you use?

[Adam Savage]

The top one is A2 and the bottom one O1. No idea on the actual temp, as I used a blow torch on the spine, watch for the "straw" colour creeping toward the edge (as demonstrated by greenpete in his video). I know, not very scientific, or professional, but it worked brilliantly with my first knife. That one takes hell of a beating with a baton with no problems at all.

[LandRoverMatt]

the knifes looks nice Adam good job

[Adam Savage]

the knifes looks nice Adam good job

Thanks Matt.

[CanadianMike]

The top one is A2 and the bottom one O1. No idea on the actual temp, as I used a blow torch on the spine, watch for the "straw" colour creeping toward the edge (as demonstrated by greenpete in his video). I know, not very scientific, or professional, but it worked brilliantly with my first knife. That one takes hell of a beating with a baton with no problems at all.

Why so complicated? LOL! Seriously, I do the lazy route, heat the toaster oven to 375F, put the blades in for an hour, let cool down as the oven cools, preheat again and put in for another hour, let cool, done. Turns out really tough as well, less effort. ;) Unsure about the A2, but I know the O1 tempered at 375F gives about 56-58 Rockwell hardness, softer at higher temps. I will have to try the blow torch way at some point though.

BTW, what did you quench in?

[Adam Savage]

For the hardening I quenched in hypoid gear oil, for the tempering I quenched in water. I believe the idea of the blowtorch on the spine, is to soften the spine slightly and retain a hard cutting edge, making the knife less likely to snap under trauma. I will have to try your method.

Just sharpened the blades (might need a little more to be shaving sharp though), and had a pop at polishing, but I think my rouge isn't abrasive enough to be effective. Here's a few shots from different angles. You'll notice the bevel on the thinner blade is a little off, toward the curve. I'm not too bothered by it really though :). You'll also notice the remaining scratches, but I shall grab some autosol ASAP.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/250920111092.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/250920111093.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/250920111091.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Yes, differential hardening, focusing on making the spine softer is for that reason. I haven't seen a need for it yet with O1, have yet to mark the spine while batoning, etc. but still want to try that method out. I think it's mainly for steels and knives where the edge needs to be really hard, and the back soft, such as if making a knife from a file or a laminated blade with hard high carbon in the middle and softer lower carbon on the sides. One thing I've found though, is having a soft back doesn't seem to work that well with a fire striker, from my experience anyways. Maybe it's more due to not having sharp edges on my spine. I just use the steel that comes with the fire striker anyways, less hassle and safer.

Your knives look awesome now, they cleaned up really well. Are you able to get up to 2000x sandpaper? Of you did already and used rouge to polish?

[andy202wr]

Great pictures and a fantastic jig.

[Adam Savage]

Yes, differential hardening, focusing on making the spine softer is for that reason. I haven't seen a need for it yet with O1, have yet to mark the spine while batoning, etc. but still want to try that method out. I think it's mainly for steels and knives where the edge needs to be really hard, and the back soft, such as if making a knife from a file or a laminated blade with hard high carbon in the middle and softer lower carbon on the sides. One thing I've found though, is having a soft back doesn't seem to work that well with a fire striker, from my experience anyways. Maybe it's more due to not having sharp edges on my spine. I just use the steel that comes with the fire striker anyways, less hassle and safer.

Your knives look awesome now, they cleaned up really well. Are you able to get up to 2000x sandpaper? Of you did already and used rouge to polish?

Like you, I normally use the piece of steel, as a striker, or a piece of hacksaw blade, rather than the spine. I see your point with the steel types V method. I'll go with the double oven burn next time ;).

The finest paper I have at present, is 500G, so I will try and get some 2000. For these, I just used a 3000 grit whetstone, then to the wheel, but slurry build up causes the odd surface scratch.


Great pictures and a fantastic jig.

Thanks Andy. It's simple, but has great adjustment and precision. I won't be going back to my "block of wood jig" from now on lol.

[CanadianMike]

That works. I found the automotive body work section of my local hardware store has the finer grits of sandpaper, up til then I thought 600x was the finest I could get without spending on premium paper elsewhere, is actually cheaper than buying the coarser stuff at the same store. Lol

[Adam Savage]

I used to have some polishing paper in a kit, but the sheets were only around 6" square. I will pop to the auto shop tomorrow. Thinking of getting a die grinder stone, for using in the drill press as a kind of milling bit, to smooth inside tight curves. I tried it with an old rotary file I had, but it was only a cheap one and smoothed off all the teeth lol.

[CanadianMike]

Lol, yup, you made them hard!!

And Dremel with sanding drum for the win!

[Adam Savage]

I thought about that, but I haven't got a stand to hold it at a perfect 90º angle. Didn't want to risk chamfering the edges. Might be able to make something up though :)

[CanadianMike]

Well, the edges will likely get smoothed out and rounded when you shape the handle...... I don't put too much focus on making my finger grooves square, more to clean up and smooth out.

[Adam Savage]

I'll give it a go. just got back from my shopping spree. Finest paper I could get was 1200, but it's better than nothing. Got a set of die grinder stones too (aluminium oxide) and a couple of Rexon belts, to see if I can make a belt sander attachment for my bench grinder. I can see it's going to be tricky to get right, but I'm always up for a challenge lol.

[Adam Savage]

Just finished one of the new ones (except sheath, lanyard, firesteel)...

Materials ready...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/260920111095-1.jpg

Get sticky...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111096.jpg

Get even stickier...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111097-1.jpg

Start shaping up...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111098-1.jpg

And after a bit more shaping up...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111102-1.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111101-1.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111100-1.jpg

Not perfect, and in need of a little more cleaning, but not too bad I think :).

[CanadianMike]

Nice work, looks like a comfy handle.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mike. Yeah, it feels nice and seems to offer a good amount of grip.

[Silverback]

nice work again Adam

[Adam Savage]

Thanks mate. Just finished shaping the handle a little more...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/270920111103.jpg

[Adam Savage]

Next blade...

Made some mosaics, bonded liners and scales to blank, outlined scales to handle profile, treated with hardener, waiting for hardener to set...

Yes they are girlie liners, it's going to Ivan's daughter lol.

Spalted beech...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/041020111109.jpg

Pressing matters...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/061020111119.jpg

Get a grip...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/061020111120.jpg

Toughen up...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/061020111121.jpg

[Adam Savage]

And yeah, I know, I forgot I was using mosaics, and by the time I remembered, it was too late to rotate them :(

[CanadianMike]

LOL............been there, done that. :(

[Adam Savage]

We learn (hopefully) from our mistakes lol. I might have to knock up a jig to hold the pins in the future, then slide the scales/liners and tang, over them, layer at a time while bonding. Maybe that'll stop me making the mistake again....some how I doubt it though. ;)

[CanadianMike]

I just make a mental note after the first time to look at the pins and give a rotate with pliers after gluing and shoving through.

[Adam Savage]

Sounds like the most effective and simple way. At least this knife is a freebie, so it's not too critical.

[Adam Savage]

Just finished her, shame about the pins, but ah well.


Some moody sales shots...ok it aint perfect hahaha.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMGP3850.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMGP3851.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMGP3849.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMGP3848.jpg

[andy202wr]

"Just finished her, shame about the pins, but ah well."

Why Whats wrong with the pins. Looks fine to me.:)

[Adam Savage]

They are at odd angles, would have looked better if they were both 45º or both at 90º

[jus_young]

They are at odd angles, would have looked better if they were both 45º or both at 90º

I disagree. Having them different adds to the knife. Not everything in life is symetrical and it helps to make this knife personal and individual.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Jus.

[Martin]

I agree, they look terrible misaligned like that!!

Martin ;)

[Adam Savage]

And...they aren't made of titanium :p

But they do have carbonfibre cores :)

[markal17]

cool looking knife i for one like the way the pins are

[CanadianMike]

Nice job buddy, I wish I could find some of that wood. I just have to settle for spalted maple. Lol

[Silverback]

They are at odd angles, would have looked better if they were both 45º or both at 90º

Disagree, its different and unique, and a wonderful bit of craftmanship. You could make the pins your trademark

[Adam Savage]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

And Sapper, I could be "Wonky pin guy" lol

[Silverback]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

And Sapper, I could be "Wonky pin guy" lol

pin the tail on wonky ?

[Adam Savage]

Oh dear...that's almost half as bad as my jokes..;)

[CanadianMike]

As long as you don't have to resort to 'wonking off' every night when setting your pin....................

Do I win? :)

[Adam Savage]

And Mike takes the lead.....how long can he keep it...(in his pants) :p

[Silverback]

And Mike takes the lead.....how long can he keep it...(in his pants) :p

Whistle while you wonk

[jus_young]

Remember your a wonkle (now I'm showing my age)

[Adam Savage]

haha...a little more...erm...civilised? lol

Sheath is done...traditional as it gets, cut over-sized from saddle leather, glued, double stitched, rivet reinforced, soaked in boiling water and shrink fitted to the knife.
Tough as old boots (literally) and nice secure grip. Also purple and black lanyard, to match the liners.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111126.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111127.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111128.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111130.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111132.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111133.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111134.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111131.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/071020111135.jpg

[rossbird]

All I will say is....your obvious, natural skill in this area, makes me sick Adam;)

[Adam Savage]

It's not perfect, but thanks my friend. :)

[CanadianMike]

Cool, looks great!

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mike. I'm quite happy with it. To me it looks like an old hand made sheath. Well, they were using the same methods of leather working in the middle ages :)

[CanadianMike]

Exactly my thoughts too, old school sheath. Guess great minds DO think alike........... in our case, mere coincidence. ;)

[Adam Savage]

I agree totally and whole heartedly ;)

[CanadianMike]

Lol, I thought as much.

Just got word from my buddy (Canadian Forces) who got the first three Scout knives, the prototypes which he kept one and gave the other two to his best men after his wedding, one of them is being deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan with the new owner shortly. Pretty sweet, and also was told his buddy used the knife in Killhouse training after his rifle mag ran dry. Poor maniquen......

[Adam Savage]

Sounds cool. :)

[Silverback]

wonk on the wild side?

Dead mans click ? not good - British squaddie would have had his bayonet fitted...they dont like it up em Capt. Mainwaring

[Adam Savage]

or just break out the grenades :)

[Silverback]

Giant Viper is good for clearing Enemy Positions ;)

[Adam Savage]

AA12s work quite well too, especially with a 32 round drum of HE rounds :)

[Silverback]

I'll see your AA12 and raise it with MLRS :happy-clapping:

[Adam Savage]

i see your MLRS and raise you HMS Dragon :p

[Silverback]

i see your MLRS and raise you HMS Dragon :p

I see your HMS Dragon and raise you 1 Pershing 2 ICBM................'I am become death'

There we are boys and girls the 'cold war' in a nutshell

and back on topic when are you going to make these works of art commericially then ?

[Adam Savage]

Not sure about works of art, but I shall be starting work on four small neck knives, next week. Two are already spoken for and the other two will be up for grabs.
O1 blades, 2 or 3 finger (haven't decided yet) 3.2mm thick, mid to high grind, Micarta scales, Kydex sheaths. Might make two of them spalted beech scales and leather sheaths, but not sure yet. Will see how they go.

[Adam Savage]

Sneak peek....

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/neckknife.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Good man, cant wait to see how they turn out! I'm prepping spalted maple scales now to put on my Scout, can post a pic here later.....

[Adam Savage]

Cool, I have cut up the rest of my beech, into various patterns/directions/sizes/etc. to let them air and settle to a shape. The tree has been cut down for several years, but being outside, has been wet, then dry, then wet, lol.

Look forward to seeing spalted maple (spalple? :))

[CanadianMike]

Baconwood. :D

[Adam Savage]

Baconwood. :D

Now there's an idea for an interesting two-tone handle...:?

[CanadianMike]

Yup, is what came to mind when you started coming up with new names for spalted maple, multicolour, maple, maple syrup.......maple syrup flavoured bacon.......... baconwood!

[Adam Savage]

I like your way of thinking. A couple of the pieces of beech, I cut along the grain, to give a streaky pattern, rather than the leopard/snakeskin pattern. Kinda looks a bit like bacon lol.

[CanadianMike]

I suspect we may be onto something....... lol

[Adam Savage]

Quick...to the workshop...lol

[Silverback]

I like your way of thinking. A couple of the pieces of beech, I cut along the grain, to give a streaky pattern, rather than the leopard/snakeskin pattern. Kinda looks a bit like bacon lol.

combined with your wonky pins to give?......WACON !!

[Adam Savage]

Bonky wacon? lol

[CanadianMike]

Doh!!!

[Adam Savage]

Basic blanks cut out...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111144.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111145.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111146.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111147.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111149.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111151.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Those things are like cute baby Scout knives! Lol, love em!!!

[markal17]

HOW much im putting my order in now ok mate

[Adam Savage]

Got the bevel and pin holes on the first one...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/111020111153.jpg

Went for a 20% (ish) bevel instead of the full flat grind. Wise decision or not?

[Adam Savage]

Will send you a PM mate.

[CanadianMike]

One of my first knives I made a 22 degree bevel in it and found it ok, but then went for 14 degrees, found it to be strong as well as better for cutting. Literally, I decide what bevel to go for based upon blade style and width, and see if it looks proportional to the knife. My Scouts I started with the 12 degree and liked it, then did three at 14 degrees, found it didn't suit the blade as well, so I reground them at 12 degrees.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mike, Might have a regrinding session tomorrow lol.

[andy202wr]

What type of wood are you using that looks like scales. It looks realy nice.

[Adam Savage]

What type of wood are you using that looks like scales. It looks realy nice.

Thanks Andy.
Wish I did have some wood that looked like fish scales, that would look great.

[andy202wr]

Perhaps scales is the wrong word to use. Veins might be more of what it looks like. And what steel have you used for the "baby scout knives"

[Adam Savage]

Oh, the vein/scale/snakeskin like wood on the other knife was spalted beech. These are made of O-1 steel.

[andy202wr]

Thanks for that I will have to look out for some.

[Adam Savage]

Just tried the next one with a 12º bevel. Seems to work better I think. Any input Mike?

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/121020111154.jpg

[markal17]

looking good mate

[CanadianMike]

Just tried the next one with a 12º bevel. Seems to work better I think. Any input Mike?

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/121020111154.jpg

That's a tough one, seems something halfway would best suit it............ the previous one is 14 degrees?

[CanadianMike]

Sneak peek....

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/neckknife.jpg

But......... it is closer to your initial design........

[Adam Savage]

Just checked again. Yeah, top one is 14º and the bottom one is 12º. Like I said, it's 4mm so the bevels look higher than if it were 3mm (obviously lol) and being a neck knife, it's not gunna have quite as much force put on the edge, as a normal knife. Also only being a two finger, I thought a shallower angle would be better, as you don't need to put so much pressure on it to cut.

[CanadianMike]

Ah yes, very true! I use 1/8" steel which is a slight bit over 3mm, therefore the bevels aren't the same.

One trick I figured out is to print off a protractor on paper, draw a line from center to the angle you want (say 14 degrees), then use a ruler to slide along the triangle to find the thickness of the steel you have and draw a line there. Gives you the exact idea on how steep the bevel will be for that thickness of steel.

Honestly, both look good to my eye, one as a utility blade, the other as a small skinner. Can always ask the customer which they prefer...... ;)

[Adam Savage]

This is very true Mike. I normally use another blade I have laying around to get a rough idea of the bevel I should use, but your way seems a lot better :).
Also to get the angle on my little jig (still waiting for the belt sander to arrive), I find a roofers square and straight edge, works quite well.

http://www.charliesdirect.co.uk/images/products/l/silverline-aluminium-alloy-roofers-square-1.jpg

lay the flat (0º) face on the base board (flat surface the blank sits on) and run the straight edge along the side and up to the rest. Being around 6" long, the roofers square gives an easy to read angle, compared to a domestic protractor.

[CanadianMike]

Lol, that thing confuses me!

[Adam Savage]

lol. I only use the outside scale nearest the edge, it's in real angles haha.

[Adam Savage]

Ok three 12º and a 14º, all ready for hardening.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/121020111157.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Yay! I gotta do more bevelling of blanks and harden them soon, have nine left and not sure if I should do all in one go or continue small batches of three. All really weather dependant......

[Adam Savage]

Hardened and cleaned up the blanks today. Just need to sharpen them to almost sharp, then temper, final edge, then it's onto the handles :).

If you did batches of three, it could leave some room for special order bevels and whatnot. ?? Whatever seems to suit you and your buyers I guess.

[Adam Savage]

After hardening...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/131020111158.jpg

After a quick face cleanup...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/131020111159.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Should temper as soon after you harden, lots of stresses in there and also the steel will be softer after tempering and easier to bring it closer to sharp. Gonna try the oven trick for these? Incidentally, setting it to 400F will bring those to a light gold/straw colour.....

You are right in a way, am about to offer thumb jimping as an option for these knives, outside of that all knives are identical except colour and finish, but the jimping has to be done while the steel is annealed. Besides, three knives going through the first bevel stage...... lots of steel floating around my bench and garage already, and I don't want to do that for a long haul of time.

[Adam Savage]

Ok mate, will temper the blades tomorrow. Will give the oven trick a try. When I have differentially tempered in the past, the method tends to leave the bevel and edge pretty hard anyway, so not a lot of difference in working them after. I like your method though. Partly because the whole blade softens up and is easier to work lol.
I hear what you're saying with the steel laying around. It also gets pretty tedious, doing the same thing over and over, with identical knives haha.

[CanadianMike]

Tomorrow? Lol, tempering is the lazy time to take a break and do something else! Toss in for an hour after reaching temp, set the timer for an hour and leave be, turn off the oven and let cool, then reheat again, let cool. No quenching required. After you can heat the spine with the torch as you have in the past, that is what you can do tomorrow. ;)

[Adam Savage]

I have and had, things to get on with lol. I have just got myself a belt sander 1" x 30", which should make the tidying of the bevels a little easier. Will get the oven up and running tomorrow, first thing :D

[markal17]

looking good i realy like the look of the 12º il have one of those for shore

[Adam Savage]

Just got back in from picking up my shiny new bench sander/belt sander/band sander (whichever you want to call it lol). Should make things a little neater and easier.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/131020111160.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Nice little jobbie Adam!! Now, remove the side panel to make it easier to change/replace belts, and remove the upper guard above the top wheel to use that wheel to grind curves for finger grip rounds, etc. Is the way mine is set up, can't even remember where I put the clear top guard I found it so useless (faceshield helps). I'm actually considering buying a second belt grinder when it goes on sale, remove the flat part that provides the 90 degree to the table, and remove the table itself, is very handy for having a larger flexible section of belt to sand both the back spine and the handle top smooth and round. Both get in the way for me, and fiddling with the small screws and table to set it up with a large platten is annoying, I'd rather spend the cash and have a dedicated unit for that. Besides, mine is a year old and extrememly well used!!!!

[Adam Savage]

I have the side panel off when using it anyway (even though I only started using it today :)), I watched a couple clips on the net of people using the Harbor Freight, which is identical. It also gives the fillings/sparks somewhere to go, rather than building up around the wheels or fence opening. She seems to work well.
I used it to tidy up the grind on the knives, after tempering (I still did it with a blowtorch, as I was forbidden from using the oven, after the "Kydex Incident" :D).

The 14º...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/141020111162.jpg

And next to the 12º...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/141020111163.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Lol, the 'Kydex incident', I can only imagine. Just do what I did, hit up the bargin store and by a cheap used toaster oven and keep it in your shop. Easy and cheap as pie (in some cases, cheaper than pie!)

[Adam Savage]

I shall keep my eyes peeled mate.

[CanadianMike]

What's that you say, you are going to try your hand at making a potato peeler next? ;)

[Adam Savage]

LOL, I think that would be an easy one. Use an old hand saw blade, a dremel to cut a couple slots in it, bend them out a little and then harden. ;)

[CanadianMike]

Hmmm.... makes me want to try now...........

[Adam Savage]

lol.

well, here's the two "made to order" blades, with homemade micarta scales. Not perfect, but not too bad either...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0008.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0007.jpg

[markal17]

ooow looking very good mate me thinks sod makeing them when i can get them off crazy cool pic mate

[Adam Savage]

Thanks mate. Will post pics of the wood handled ones tomorrow, and hopefully get the sheaths made too.

[markal17]

ok cool

[rossbird]

Great work Adam.....you'll be moving to bigger premises soon.

[CanadianMike]

Adorable little guys! :)

[Adam Savage]

I have plans for a workshop, out back. lol

They are cute, ain't they. :D

[Adam Savage]

OK all done now. I can have a day off :)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0012.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0014.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0018.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0019.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0023.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0025.jpg

[Silverback]

really nice work Adam, really nice.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Wayne. Much appreciated.

[markal17]

well nice mate iv sent pm love the black with the wood will go with the rest of my stuff thanks

[CanadianMike]

Those turned out really well, awesome!!

[still water]

that looks great chap nice work.

[Adam Savage]

Those turned out really well, awesome!!

Thanks Mike. I did find out, that 1.5mm Kydex, isn't anywhere near as suitable for sheaths, as 2mm. It's just not as rigid, so doesn't hold the knife quite as firm as I would like.


that looks great chap nice work.

Cheers buddy. I'll get my head sorted for the next lot now lol.

[CanadianMike]

Hehe, yup, found that out too. It forms really nice, but just doesn't have the solid feel about it.

[JEEP]

These are so awesomely cut(e)!

I could really go for one of the orange ones.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Jakob. You never know. I might make another batch at some point. :)

[Woodwose]

They look great Adam. :happy-clapping: What are your thoughts on making them as a folder, sort of like a Svord peasant. Would it be do-able or are we moving into unchartered territory here. I would love to see a sub 3" EDC in that style.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks mate.
A friction folder should be fairly easy. I will have a go when I get some more steel in :)

[Adam Savage]

I have uploaded a four part video of making these last few knives, if anyone is interested.

Savage Bushcraft YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/crazysaint222?feature=mhee)

[markal17]

thanks crazysaint my new knife is well good and very sharp il put pic up later.if the knife bites me can i claim for it rofl
bloody good knife
did i say i like my new knife http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2697&d=1319288155http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2701&d=1319288300

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mark. Liking the accessories you've added to. :)

[markal17]

yer they came off a crapy dajo that broke so put the pouch on a much better made knife. its from the crazysaint collection im geting rofl

[Adam Savage]

LOL. The only thing I will mention, is the Kydex for the sheath, is only the 1mm stuff, so if it stops holding the blade at all, send the knife and sheath back, and I can either refit the sheath, or make a fresh one from thicker kydex.

[CanadianMike]

I tell my customers they can warm the kydex with a hairdryer and mold it like clay in case they want to loosen or tighten the grip it has on the knife.

My newest Scout knife I may go back to the thinner Kydex since I want to fold it over the knife blade as opposed to the usual two piece design, will see what happens.

[Adam Savage]

I molded the thin ones to tighten their grip, but the flex in them meant there was still a "wobble", even though the knives wouldn't fall out, I just don't like that wobble lol.
I have a couple sheets of the thicker stuff now. Same as the orange ones I made. They have a much nicer fit in my opinion, just not the shapely form.
Like you say though, the single piece, folded sheaths, have much less flex.

[CanadianMike]

Ya, early on I learned with the thinner stuff and liked the way it formed, but was too flimsy feeling, so I focused more on the thicker stuff (I bought three thicknesses at first, only got 0.093" because that's the only thickness coyote brown comes in, but the black and OD I got were 0.080" thick). Still have lots left over to last me a while, but stupid me, through all the orders I made, didn't once order black paracord and I'm almost out........ would feel like a dummy for ordering $16 of cord and nothing else, but a buddy of mine (he makes those paracord bracelets and sells them) is going to hop on my next order too......... obviously he'll pay the bulk of the shipping and duty...... LOL!!!

[Adam Savage]

Ya, early on I learned with the thinner stuff and liked the way it formed, but was too flimsy feeling, so I focused more on the thicker stuff (I bought three thicknesses at first, only got 0.093" because that's the only thickness coyote brown comes in, but the black and OD I got were 0.080" thick). Still have lots left over to last me a while, but stupid me, through all the orders I made, didn't once order black paracord and I'm almost out........ would feel like a dummy for ordering $16 of cord and nothing else, but a buddy of mine (he makes those paracord bracelets and sells them) is going to hop on my next order too......... obviously he'll pay the bulk of the shipping and duty...... LOL!!!

Do you order it from the same place you get the Kydex? ;)

[markal17]

ok thanks sheath seam good to me mate

[Adam Savage]

Next three blades cut out, and bevels ground on two of them...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0096.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0097.jpg

[Martin]

How did the new jig go Adam? Would love to see it in action as I couldn't quite work out how you are going to use it on the pics you posted the other day.

Martin

[Adam Savage]

Seemed to work ok Martin. Here's the video of it in action.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhzsiGkq8II&feature=player_embedded

[Martin]

Seemed to work ok Martin. Here's the video of it in action.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhzsiGkq8II&feature=player_embedded

Thanks mate, had a look. I thought this was for use with your file set up. Looks like it works really well, but shame for me that I don't have the grinder/linisher.

Martin

[Adam Savage]

Oh, sorry mate. The file jig is pretty self contained, as far as angle setup is concerned. I didn't have one of these belt sander/belt grinder/band sander/linisher (whatever people have decided to call it :)) until recently, then I found this one on eBay. brand new, in box, £21.99. It's great for finishing the bevels, after hardening. A lot of folk in the states use them for sharpening, as you can get many belt grits and even a leather stropping belt for them.

[markal17]

looking good mate are you makeing the handle with the same wood as the knife you made me i do hope so
cool vid

[Savagewolfrm]

Mr modest
Looking very good Adam that jig is a great little device well thought out and easy design. Told you that you would get the bug for making knives. Nice knife design by the way

[Tony1948]

Show us a photo of it then

[Adam Savage]

looking good mate are you makeing the handle with the same wood as the knife you made me i do hope so
cool vid

I was thinking of a nice piece of walnut burl I have kicking about, but If you're thinking of a second purchase i could put the aboudikro on it.


Mr modest
Looking very good Adam that jig is a great little device well thought out and easy design. Told you that you would get the bug for making knives. Nice knife design by the way

Thanks mate. Will knock you one of these jigs up if you decide to get a belt sander like the one you mentioned.


Show us a photo of it then

Photo of which bit? If you mean the jig, the thread is here (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?2171-Adjustable-Knife-Grinding-Jig). If you mean the knife, I'll post pics as I go mate.

[Tony1948]

Impressive jig Adam.Works a lot better than my hand file set up thats the same as greenpete did in the woods vid, RESPECT.

[Adam Savage]

Impressive jig Adam.Works a lot better than my hand file set up thats the same as greenpete did in the woods vid, RESPECT.

Thanks Tony. Like Martin pointed out though, if you don't have a bench mounted belt sander like those, then it's not really much good to you lol. I still like my filing jig for large blades.

[CanadianMike]

Good stuff, looks like the set up works well for you, a bit of a step up from mine. :)

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mike. Now all I have to do is get my standards up to somewhere near yours :)



On a progress reporting kind of note, Just finished putting the file work on the tang of the "WoodBee Big Grip" (yeah, the names get worse :p)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0099.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0100.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Hey, my standards are getting higher (aka worse) ever since I started using Jap waterstones on my bevels as a means of sanding/polishing, I see a lot of unseen things about my technique I never knew was there before, slight little blemishes made from slight rocking of the jig on the belt, etc. I've since dubbed them "The Stones of Truth" because they show all.....

[Adam Savage]

lol, I'd take the easy way out and use "The Stones of BS" :D

[CanadianMike]

Speaking of which, I think I'm going to spend a couple hours using said Stones of BS to put a flat bevel on my original Shaman knife, is in need of sharpening as it's been in use since January........ I can only imagine the things it'll uncover since that was maybe two dozen knives ago!!!

[Adam Savage]

I'm sure it will be perfect Mike.

[Adam Savage]

Just finished the file work properly now (added a few more "Vs" to the pattern)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0105.jpg


Also got myself a mini oven :). 18l capacity, 230 degrees C, multi function with 1 hour timer.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0112.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0111.jpg

[Savagewolfrm]

That's so cool you can cook your turkey dinner in it when your knife making only need a fridge now to keep the brews in lol

[CanadianMike]

Exactly what I was talking about buddy, that's what we call a toaster oven over here, use if for cooking small meals, knife tempering, and yes, making toast! Those things were my nemesis for most of my life, I avoided them like the plague because I'd always burn my hand while turning something or removing it (ok, my only experiences with them were from someone else like my spouse cooking with them, and asking me to remove their food....... burn! I worked in enough restaurants when I was younger to know how useless they are in the kitchen), but I'm doing better now with one in the garage beside my workbench for tempering knives, warming larger pieces of Kydex, etc.

And here are the before & after pics of my knife, was actually able to use my 14 degree (7 deg) jig on this without the handle getting in the way of the belt grinder table!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381738_10150371269454207_510619206_8014508_1068089 658_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302631_10150371269729207_510619206_8014509_1477422 905_n.jpg

And after regrinding to 800x, then a couple hours on the water stones to 8000x:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300247_10150371270609207_510619206_8014515_1336480 542_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390509_10150371271044207_510619206_8014518_2989644 87_n.jpg

So ya, worked out very well, sharper than before, and because of the polishing and flattening of the bevel on the stones, will have less resistance when cutting than before. :)

[Adam Savage]

That's so cool you can cook your turkey dinner in it when your knife making only need a fridge now to keep the brews in lol

It'll have to be a baby turkey lol. I could get sliced turkey maybe ??????? haha


Exactly what I was talking about buddy, that's what we call a toaster oven over here, use if for cooking small meals, knife tempering, and yes, making toast! Those things were my nemesis for most of my life, I avoided them like the plague because I'd always burn my hand while turning something or removing it (ok, my only experiences with them were from someone else like my spouse cooking with them, and asking me to remove their food....... burn! I worked in enough restaurants when I was younger to know how useless they are in the kitchen), but I'm doing better now with one in the garage beside my workbench for tempering knives, warming larger pieces of Kydex, etc.

So ya, worked out very well, sharper than before, and because of the polishing and flattening of the bevel on the stones, will have less resistance when cutting than before. :)

Looking good Mike, I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of mirror finish knives, but I think that's mainly because I lack the ability to polish them like that haha. Besides, I use my knives a fair bit, and expect all the ones I make to be used too, so they won't stay too shiny for long without a bit of elbow grease :)

They sometimes call them toaster ovens over here too, but all the one's I've seen that are called that, have been 8-10 litre capacity. I wanted to go bigger for Kydex, like you pointed out, and for £24.99 I couldn't say no (God bless Argos lol). It seems odd, as the toaster function uses the top and bottom elements, and so does the bake function, with a separate grill function, where only the top element is used. Weird, why didn't they just use the bake function as the toast function? They both do the same lol. Anyway, rant over lol.

[CanadianMike]

Is easy to maintain the mirror finish, isn't exactly what I was going for but that's the result from the stones, and I polished just to see how many of the 'clouds' would stay and go. Be easier to keep sharp though, where it was a double bevel before it's much more a Scandi grind now, so I just have to lay the bevel flat on the stones to keep it up. Is my working knife anyways, so it'll likely get scuffed up more, especially when batoning logs........ again.

The grill feature only heats the top in order to melt cheese on something and brown it without cooking what's underneath too much. Picture garlic bread with cheese melted on top, or nachos. :)

[Adam Savage]

The grill feature only heats the top in order to melt cheese on something and brown it without cooking what's underneath too much. Picture garlic bread with cheese melted on top, or nachos. :)

I know the grill function does that, but mine has a toasting function too, which I would have thought was the same as grilling, i.e. just the top elements, but it uses both sets, exactly the same as the baking function does. My query was more, why have three functions, when two of those functions appear to do exactly the same thing.

[CanadianMike]

Good question............... I'm not that familiar with them, remember, they've always been my nemesis......... and I only really know the temper and warming settings. Lol

[Adam Savage]

Ahhh well, I used it to melt...I mean, heat...heat some Kydex :p, today. It's gunna take a little getting used to. It seems to get much hotter than my fan oven, even when set to the same temp :confused2:. So the Kydex shrank a little, but it was still usable.

[CanadianMike]

I mostly use a heat gun these days for all Kydex work.

[Adam Savage]

I don't have a heat gun at the moment :(, but I have one on order :)

[CanadianMike]

Likely you'll find it easier, especially when you want to heat just an area and not the entire thing. Even doing the entire thing with a heat gun you can see any shiny blistered spots starting, but when in an oven, unless you are getting a sunburn from watching every second in there, you can't control it as well. Maybe I just need more practice and less multitasking?

[jus_young]

Lidls are doing the little ovens for £29.99 available next week I believe.

[CanadianMike]

I got my second one (the first burned out the two bottom elements after about 6 months of use and wouldn't go over 350F, found that problem after one of my almost finished blades easily chipped on the edge when using a leather awl to snug fit paracord) I bought at a thrift shop for $15, so they are worth buying used and cheap..........

[Adam Savage]

Likely you'll find it easier, especially when you want to heat just an area and not the entire thing. Even doing the entire thing with a heat gun you can see any shiny blistered spots starting, but when in an oven, unless you are getting a sunburn from watching every second in there, you can't control it as well. Maybe I just need more practice and less multitasking?

I doubt you need more practice Mike. I shall have a play with the new gun when it turns up :)


Lidls are doing the little ovens for £29.99 available next week I believe.

I bought mine from Argos, they were selling the cookworks 18L for £24.99 (reduced from £39.99) T^


I got my second one (the first burned out the two bottom elements after about 6 months of use and wouldn't go over 350F, found that problem after one of my almost finished blades easily chipped on the edge when using a leather awl to snug fit paracord) I bought at a thrift shop for $15, so they are worth buying used and cheap..........

That sucks a little. This ovens good for 450°f (232°c), so should be comfortable with 400 every now and then for an hour at a time. If not, it has a 12 month warranty, so they can have it back lol.

[CanadianMike]

My first one was large, and went up to 450F as well, just with the two elements crapping out, is why the temp wouldn't go over 350F, since that is what the four elements were required for. Minimum I'd temper at was 375F, but 350F leaves it too hard and brittle, so I chucked it out after I found my newer used one that WILL go to 450F based upon the internal thermometer I bought last year (is the only way I can be sure of my tempering temp inside). Seems this oven is about 25F higher inside than what I set the dial to, so I tweak it as I need during warm up, once there (at 400F now, taking less chances after the chipping incident) I toss the blades in, rack the timer to 1 hour and go do other stuff, then come back a couple hours later and when able to hold in hand easy, start over again and retemper for another hour.

[Adam Savage]

I see. I mis read your post, sorry mate. I think I better get one of those thermometers. Will be using the oven for the three blades I'm doing now, using your temps and times.

[CanadianMike]

It's handy, the one I got is just a cheap dial oven one on a stand, and I adjust the oven as needed before sticking the blades (or Kydex) in. Past half dozen I've made I've tempered at 400F, just to be safe and see if it's any different/better. Haven't noticed much of a difference so far.

[Adam Savage]

My heat gun arrived today, and had to finish a mora sheath for Skate, so put it to use right away. Quite pleased with the results actually. Oh and I ran out of 2mm black Kydex, so used a bit of orange for the belt loop and hanger...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0116.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0120.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0122.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0123.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Nice job! Like using it better than the oven?

[Silverback]

now that I like (well without the orange bit). How much ?

[Adam Savage]

Nice job! Like using it better than the oven?

Thanks Mike. It's a lot quicker for the "fine tuning" of the fit and shape.

[Adam Savage]

now that I like (well without the orange bit). How much ?

Thanks Wayne. I'll PM you lol

[Adam Savage]

Found a piece of black...yay...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0124.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0125.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0126.jpg

[CanadianMike]

Exactly, heating small parts or just sections of a part and keeping the previously shaped portions hard to resist forming more, the heat gun is the only way to go. I rarely use the oven these days, still haven't sorted out the right temp or time at temp yet, and don't have an internal light so I'm safer not using it, unless I have to for a larger piece (have had a couple requests for Kydex pistol holsters and assault rifle Kydex mag pouches the past couple months, so heat gun might not be enough).

[Adam Savage]

The other day, I tried forming some 4mm Kydex, it took 15 minutes in the oven, at 170° c (330° f) and still wouldn't form very well. I think a heat gun would have been next to useless with that thickness. Tried a similar thing with some ABS plastic, in the garage earlier, and the temp/time required to get the heat transfer all the way through, meant the surface was melting. Glad I didn't waste any Kydex on that little experiment lol.

[CanadianMike]

That's way too thick for a heat gun, what the heck do you have 4mm thick Kydex for!?!?! Lol, I've been distracted too much while waiting for Kydex to warm in the oven, check it often but it gets to the point where it's almost ready and thirty sec to a minute later I check it, it's shrinking on the sides and doesn't look too good. Is why I prefer the heat gun, I can cover a knife sheath's worth of area and focus exactly on it, as well as what areas start to get shiny before starting to blister. Even the gun takes practice and fast movements, I'm still learning the damn stuff!!

[Adam Savage]

I was given it, but I think it's better suited to axe masks lol. I have been using the heat gun on the smooth side of the Kydex as much as possible, for that exact reason, seen a lot of videos on youtube with all that sort of advice. It helps me learn from there mistakes a little... not much, but a little :).

[CanadianMike]

I focus there mostly too bu give some passes on the outside just to make sure the core is warmed, but get too close.........

[Adam Savage]

Just finished work on the "WoodBee Big Grip" aka "BigBee" :p.

Blade, brass liners and "donor" walnut tissue box :)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0135.jpg

Parts drilled and ready to shape (liners have light filework, so had to shape them before assembly)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0136.jpg

All cut out, and filework done, just need to epoxy all together)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0137.jpg

Blade all done...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0138.jpg

Remembered to align the pins this time, even though I don't think these would show too badly anyway...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0141.jpg

A close up of the liners...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0140.jpg

Close up of the filework...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0139.jpg

What do you think?

[jus_young]

Smart. Your really getting into this aren't you

[Ben Casey]

Your getting really good mate :)

[Adam Savage]

Thanks jus. Yeah, I enjoy making things anyway, knives just give me so much more variation to work with. :)

[Adam Savage]

Your getting really good mate :) I think I'm getting ok, maybe not good yet, but not rubbish either lol. Cheers Ben

[CanadianMike]

Holy crap Adam, that's the best one yet, f***ing amazing job on that!!!! I better get to work.................... ;)

BTW, bought 3/16" (4.5mm) steel yesterday, part of it is a Shaman knife for happybonzo here, another part is a tactical knife for a bud here in Ontario, the rest of it is to make a new O-1 copy of my broken Brit issue golok. Will post pics of progress for each on a new thread. :)

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Mike.
Looking forward to seeing the next blades. Will be looking out for the thread.
This knife is made of 5/32" (approx 3.9mm) which was 10% cheaper than the 4mm they had in stock. weird. So I'll be buying imperial sizes in the future lol.

[CanadianMike]

Lol, are you sure you aren't a jock?

Here are the templates done for two of them:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/384535_10150376465709207_510619206_8046082_8365121 3_n.jpg

Have to replan the bevel angles I'm going to use on these, since it's thicker steel, my normal angles will increase the bevel width by a fair chunk, so have to find a small piece to test on within this 3ft length. BTW, the steel I bought is 2" wide to accomodate replacing my 'Brokeback Golok'. The other knives even 1.5" wide would have been too much material to cut off.

[Adam Savage]

I have Scottish relatives lol
Would you go with a convex grind on the golok? A convex edge is 500 times stronger than a flat, scandi, sabre, chisel, etc, grind. Thats why they use them on axes :p.
With the excess thats cut off, what about making some flint strikers? Half inch is plenty to forge/hammer out a little, then twist, quench, temper, clean, and your done :)

[rossbird]

Just finished work on the "WoodBee Big Grip" aka "BigBee" :p.

Blade, brass liners and "donor" walnut tissue box :)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0135.jpg

Parts drilled and ready to shape (liners have light filework, so had to shape them before assembly)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0136.jpg

All cut out, and filework done, just need to epoxy all together)...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0137.jpg

Blade all done...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0138.jpg

Remembered to align the pins this time, even though I don't think these would show too badly anyway...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0141.jpg

A close up of the liners...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0140.jpg

Close up of the filework...

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/projects%20and%20equipment/IMG_0139.jpg

What do you think?

Adam, that looks top notch.
I hope you are happy with your work.

[markal17]

great looking knife mate

[Realearner]

You must be like a one man production line, and great knives.

[Adam Savage]

Thanks guys. :)

[Savagewolfrm]

Your too modest Adam. That knife is a stunning piece of work and with the filing on the liners as well it looks really sweet. Will have to start commissioning you for some blades now myself
To take a line from a famous film " you are no longer an apprentice, you are now the master "

[Adam Savage]

Thanks Rick. Hoping to sell this one, just as soon as I make a decent sheath for it lol. Have some 4mm veg tan and light brown dye, but also have some coyote Kydex on order too (and some camo and olive, but I don't think they would work well with this blade). Will have to see what I can do.

[CanadianMike]

I have Scottish relatives lol
Would you go with a convex grind on the golok? A convex edge is 500 times stronger than a flat, scandi, sabre, chisel, etc, grind. Thats why they use them on axes :p.
With the excess thats cut off, what about making some flint strikers? Half inch is plenty to forge/hammer out a little, then twist, quench, temper, clean, and your done :)

The one I have I ground a 14 degree bevel on it with a decent secondary edge done freehand, and it's scary as a chopper, works really well and is still relatively tough, so I'd likely do the same with this one.

Good idea on the strikers, I have to fire up the forge (ok, camp wood stove) this weekend to heat treat it since it's too big and wide for my brick forge, so maybe I'll save some of the scraps and do some end of the year pounding.

BTW, I'm not big on liners, but the thin brass you used looks awesome, so I think I'll purchase some soon and start doing that as well. And the other BTW, that style of knife will only look good with a nice leather sheath, it's down to earth and organic, adding a synthetic sheath just won't look right. I made a coyote brown sheath for the Shaman Hunter I had made, it really looked off, so I just kept it with the leather Woodlore style sheath I made. Now if you had Micarta style handle slabs on that, or a cord wrap, then Kydex would be right at home. ;)

[Adam Savage]

BTW, I'm not big on liners, but the thin brass you used looks awesome, so I think I'll purchase some soon and start doing that as well. And the other BTW, that style of knife will only look good with a nice leather sheath, it's down to earth and organic, adding a synthetic sheath just won't look right. I made a coyote brown sheath for the Shaman Hunter I had made, it really looked off, so I just kept it with the leather Woodlore style sheath I made. Now if you had Micarta style handle slabs on that, or a cord wrap, then Kydex would be right at home. ;)

Thanks again Mike, if you hunt around online, you can get brass sheets quite cheap.
I was thinking the same thing about the Kydex/Micarta side of things. Will just have to get good at working leather now lol

[CanadianMike]

I can get thin brass sheets at the local hobby shop (is where I buy my brass rods and tubing to make mosaic pins). Will see about getting some this week when I'm in the area.....