New project in progress using piano key ivory

[#goldpan]

I received over twenty of these unfinished small Colonial lock back knives from Scott (Triple F) some time back. They came out of Robert Paolantonio's (Bonfire Bob) home after he passed away. Robert's family started Colonial Knife Co. for those new to the forum.

I wanted to do something special with them, but needed some inspiration. When I received these piano over lays from Dennis I found what I was looking for! So I am going to build two knives with ivory stripes located in the pencil drawing. One knife with Walnut burl and the other in black paper micarta. Should come out very nice!

I have one ready for nickle/silver bolsters and handles. I think I will use the walnut first! More pics after I make some more progress.

[jerryd6818]

Very ambitious project. I look forward to seeing the results. Sounds like a great idea. Go get 'em tiger.

[gsmith7158]

Randy are you selling these if so sign me up for one.

[#goldpan]

I do plan on selling them Greg. Well at least one of them for now. Consider your self signed up! I can make a couple more, but I need to see how far I can go with the ivory. Stay tuned!

[bestgear]

[quote="#goldpan"Stay tuned![/quote] Randy - was that an unintentional pun as in "you can tune a piano but you can't tuna fish?"

[glennbad]

This should be neat. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[XX Case XX]

[quote="#goldpan"Stay tuned!

Randy - was that an unintentional pun as in "you can tune a piano but you can't tuna fish?"[/quote]
REO Speedwagon...

_________
Mike

[#goldpan]

Tom, Mike you guys are cracking me up. That was unintentional! But funny!

[#goldpan]

Today I soldered on and shaped the bolsters. Now I'm ready to start the handles!

Next step is shape and attach the walnut scales. After that I need to cut the piano key ivory length wise and then do the inlay work. So far so good!

[Brumbydownunder]

Following this with interest ... thanks for posting!

[#goldpan]

Today I attached and shaped the walnut for one handle and scored the ivory for the stripes. After I do the other side I'll do the inlay work.

[gsmith7158]

That looks pretty sweet Randy!

[#goldpan]

I thought I would post an update. We are in the early stages of a heat wave! A whole week of of temps running close to 110 Deg. The A/C in the shop is having a hard time keeping up so its going to be awhile before I get more work done on this little guy. It was 75 Deg. when I got out of bed. As soon as I can improve the conditions in the shop I get busy and do some more work and post more updates.

[stagman]

Ya better now...enjoying your work...cannot leave us hanging !!!

Will

[gsmith7158]

I thought I would post an update. We are in the early stages of a heat wave! A whole week of of temps running close to 110 Deg. The A/C in the shop is having a hard time keeping up so its going to be awhile before I get more work done on this little guy. It was 75 Deg. when I got out of bed. As soon as I can improve the conditions in the shop I get busy and do some more work and post more updates.

Randy I'm down here in Gilroy where it is usually quite cool but it is 98 degrees at 6:00pm. Unheard of. By the way i've got a package for you if I can get to the post office,

[#goldpan]

Well its starting to cool down its only a hundred degrees, but its dropping! Took a long nap. I'll get some more done this evening and post up some pics. Wow Greg! That is warm for Gilroy... Hope you found some good A/C! A package? Dang I love surprises! Thank you in advance buddy!

[#goldpan]

Wow when I got out of bed it was already 80 degrees! Its a hot one... Any who last night I finished the other handle and shaped it and finished cutting the ivory strips.

This pic shows the progression from piano key cover to strips for handles.

The other handle being glued

Both walnut handles are ready!

And a mock up to get an idea of the final look.


Later this evening I'll drill holes for pins and start the inlaying the ivory strips. By the way I have never done this before, I think its going to match my vision pretty well! Just hope I don't break any ivory, its a little hard to replace!

[#goldpan]

Here is where I am today. I may do more tonight. Its 105 deg. right now and the shop AC is having a hard time keeping me cool enough.

Drilled the holes for the pins.

Cut the inlay slot was a lot harder than I thought! One side is done, glued and clamped.

Not sure how it will look, but the other side will go easier now that I have a little practice. And in memory of Adam West... Stay tuned! Same bat time? Same bat channel!

[#goldpan]

Its still too hot up stairs in the shop, but one side is done and I think it turned better than I thought it would!

Later when it cools down I'll get to work on the other side. I dont have the right sized pins, so I thought that I would turn down my own. In this case all of the pins will be nickle/silver! More pics in the morning! Same bat channel!

[glennbad]

Ooh! Looks awesome!

[#goldpan]

Thanks Glenn!

[gsmith7158]

Randy that does look sharp! Great job.

[#goldpan]

Thanks Greg! I see that the package you mailed from Gilroy is in West Sacramento and should be here by tomorrow! Thanks again, I think I know whats coming This mornings update. I cut the notch to inlay the ivory into. Took over an hour. Since today is supposed to be hotter than yesterday I need to get things done! I won't be back here in the shop until tonight. I still have a couple hours before I need to retreat downstairs.

This is how I cut the notch, learned a lot from doing the other side!

used this cool old Ralph Brown Cutlery equal end utility knife and a couple files to work down the notch. The knife is over a hundred years old and had been reground to be used as a cabinet makers or joiner's knife. Works great

Here the notch is ready. I'll glue and clamp and cut the excess ivory off later.

Stay tuned!

[#goldpan]

Okay here is the last post of the day. The other handle is done! There has been a lot of intense hand work with this project and its starting to show. The current stage is finishing and sanding. The plan is to have the handles as close to the final appearance as I can. I want to be done when I have the knife pinned and peened. With the exception of the bolsters of course . So here is where she is now!

[royal0014]

You have some real talent, Randy . . . and patience!