First Scales I've Done

[Sharpnshinyknives]

That does look great Jon. When I look at your initial posts of the rough product, I was concerned with the grain of the wood and afraid it might splinter off on that back edge, but looking at the finished product, it was nothing to be concerned with. I wonder if there is a rule of thumb on the best way to cut wooden handles when it comes to the grain and rings?

[Oledadsknives]

Jon, you ought to be proud of that 1st one for sure. You’ve done a jam up job on it. That saw blade is some hard stuff so I know you worked your a— off on it!

Jimbo

[Reverand]

That looks great!
The contours of the knife are smooth, with great flow and proportions. The blade and handle finish both look beautiful. I have seen accomplished knife makers who still do not hit all of those marks!
You previously stated that the rear-most handle pin is too far back, so you have already learned that. I wonder about the choil (I hope that I am using the correct term. For some reason I feel that is wrong). Anyway, the little finger guard that prevents your hand from slipping down onto the blade. It looks small in the pictures, but if the grip is good that shouldn't be a problem. I am not criticizing it, simply asking if it feels substantial enough in your hand.
As long as it does, and the blade holds a good edge, then I believe that you are off to a roaring start!
You should be very proud of your hard work!

[JonTerry]

Jon, you ought to be proud of that 1st one for sure. You’ve done a jam up job on it. That saw blade is some hard stuff so I know you worked your a— off on it!

Jimbo

Thanks mate,

I was sat at home with a day off and watched a Facebook post of some guy making one froma saw blade, actually didn't watch much more than the blank being grinded out of the saw blade, then googled if it was good enough steel, found out quickly enough that they have all been heat treated for hardness and will take and keep a good edge..............that was enough for me to go in the back garden shed dig one out (as I am a interior fit out guy and have tons of old blades kicking around)
I thought whats the worst that can happen it's not going to cost me anything.
So I have watched a lot of youtube stuff on making knives so kinda new the process, but had never done it. TBH I thought the grind and making the blank would be the easy part and the scales the hard part, but for me it was the other way around.
You are correct about the Saw Blade steel it is hard, I mean really hard, which is potenially why I found getting the grind right, maybe as the pressure I had to use didn't give me much finesse and control ???

But will defo make more this way until I decide to invest in a small forge or maybe even try the BBQ route for heat treatment ?

Cheers

JT

[JonTerry]

That looks great!
The contours of the knife are smooth, with great flow and proportions. The blade and handle finish both look beautiful. I have seen accomplished knife makers who still do not hit all of those marks!
You previously stated that the rear-most handle pin is too far back, so you have already learned that. I wonder about the choil (I hope that I am using the correct term. For some reason I feel that is wrong). Anyway, the little finger guard that prevents your hand from slipping down onto the blade. It looks small in the pictures, but if the grip is good that shouldn't be a problem. I am not criticizing it, simply asking if it feels substantial enough in your hand.
As long as it does, and the blade holds a good edge, then I believe that you are off to a roaring start!
You should be very proud of your hard work!

Rev this is exactly the kind response I need, thanks man.
The Handle is looking better everyday atm as I decided to keep oiling the scales, I don't know when I will stop doing this, but so far there is around 12 coats of oil, I will then Ren Wax the lot and probably keep polishing this as it's become my Favorite knife already ha !!!
The RearPin was a total rookie error and one I should not of made as I have watched a youtube Video where the guy is quite clear on this very mistake, but when there is a lot of metal and wood stock left, it seemed like a very good place to drill, and in rertospect this would of even been too far back for a landyard hole in my opinion, but luckily I just managed to save it.
As for the front finger grid choil or whatever they call this, I hear you loud and clear, and although it fits my hand very well, and feels 100% safe, a bigger guy may not like it ?
I also feel that moving forward I will incorporate a kinda tang between this point and the cutting edge of the blade.
Only time will tell if it canhold an edge but it has at this point in time passed the hill billy test for sharpness, if it can keep this edge for a while .......I'll let you know.
Overall I'm very happy, as despite the handfull of improvements I could make, I feel that my skill will progress, and with the guidence from you guys I should be turning out some quality in the future.

Cheers

JT

[Oledadsknives]

Jon, you ought to be proud of that 1st one for sure. You’ve done a jam up job on it. That saw blade is some hard stuff so I know you worked your a— off on it!

Jimbo

Thanks mate,

I was sat at home with a day off and watched a Facebook post of some guy making one froma saw blade, actually didn't watch much more than the blank being grinded out of the saw blade, then googled if it was good enough steel, found out quickly enough that they have all been heat treated for hardness and will take and keep a good edge..............that was enough for me to go in the back garden shed dig one out (as I am a interior fit out guy and have tons of old blades kicking around)
I thought whats the worst that can happen it's not going to cost me anything.
So I have watched a lot of youtube stuff on making knives so kinda new the process, but had never done it. TBH I thought the grind and making the blank would be the easy part and the scales the hard part, but for me it was the other way around.
You are correct about the Saw Blade steel it is hard, I mean really hard, which is potenially why I found getting the grind right, maybe as the pressure I had to use didn't give me much finesse and control ???

But will defo make more this way until I decide to invest in a small forge or maybe even try the BBQ route for heat treatment ?

Cheers

JT

I know what you mean. 1st one I made I used files and sandpaper by hand to get it how I wanted it. Didn’t realize how labor intensive it is without power equip. You learn a lot on the first. If I’m going to work a hardened piece now I heat it in my forge till nonmagnetic at least, then let it air cool to take some of the hardness out. Then I reharden same way except I dip it in 10W non detergent oil or transmission fluid. I’ve got a fixed blade knife and sheath my grandfather made by hand out of a saw blade that I will post soon on the fixed blade thread!
Jimbo

[slipknot]

Really nice job. Jon. Take pride in your work! Thank you for sharing your photos.