Assembling My First Fixed Blade Knife

[smiling-knife]

I'm assembling a fixed blade knife for the first time. I Wasn't sure where to post this. It is not a knife making tutorial, I'm learning everything as I go along. I'm not a maker and it won't be custom quality by any stretch of the imagination. I thought it may be interesting, if only for the drama and the potential for disaster, so posting it here.

I bought this blade and a few brass pieces. I cut some fibre, bone and leather for spacers. I'm already thinking that the green and black fibre won't be much of a contrast. The two end spacers will be black, green, black. The two in the middle will be black, green, bone, green, black. I've made the spacer blocks and now need to cut the holes in the leather and drill the spacers.

It will take some time but i'll post updates as I progress (hopefully) if anyone is interested. Any comments, input and feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[Miller Bro's]

Very interesting, can`t wait to see the handle on it!

[knife7knut]

Looks like a fun project! If you want to provide a bit of contrast between the spacers,how about using some thin(.030" or thereabouts)aluminium spacers between them.Might just do the trick.

[TripleF]

Can't wait to see the end result!

Good luck!

[blademaker]

Looks like it'll be nice. Like the contrast. I've been wanting to do a leather handle for awhile. Is your pommel threaded? If it is you can cinch everything up tight...

[smiling-knife]

Thanks for the encouraging comments guys. I won't be able to do much more until the weekend when I hope to have the holes cut for a rough trial fitting. I think the green and black will be ok once finished. I'm planning on leaving the leather a natural tan colour. The pommel isn't threaded. I going to file the end of the tang down to circular shape and rivet it.

[tongueriver]

Looks like fun! I will be watching!

[smiling-knife]

I'm making slow progress. This is the rough fitting. I think it is ok so far. I changed the spacers a little. They are a little thinner and I used some ivory coloured plastic between the black and green in the middle two sections. The green doesn't show well in the photo. I'm planning to nip the corners before gluing it all together. I need to make a clamp as well.

[blademaker]

I like it and the tape so you don't slice yourself

[smiling-knife]

Thanks very much for your interest and positive comment blademaker. This is it assembled, glued and clamped. Will leave it for several days now.

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

O.K. you've hooked me! Can't wait to see your progress and final product Keep up the good work

Rocky

[smiling-knife]

Thanks very much for the comment Rocky.

The knife is out of the clamp and I riveted the end. So far so good, I think. Will try do some rough shaping of the handle this weekend. Thanks again for your interest.

[philco]

S-K thanks for including us in your project. I too am watching every step with great interest.

I hope you will show the process you use to shape the handle.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.

Phil

[smiling-knife]

Thanks very much for your comments Phil. I made some progress today with the shaping. So far, I've used a razor saw and a rasp. I just realised this morning that I made a ridiculous error . I'm very annoyed with myself. Oh well, it's a learning experience.

[smiling-knife]

Here it is with the shape a little more refined.

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

What was the error? Looks like its comming along nicely,keep up your efforts!!

Rocky

[smiling-knife]

Thanks Rocky. I transposed one of the leather pieces from the middle to the back section during the gluing and now it is asymetrical . Oh well. I'm over that. In general, I'm pleased with my progress. I'm sanding now and will have an update later in the week. Thanks for your interest and support. s-k

[gringo]

some native amrerican people believe that if you make an object perfect, you are messing with the great spirit...only the one does things perfect.

and the knife looks great!!!

[smiling-knife]

Thanks very much for the comments gringo. I cut some 180 grit paper into strips and sanding using a 'shoe-shine' motion. I think it is coming along... albeit slowly. s-k

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

Hey Smilin', what is the circumference of the middle part of the handle? How does it fit into your hand? Have you considered modifying the handle plans at all ? Maybe putting some finger grooves in the handle to fit the natural contour of your hand to spice up it's uniqueness. Keep up the good work, she's looking good buddy!

Rocky

[smiling-knife]

Thanks for the positive comments Rocky. The handle feels good but is still a little on the large side. It is about 3.4cm high by 2.9cm wide at the largest point. I'll need to measure the circumference and get back to you. Thanks for the suggestion re the finger groves. I'll give that idea some consideration. s-k

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

The reason I asked is that it looked like it could be a handful,thus the suggestion of the finger grooves to fit your hand more comfortably.Still,lookin' forward to seeing your final product!

Rocky

[glennbad]

Coming along nicely!

Glenn

[smiling-knife]

Thanks for your interest and comments Rocky and Glenn. This is it after slimming down and a little 'leather food'. Will do some more finishing on the weekend.

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

I LOVE IT!! GREAT JOB!!