Thanks for the help

[SuperC51]

Thanks for all the fascinating info and useful I have gotten from all the members here to accelerate this new addiction.

I had to slow down the buying of beautiful knives a little by trying to make some ugly ones better. I have a hawkbill that I have put back together 4 times now that I can't show off yet. So I am starting to understand what fit & finish really means and I aim to get better at it. Here is a start with a handful of things that can improve. I'm proud of it, and I have a few questions. The stag on one end of the front side darkened a little like it wicked up oil. I put a few drops of mineral oil at the joints. Is that what happened? I epoxied & pinned the scales, polished & wax. What should I have done? Thanks Marvin

[jonet143]

if the scales were not sealed or stabilized, they tend to be porous and will wick oil into them. mineral oil is colorless but will pick up old grime from the joints. clean your metal parts in a light solvent and wipe dry and clean before assembly. looks good to me. keep up the good work!

[griz1200]

Nice job Marvin.

Griz

[Diligence]

Great work Marvin - lets see that Hawk!

I've begun to become more and more aware of just how dirty my grubby hands can get. So I make a point of cleaning all the parts, and my hands very well, before working with light colored materials. I too have had some scales soak up oil, grime and dirt - enough so that I had to call it "the antique look"...

[gringo]

wonderful job marvin...

[muskrat man]

looking good marvin