muskrat man wrote: Also, where in the world do you find those shields? I could sure use some for resto work.
Great looking work, I'm not a fan of the slimline but I sure like that one!

I can answer where I get my shields and that would be from Tracy Mickley's site
http://www.usaknifemaker.com He keeps adding new stuff all the time. I have been using the shields for some time.
Once you get to his site look under Handle Hardware from the menu on the left. Here is a link directly to the shields,
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/store/inde ... x&cPath=70 The shields are .048 thick 410 SS. Each shield has a template that can be purchased for $20.00 to help get a good inlay.
There are 12 different shields (I'm reading from his site now) and I bought a couple shield templates and DUHHHH.

You can easily take a shield and make your own shield template - easier to use a template if you have one than to cut an inlay in each time. A template allows you to to have perfect lines every time and you can set the depth of your inlay.
I will harden my templates using an oxy acetylene torch, heat to non magnetic and dunking in 130 degree oil. I don't see a need to temper. The hardening will only be so the cutters do not cut into the steel and change the dimensions of the template. The templates are 1/8 inch 1095 which I find a bit thick, but it is easy enough to make your own.
Once again, great looking work Jeremy, you've got it down and your knives keep looking better.