PeterM Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Just finished: I came to call this piece "Thorn", not so much for the file work copper motif, but for the fact that this entire project became a real thorn in my side!! Getting the w.i. took forever, that's the second handle after the first revealed a large natural crack when almost completed, that XXXX habaki thingy was a PITA to get right, and the guard proved to be a bit finicky as well. Anyway, I'm happy with the way it turned out, and the leather sheath will be finished this wknd. Here's some details: Blade: 9 1/4" forged 1084, flat ground with a 2500 grit hand rubbed finish and etched to reveal a nice temper line. Copper blade collar (a la "habaki") featuring vine and thorn file work and pierced w/ a Lilly of the Valley flower(both sides). Handle: 5 1/8", lightly figured, air-dried Pennsylvania Walnut with Tung oil and buffed paste wax finish. Etched wrought iron (wagon wheel) S-guard with copper fore and aft spacers and O1 steel pin. Sheath: In Progress Thanks for looking. I welcome your comments and critiques. The copper just needs a bit of cleaning and a good polish. I just like this shot!! Quote
Sam Salvati Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 I love this knife, great work it's beautiful and looks like it will split hairs. Quote
Don A Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Wow. I love copper and I love wrought. Very nice package. Quote
CurlyGeorge Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 BEAUTIFUL!!! You did a great job of combining the different mediums and making it all come together. Thank you very much for sharing it with us. :) Quote
Akad Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 Simply beautiful. How long did it take to get the 2500 grit finish? I've only ever gone up to 800 on a few projects in a metals class I took. Quote
PeterM Posted September 17, 2011 Author Posted September 17, 2011 Thank you all for the kind words. Akad - I usually start with 400 grit after heat treat and from there its - 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500. Depending on the size and design of the blade that may take two-four hours. If you've taken a blade up to 800, you're "over the hump" and the remaining grits will get successively easier. Good luck. I finished the sheath last night. Stay tuned.... Quote
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