TwistedCustoms Posted August 7, 2015 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Great looking knife Urthman! I enjoyed reading your posts because they show that you're trying different things! You are 100% right about asking knife makers about tempering. I can get ten opinions from three guys all in the same conversation. My best results always come from trial and error. It's always a trade off for me between edge retention and toughness. If the blade will be used for flesh I dont worry too much about flex, if it's going to be a chopper or camp type knife I try to make a pry bar with a R54 edge. Thanks for the tip about the pipe to tame the temp swings in the oven. I'm using a toaster oven with some refractory added and I've never trusted the actual temp settings on the controls. Time to add an oven thermometer! Again, Great looking knife! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urthman Posted August 8, 2015 Author Share Posted August 8, 2015 Thanks TC! Yeah, I was amazed how much the pipe "calmed down" the oven temp swings.I use one of those remote thermometers that has a 'stick' probe on a 3-foot wire, so the probe can lay right in the pipe.Not very expensive- plus I already had one that I use for all my outdoor grillin'I get what you're saying about knife flex. After a bit more testing, I think I'll have a lot more trust that the processes are doing what they're supposed to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urthman Posted August 8, 2015 Author Share Posted August 8, 2015 Today's progress: Shaped the handle until I was satisfied with the feel.Started attempting to 'ebonize' the oak using the tea and vinegar/steel wool method.coming along! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistedCustoms Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 The palm swell looks comfortable and the grain is starting to pop! Looking great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch4ging Posted August 9, 2015 Share Posted August 9, 2015 looking good! thanks for the WIP.Then comes the sheath... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.J.watts Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 looks pretty good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urthman Posted August 10, 2015 Author Share Posted August 10, 2015 Pretty much finished- ready to wax and sharpen.I light-sanded to let some of the grain show through the ebonizing, then went with a Tru-Oil finish (8 coats).All in all, I'm quite pleased with it. And already started designing my 2nd knife- a small 'woodcarver' for my son.Thanks all for the feedback and advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malice9610 Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 That, for being a first knife, is very VERY nice, hands down better then the first knife I ever made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urthman Posted August 11, 2015 Author Share Posted August 11, 2015 Thanks Malice!I think I'm hooked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codycrusenberry Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Wow. Thats amazing, for a first knife. Or maybe youre lying, and thats your 50th knife. Lol.........regardless i love the look, much respect to you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LastRonin Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Lying is such a harsh term... exaggerating... It looks pretty good to me. I'm getting ready to try my "second real knife" myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamus Blargostadt Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 very nice, thank you for posting the progression pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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