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!

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.

 

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!

The palm swell looks comfortable and the grain is starting to pop! Looking great!

looking good! thanks for the WIP.

Then comes the sheath...

looks pretty good

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!

That, for being a first knife, is very VERY nice, hands down better then the first knife I ever made. 
 

Thanks Malice!

I think I'm hooked.

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!!

Lying is such a harsh term... exaggerating... 

It looks pretty good to me. I'm getting ready to try my "second real knife" myself.

very nice, thank you for posting the progression pics!