Poco Bowie WIP

[pocomoonskyeyes]

panch0 this is a lifelong dream for me coming true. I have wanted to make my own knife since I was about 14 (I turn 50 this year, that makes 36 years), ever since I saw a "File Knife" in Bradford Angiers book. (Maybe it was in another book I had about that time). I really need to get some finer Grit belts, so I can not "polish" it up, but get a more satin like finish. The last belt I used was a 400 grit. Maybe just a 600 grit or so would get it where I REALLY want it. But as the saying goes, "It's close enough for Government work!"

Well, it turns out that I did have some 600 and 800 belts!! Here are the latest shots. There is one defect on the right side (As you would hold the knife normally) close to the spine. I went just a little deep with my grind, on the "Shoulder" just above the grind. It became apparent when using the finer grit belts.

You can see it in the second shot.........................................


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Please forgive Dottie's "Barn Clothes"!!


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[crashdive123]

Looks a heck of a lot better than any other first attempts I've seen. Looks like you've been at it for a while.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Looks a heck of a lot better than any other first attempts I've seen. Looks like you've been at it for a while.

Thanks Crash! You're too kind. It is a LOOooooonngg way from where I want to be. Have you visited Jayfisherknives? That man is an artist!

[crashdive123]

I have not, but I will.

Edit: Looking at your link - yes I have. He does some incredible work.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

For anyone out there that might want to learn the parts of a knife. This is a great site. A word of caution though, Everything on this site is Copyrighted,EVERYTHING. He has prosecuted over copyright infringement. Just want to make sure everyone is aware of that. But for educational purposes it is the best site I have seen on knife anatomy.

http://www.jayfisher.com/knife_anato...rts,_names.htm

[randyt]

your knife is coming along great. i like a satin finish rather than a polished finish. either way though i like knives.

[Camp10]

This is one fine first knife! I should send you a pic of mine!! I dont take it out much...just when I want to feel better about what I can make now!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well the Lacewood is a no go. I cracked the scales trying to use all those pins. So I have to start all over with the scales. Fortunately I was using a slow set epoxy and was able to get everything off and get the handle all cleaned up for another attempt. I think I am going to use my Ironwood as it is a tougher wood. These are the actual scales I will be using on my next attempt.

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[crashdive123]

Poco - how are you pinning them that caused them to crack?

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I'm using Brass rod 1/8" for the pins. I think there were just too many holes and they weakened the wood. I think I will go withe the Pairs of holes at either end.and the single center pin hole. 5 pins instead of 11. As I was tapping about the 8th pin it cracked. I was so close to having that finished. So close yet so far!!

[crashdive123]

Were you peening the ends, or just tapping them through the holes?

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Just tapping them in. I was using a slow cure epoxy, so when I had let it cure , I was just going to grind them flush. I wasn't going to peen it at all.

[crashdive123]

I don't peen them either - that's why I was asking. It sounds like it was just that the holes were too small, not the number of holes.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I don't peen them either - that's why I was asking. It sounds like it was just that the holes were too small, not the number of holes.

I used a 1/8" bit for the holes, and 1/8" brass rod. I would think it was the right size???

[Camp10]

I drill my pin holes slightly larger than the pin stock. I think it is a #30 bit that is just slightly larger than 1/8. I will also put a point on the leading edge of the pin to help it through. I will than tap it in place with a tack hammer and a 4# bench anvil (made from some 2" round stock). It usually only takes the weight of the hammer to set them. Sorry to hear you split the scales! I think many of us have been there.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well I am going to try again with just 5 holes this time and the Epoxy.

I am just using 2 1/4" pins on the Coffin handle Bowie. I also drilled those at 1/4". So If I break my Goncalo Alves scales on the Coffin Handle, I will know it is the hole size Not the Number of pins. Also the Lacewood was not stabilized.

[crashdive123]

Wear a respirator (not a dust mask) when you are sanding that Ironwood. I can't stress that enough.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well today was a busy day. Now I know why it is called "Ironwood"!! I swear the Steel was easier to grind!!(of course it was thinner!) I spent all day (Well almost all day) On just the handles of these two Bowie knives!! Well I know y'all don't want to hear me(Read me??) you just want pics!! Right???


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[crashdive123]

Outstanding! You'd never know you were just starting out.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Outstanding! You'd never know you were just starting out.

Well now that I've made a couple, I know how you and Panch0 feel about the "Mistakes" you make, that no one else sees. I see a few But I have handled it almost all day. I know every one of them by heart now!! LOL

Thanks For the kind words Crash!! I am sore from hand sanding that Ironwood. I just "Rough shaped" it on the sander. Even 50 grit on the sander was slow going!! The Brass pins are softer!!