Playing with acid etching

[tenderfoot]

That shape handle would be rather good, eh? Im not sure how I can do it, but on the next one it will be worth a try. Engraving the handle may be worth a go and I do have lots of scrap to practice on.

[Bowtrees]

Looking good, really like the blade shape and the quench line. Personally i agree with Zakalwe regarding the handle shape. I think i would like to see the depth of the handle a bit thinner so that the rear of the blade forms its own guard if you know what i mean? Perhaps a project for the future?

[Everything Mac]

That handle shape would suit the blade better but this is by far your best blade yet.

maybe try and get the handle to be a bit more curvy.

[John N]

sup TF, Its a 'paint' sketch (so blimmin awful), but it gives a loose idea of what I would be tempted to do with it!

[irbailey]

I think you're the first person I've seen on any forum use Ipe for a handle.

I used quite a bit of it a few years ago after working on a site where there was loads of leftover planks.

I don't know about you, but I found it hideous stuff to use due to the hardness and the smell of it whilst grinding/sanding it.

Makes a fine handle though!

Ian

[tenderfoot]

sup TF, Its a 'paint' sketch (so blimmin awful), but it gives a loose idea of what I would be tempted to do with it!

That is the handle shape I was shooting for. To bad I probably won't hit the target.

I think you're the first person I've seen on any forum use Ipe for a handle.

I used quite a bit of it a few years ago after working on a site where there was loads of leftover planks.

I don't know about you, but I found it hideous stuff to use due to the hardness and the smell of it whilst grinding/sanding it.

Makes a fine handle though!

Ian

I agree about it being hard to work. To bad I mostly whittle to shape. But Im fond of the smell but hate working it. But it was free and looks pretty. And it makes a great baton for whacking things too.

[John N]

might be nearing the time to get a belt sander

[zakalwe]

And while you are saving money for good belt sander you can use angle grinder with low grit flap disc or simple sandpaper disc. You only have to be careful not to burn the wood. And good angle grinder is always good investment. You can grind blades with it and cut pieces from larger stock for pattern welding and clean surfaces between welds and even polish things with right attachments.
As you can see i am strong follower of ANGLE GRINDER

[tenderfoot]

might be nearing the time to get a belt sander

A agree. But I don't have the money for one or belts.

And while you are saving money for good belt sander you can use angle grinder with low grit flap disc or simple sandpaper disc. You only have to be careful not to burn the wood. And good angle grinder is always good investment. You can grind blades with it and cut pieces from larger stock for pattern welding and clean surfaces between welds and even polish things with right attachments.
As you can see i am strong follower of ANGLE GRINDER

That sounds like a good idea except the bit where Im not great with an angle grinder. I tend to mess up with them and need to clean it up later. Though practice does make perfect. Maybe it would be worth a try (just not on a good knife for practice and all that).

Its almost done, I just need to clean up the handle a bit more and finish it. Then finally put a good edge on it.

[John N]

If a sander and consumables are a bit out of reach at the moment try and get some rasps, they will shape very quickly before sanding stage. (and you can allways forge em into more knives if you dont get on with them!)

[tenderfoot]

If a sander and consumables are a bit out of reach at the moment try and get some rasps, they will shape very quickly before sanding stage. (and you can allways forge em into more knives if you dont get on with them!)

That would probably be a good idea. I have a half round file that works great, so Id imagine a farriers rasp or the like would be dandy for shaping up handles. It'd probably hog off wood pretty quick too.