First knife WIP

[Ollie243]

Ok so this is my first attempt at putting a handle onto a blade. The blade i chose was a stick tang*5101: Lauri Blade: 70x14mm (C.Steel). I started out with no idea about making knives however I had 2 things my uncle, who has made about 10-15 knives now as presents for family members and who has always been just a phonecall away throughtout the process so far. And second this forum.

When I received this knife in the post I realised just how small it is. Here is a comparison*


So I then set about finding a suitable handle I went onto eBay and purchased a piece of walnut.*

Then I discovered this forum and looked at some of the custom knives made on here, spent hours reading the stickies and looking at what sort of material people here liked to use and why etc. Probably should have done that first but ah well.

I managed to borrow a pillar drill of a friend and went down to b&q for a drill bit. I couldn't really find on long enough however it was better than nothing so I bought it anyway. So I got home and managed to get this far with the drill. I got stumped and lost some interest, essentially I wasn't happy because I didnt have my own work place the drill was shoved onto a file cabinet in the garage and just wasn't right.*


I bought a brass bolster for the knife but wasn't too keen on it ended up mishaping the brass when trying to file it down so I tried to reheat it and tap it flatter with a hammer and anvil but no good it smashed a chunk off.*


Then Christmas time came and I ended up working a lot so I didn't really get much time to myself, today I found a couple of hours and managed to get a fire going in a typical garden brazier I got a tent peg with wire wrapped around the top so I could shove it right in and pull it out again with ease I but about 3 pairs on garden gloves on each hand and hoped for the best.*








So just need to find myself a replacement bolster then I can get to work with some glue! I will try to keep this updated

I welcome any comments and suggestions

Regards ollie

[dazcon]

Your first knife is always going to be the most challenging and most rewarding. Mistakes are hard to deal with sometimes but it's all just part of the learning curve. Everyone makes them. You are doing well and you'll end up with a knife that you can be proud of!

Darren.

[Jimi W]

Good stuff ollie, keep at it, long drill bits can be tricky to find, try silverline, and also make your own bolster instead of buying one - then you know it will fit (eventually...)

[Jacebo]

Looking good
Learning by doing
A lot of trial and error
- And success !
YOU have done it
And the next - and . . .

[bones61]

lloking good so far mate
you have two good tools already the willingness to try
and the nounce to get round problems
youll be on your second before you know it

[Ollie243]

Thanks for both the kind words and the advice guys. I really do appreciate it. Itching I am going to make my own bolster then onto my second I already have the blade ready