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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Lin Rhea on February 09, 2015, 09:02:00 AM

Title: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 09, 2015, 09:02:00 AM
I'm working a on a big Camp Knife and thought you might be interested in seeing the progress. Here is the blade, which is 12 inches long. Its .350 thick at the ricasso so it will be a hoss. Good distal taper so its not too heavy in spite of the thickness. This pattern is from one I designed for my son a while back which has a 9 inch blade. It is has a natural flow such as you would see in vegetation. My son loves his.
    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/15862483633_9c25344021_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qaHnK8)

You can see the guard shows the slot and the bearing points where it sits against the back of the ricasso shoulders.
    (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8611/15860083584_4c44d0c457_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qav5hY)

  I started the spacer assembly but will filework the bronze as soon as I can be still a few minutes.
   (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/16481643802_bb9e8cf9cc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/r7qJus)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 09, 2015, 09:13:00 AM
very nice!!!!!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: srtben on February 09, 2015, 12:05:00 PM
Looking awesome!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 09, 2015, 12:21:00 PM
Thanks guys.  :campfire:  

I will mention that the temporary alignment pins will be replaced later after I get all of it finished. I will then peen them into small countersinks and sand them flush so it can be removed when the knife is dismantled for cleaning. If ever the spacer assembly needs to be taken apart, I can punch out the pins easily since they will be nickel silver pins.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: bjansen on February 09, 2015, 04:58:00 PM
Fantastic work Lin.  I like everything about this knife.  The transitions between your guard and spacers are so clean and perfect, I am just not sure how it is done so well!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: gudspelr on February 09, 2015, 06:31:00 PM
You never cease to impress, Lin... There's a lot to like on this one. The really fine lines in the Damascus look great-is that where it was twisted? The guard and spacer set look very well done already. It might have been one of your knives where I first saw the top lug hole for a lanyard, which I also really like. I feel like I'm repeating myself a lot...  ;) .


Jeremy
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: D.Ellis on February 10, 2015, 12:33:00 AM
That's gonna be great. I love that slow twist.
It looks smaller than 12"........
Darcy   :campfire:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: DANA HOLMAN on February 10, 2015, 11:50:00 AM
That is going to be heck of a knife, you are very gifted. Question, have you quite filling the side of your tang for the guards and mill them to fit? Ive never seen you do this. Either way looks great.

Dana
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 10, 2015, 01:37:00 PM
Thanks guys.

Jeremy, Yes, its just where the W's come around tight and are bunched up.

Dana, I still file the sides but not on this one. This one is a take down handle so I went about things a bit different than normal. I actually heated the guard to a bright red and drove it onto the blade shoulders to fit it tight to the blade. In other words, I used the back of the blade and tang as a die. Then I went ahead and finished the blade and etched it. Also, I shaped the guard completely after the slot was established.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 10, 2015, 04:00:00 PM
This will give you an idea where I'm headed with the handle.
    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/16307194268_52e815a4eb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qR1CHS)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 11, 2015, 07:17:00 AM
Another short that shows the frame and its thickness. In this picture the pin holes are not yet drilled. The plan is to add another layer of Micarta to each side of this frame.
    (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/16312917458_3320429642_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qRvY2y)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: kbaknife on February 11, 2015, 09:04:00 AM
I love that stuff.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 11, 2015, 09:13:00 AM
so there will be some material removed from the top and bottom profile of that micarta before it's all said and done...to bring it closer to the ferrule dimension?
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 11, 2015, 09:26:00 AM
Ray, yes, it is way over sized at the moment. My pin holes are located based on the final profile.

Karl, after we talked (yes, I talked to the take down master  :)  ) I decided to turn down a coupling nut to fit through that washer and then attach the but cap directly in line to the rear of the coupling nut.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Idahomike251 on February 11, 2015, 08:39:00 PM
I would be looking forward to see the finished handle on this beauty.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: kbaknife on February 12, 2015, 09:30:00 AM
I am really excited to see this.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 12, 2015, 01:28:00 PM
Thanks everyone.

I got the handle together and fit up solid. Now I have to work on the finial area. I'll post a picture or two of this thing apart reasonably soon. Time is short.
    (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8656/16324502270_6606d14b8e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qSxkMG)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: srtben on February 12, 2015, 02:02:00 PM
Pretty cool Lin. I haven't ever seen pins like that on a contoured handle, it looks very cool.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 12, 2015, 06:23:00 PM
Thanks Ben.

  (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8596/16326339438_e9e8c8acd9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qSGKV1)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: ymountainman on February 12, 2015, 09:57:00 PM
That's impressive LIn Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 12, 2015, 10:31:00 PM
Thanks Cliff.

I've been saying that this blade is 12 inches but it's 11. Don't know why.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: KSCATTRAPR on February 12, 2015, 11:29:00 PM
Your work is outstanding! I really like the pattern in the blade. Once again, great knife.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: gudspelr on February 13, 2015, 07:18:00 AM
Wow-soooo. Cool.

 :)


Jeremy
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 13, 2015, 09:30:00 AM
Thanks guys.   :campfire:  

A bit of info on the handle and pins.

I sanded the Micarta to 180 grit. Then I installed the pins and buffed the heads.
    (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16518943495_6e3020954b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/raHUoB)

I decided to leave the Micarta at 180. I like the look and the feel along with the contrast between it and the pins.

I have to be busy on another project for a couple days but will show you the butt cap plate early next week.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: bjansen on February 13, 2015, 06:56:00 PM
That is a great last photo.   Thanks for all the progress pics.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Track on February 14, 2015, 09:58:00 AM
Beautiful knife Lin. Thanks for walking us through the build. Picked up some great tips as usual.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 17, 2015, 09:13:00 PM
Got er done. The butt cap is held on by the screw into the back of the coupling nut. There are two alignment pins in it from the guard into the handle.
     (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/16378218688_4e1bcb8c81_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qXhDNQ)
      (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/15945753063_97021f19dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qi59QX)
      (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16564207891_95b9beefb6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/reHTVe)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Sarge11 on February 17, 2015, 09:19:00 PM
I like it alot, nice work.

Humbly,
Sarge
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Fallguy on February 18, 2015, 08:46:00 PM
Beautiful Lin, that blade pattern and handle gives the look that your creation is capable of penetrating anything.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: D.Ellis on February 18, 2015, 11:57:00 PM
I really like the butt cap curved around the butt like that.......that would have been a bit challenging to fit up......was trying to decide what it reminded me of, and it just occurred to me that it looks a bit like the butt on an old flintlock pistol.......pirate style!
Not a big fan of man made handle materials for the most part, but maroon linen is one of the exceptions......always has a nice look to it.
Now you just need to price it REALLY high so that you can hang onto it for a while   :D  

Darcy   :campfire:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: tomsm44 on February 19, 2015, 08:52:00 AM
Very nice.  I especially like the butt cap and was also trying to figure out what it reminds me of.  When I read Darcy's comment, I was like "duh, Pirates".  At this time, I would like to officially request that you build another large knife with a blade profile worthy of Black Beard, the same basic handle/pin/butt cap design as this, but with a nice dark wood handle and a half D-guard.  Bonus points if you do the entire project while wearing an eye patch.  But back on point, excellent as always in every way possible.

Matt Toms
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 19, 2015, 09:57:00 AM
Thanks guys.  :campfire:  

Matt, That actually sounds appealing. Blackbeard..............hmmm   :p
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 19, 2015, 11:28:00 PM
ARRRRRRRRRR.....(standing on one leg)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Crotalus on February 21, 2015, 11:47:00 PM
Wow very nice Lin.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on February 24, 2015, 10:59:00 AM
Thanks guys. Here's a bonus I did not expect.

   (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8647/16635120075_1cf5c95212_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rkZkD6)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Roughcountry on February 24, 2015, 11:16:00 AM
Cool award Lin   :thumbsup:  Well deserved   :notworthy:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Izzy on February 24, 2015, 03:17:00 PM
Very well deserved Sir.   :notworthy:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Fallguy on February 24, 2015, 09:02:00 PM
Congratulations Lin  :archer2:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: D.Ellis on February 25, 2015, 12:23:00 AM
Nice job Lin.   :campfire:
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Crotalus on February 26, 2015, 01:25:00 AM
Great job Lin,
Well deserved.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: bornofmud on February 26, 2015, 11:57:00 AM
Awesome Lin, really love this blade.  Never seen micarta on a knife that I liked, excellent use of it. Nice job on the award!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Track on February 27, 2015, 10:04:00 AM
Well deserved!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on April 22, 2015, 03:35:00 PM
I still have it Darcy. But since then I made me a bowie and will put this on my Blade show table.

  (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7706/17029820517_bd22b4faae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/rWShk8)
  (https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/17237256295_073d1a1f19_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/sgcrL4)
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: ymountainman on April 22, 2015, 03:47:00 PM
Lin thanks for posting, That knife is impressive!
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: tomsm44 on April 23, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
I'm glad to see this one come up again.  This may possibly be my favorite knife I've seen.  Easily top three at least.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Track on April 24, 2015, 02:13:00 PM
I like this one more every time I see it. Outstanding.
Title: Re: Camp Chopper
Post by: Lin Rhea on April 24, 2015, 03:27:00 PM
Thank you sirs.   :campfire: