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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Lin Rhea on September 07, 2016, 01:26:00 PM

Title: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Lin Rhea on September 07, 2016, 01:26:00 PM
I just finished this Bowie I call "Blacksmith Pearl".    :)

It has a 10 inch blade of W2 steel and the fittings are forged stainless. The handle is dyed stag and Micarta. I'll post pictures of how I made the fittings as I go if I get time.

    (https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8493/29414294862_b2689e34eb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPeX5S)
    (https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8181/29414291532_fea71f906c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPeW6s)
    (https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8115/28900954273_dbb2fc8e7d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/L2SWP4)
    (https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8168/29489066176_2804931c10_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LVRaZs)
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Soonerlongbow on September 07, 2016, 05:53:00 PM
It never ceases to amaze me as to the quality of your work!
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Bladepeek on September 07, 2016, 06:17:00 PM
Come on Michigan lottery. I need that knife   :)
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Lin Rhea on September 07, 2016, 07:15:00 PM
Thank you gentlemen.

I cut out some 1/8 stainless somewhat larger than I needed to play it safe.

   (https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8302/28903369083_8658e6295d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/L36jDH)  

This is a 3 piece spacer except for the thin coined spacer.
I made the two outside layers the same size by temporarily pinning them together to shape them. Then slipped the middle one in between those and pinned them. Then I ground it about 1/8 larger than the outside ones. Then I sawed into it on a regular spacing all the way around. I rounded all of the corners and edges.
    (https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8069/29452412825_34c1b9452f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LSBje8)

I bolt it together and file the threaded rod flush with the nuts.
    (https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8299/29452370325_43eb793c8c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LSB6An)

I hold it In the vise like it is in my fingers.
    (https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8542/29417793966_5fed9182ae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPxTff)

By holding it that way I can keep from scarring the outside spacers and put added pressure on the spacers. There is also alignment pins connecting the three layers so they wont move.

I then use a torch to isolate heat onto the bumps and peen them down.

    (https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8102/29163616710_c94679cccd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lr6acL)

Now I can disassemble it and clean it up.
    (https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8494/29452358145_19a1194d54_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LSB2Yn)
    (https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8115/28900954273_dbb2fc8e7d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/L2SWP4)
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Thadbow on September 07, 2016, 07:36:00 PM
Excellent work Lin,
Thank you for the photos and the detailed explanation!
Very helpful!
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: KSCATTRAPR on September 07, 2016, 09:09:00 PM
So awesome! Thanks for posting this.
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: J.W. on September 07, 2016, 09:33:00 PM
If my best knife ever comes out looking like the worst one I've seen that Lin has done I'll quit because I'll never do better. Beautiful knife again.
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Steve Nuckels on September 07, 2016, 10:00:00 PM
That knife is really something to behold!

The details are so pleasing, I especially like the spacer treatment, thanks for the explanation about your technique.

I have heard it said there is nothing new in bladesmithing, I disagree, and you prove that statement so wrong!  

Beautiful work Sir!

Steve
---------
Potomac Forge
Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Foundation
ABS Apprentice Smith
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 07, 2016, 11:12:00 PM
Unbelievable talent Mr. Lin.... Unbelievable knife...

Todd
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: TrackerNy on September 08, 2016, 11:38:00 AM
Another incredible work. Thanks for showing how you did that spacer, I was wondering how it was done.
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: bjansen on September 08, 2016, 03:11:00 PM
Excellent work Lin. That is something I never thought I would see...very creative.
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: ymountainman on September 08, 2016, 07:47:00 PM
Dang Lin That Knife is gorgeous, Thanks for posting and the pictures!
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on September 08, 2016, 11:36:00 PM
Wow just Wow Mr. Rhea!
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: Lin Rhea on September 09, 2016, 08:45:00 AM
Thanks guys.

Steve, I am really trying hard to come up with new ideas. I'm not doing that specifically to prove that it can be done, but to prove to MYSELF that it can be done or that I can do it. I believe that complacency shuts down creativity.
Title: Re: Blacksmith Pearl Bowie
Post by: 2Knives on September 16, 2016, 08:10:00 PM
Wish this was mine, amazing work.....but you already knew that!