Author Topic: Keeslar for Chris---Finished (Read 885 times)

tippit · « **on:** March 18, 2011, 02:41:00 PM »

To start off, I had the pleasure of learning once again about Keeslar knives for the 2nd time in three years. Joe Keeslar was the forging/grinding/heat treating demonstrator at this years ABS Great Smokey Mountain Blade Symposium. As you may know this is my favorite style of knife. I thought I had a pretty good handle at forging Joe's Brute de Forge finger guard and then making up my style of blade. Joe even approved of my blades...commenting that I owed him $2.00 for each blade I made as a royalty payment or $100 right there on the spot

Well I was wrong in that I picked up even more tips on the Keeslar forging style. These Hammer-ins are just amazing in what you learn especially when it's from the Master Smith you admire the most!

Today I started a very special project...the knife I promised Chris Surtees that I would make for his Dad Larry. So far so good, I just finished forging and rough hollow grinding the best Keeslar rendition I've ever done. When I lay it next to the knife Joe made for me, it is actually hard to tell who made them. I think Joe & Chris are looking over my shoulder on this one! It hasn't been quenched and I hope it doesn't warp, but I guess I needed to share this one from the start. If everything goes well she'll be wearing Koa scales that Lin so graciously sent me plus an incredible keepsake from Chis. As a side note Koa is Chris's wirehaired Dachshund that is from the same sire as the pups out of my dog Tilly.

Hopefully, I'll will be adding more pictures...tippit

2treks · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2011, 06:51:00 PM »

That is real fine looking Jeff.This will be a good thread.
Chuck

kbaknife · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2011, 06:51:00 PM »

I got my hammer from Joe that he found in France. Having the right hammer for that guard is really key to doing it the "Keeslar way".

Looks like you've zoned in on the method and style quite well, Jeff.

Nuthin' beats a good hammer-in or symposium.

tippit · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2011, 08:06:00 PM »

Karl,
I got my magic hammer 3 years ago from Joe, finally got all the pieces of the puzzle in place. Guess I'm a slow learner

For those that are looking for a magic hammer you have to go to France to get one. OR now you can make one up by using a Dinging Hammer from Blacksmiths Depot. Joe suggested starting with the 1.76# hammer and grind a radius in the dinging end. I have several other sizes that I ground from old cross peens.

Here is my French magic hammer. I must warn you though...there are tricks to getting everything straight. For a $2.00 royalty fee payable directly to Joe Keeslar (to keep me in good graces) I just might divulge them

tippit

tippit · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2011, 08:35:00 PM »

I quenched & tempered the blade between dinner. The Knife Gods were on my side as everything came out straight & file skating hard. I toyed with the idea of leaving the blade black but Chris & Larry are shining stars of our military establishment...spit polished it will be.

caleb0100 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2011, 08:39:00 PM »

So far so great! Please keep updating.

amar911 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2011, 09:54:00 PM »

Jeff,

That is a great thing you are doing for Larry, and post-humously for Chris. You are a really good guy, but everyone already knew that. The blade looks incredible. I know Larry would like whatever you do with the knife, but if I were Larry, I would want you to leave it black. After all, Chris was an Airborne Ranger and spent a lot of time in Blackhawk helicopters and other black settings. He was one tough guy and definitely not flashy. That blade in black may be the best looking blade of yours that I have ever seen, and your knives always look super good. Congratulations on taking that design to its ultimate expression.

Allan

Whip · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2011, 11:04:00 PM »

Very cool to see the evolution of your skills Jeff! This is going to be an outstanding knife for Larry - Chris would love it!

4runr · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2011, 08:00:00 AM »

Outstanding tribute!
Outstanding blade!
By an outstanding Brother!

Scott Teaschner · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2011, 05:13:00 PM »

Looking good Jeff. Cant wait to see it done!

GRAYBEARD · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2011, 05:40:00 PM »

4runr said it all!

tippit · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2011, 04:18:00 PM »

Finished with Lin's curly Koa. Plus Shell will do one of her magic sheaths for Larry...Doc

skullworks · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2011, 06:41:00 PM »

Simply AWESOME!!!!!!!!

amar911 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 17, 2011, 07:09:00 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by skullworks:
Simply AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Yes it is!!!!

Allan

Renaissance Man · « **Reply #14 on:** April 18, 2011, 08:50:00 AM »

Beautiful, well done.

hardwaymike · « **Reply #15 on:** April 19, 2011, 01:03:00 PM »

Wow! That is a beauty for sure! I didn't know Chris and I do not know Larry but they must be very good folks for sure. Not to mention the guy that made up that blade. Still amazes me every day I am on here, how great the people here are. I am sure that Larry will love and cherish that blade right there and hopefully for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing Mr.Tippit, Mike.

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