Step-By-Step (Part 1): Integral Hilt Hunter

[Idahomike251]

Ted Dowell (TMD Knives, Bend, Oregon) was the man who inspired me to become a knife maker. One of his many innovative designs was the Integral Hilt Knife carved out of 1/2 inch thick piece of D2 tool steel. I wanted to replicate his design, so I got hold of a piece of 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 36" D2 bar stock. There are a lot of photos, so I'll have to do this in several parts.
First, I need to prep the D2 bar stock for blade forming and grinding, and that starts with establishing the front end of the hilt and blade thickness.
 

[Steve Nuckels]

This will be interesting!  I'm watching!

Steve
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Potomac Forge