Pigsticker in the works....

[LONGBOWKID]

I intended to do a build-a-long with this, but had a brain fart and had the blade half way done before I took a picture! So, it will have to be a half build-a-long.

Started with an old Nicholson file, going for a picksticker. Flat grind, with a sharpened edge up top. Stainless steel guard, with a walnut handle. Mortise tang construction if all goes as planned.

Here's where Im at with it now. It MAY end up in the swap if I finish it soon...No promises.

 

Kid

[skullworks]

Look in good! I like this one a lot!

[Steve Nuckels]

Nice!  I can't wait to see it finished.

-------------------
IN GOD WE TRUST

[LONGBOWKID]

Let it sit most of the day in a fire yesterday annealing. Not so shiny anymore. The mark you see on it is where I ran a file across the blade to test the hardness. Now I can drill it for my pin, and cut and file on the blade much easier.

 

[LONGBOWKID]

Ok folks.

I carefully cut my plunge lines with an array of files. Making sure I dont cut my plunges deeper than my bevels will be. That is a mistake commonly made by people at my stage. Hah.

 


Other side cut. Sharpied the blade so yall could actually see the plunges. Kind of difficult without it.

 

Cleaned it up on my belt sander. Be careful not to disturb the plunges you worked so hard on.
 

Now, I draw file my blade to my liking. When its nice and uniform, my bevels are about 80% complete, I stop, and move on.
 

Now time to polish. My LEAST favorite part of knife making.

Here is a useful "tool". I wrap the chosen grit sandpaper around a block of wood, and pin it in place. This makes hand sanding easier by leaps and bounds. Reduces hand cramps as well!

 

[LONGBOWKID]

Now, I sand all in one direction. And around the time it starts looking nice and polished....Swap directions. You will be suprised, and a little down when you see all the deep scratches that are still there that you couldnt see.  

 

Back to work, will have more soon!

Kid

[skullworks]

Looking good!

[LONGBOWKID]

Folks, I hate to say it, but there will be a delay, and a lesson learned later on in the tut.

Kid

[Lin Rhea]

There will be lot's of those. It wont bother you as much after a while. Your doing good. Lin