Sure quiet around here.

[kbaknife]

Wonder why that is?    

[kansas stik man]

i noticed this to karl!!!  i have not been working on many blades lately. accually got into the straight razor world and have been trying to figure out how to do my hollow grinding without a belt grinder.

[tippit]

Probably in anticipation of the St Judes Auction.  People are trying to figure out what to bid on or finishing up their projects...tippit

[kbaknife]

But, we're not having any discussions either, Jeff.
How to do this, how to make this work, what to do with XX steel, what new tools or gadgets we made, how does one tap this or thread that, where does one find these things, new handle materials, sources for ???, build-a-longs, WIPS, etc.

[Lin Rhea]

I've noticed it too. Been pretty busy around here but I'll try to do better.

[kbaknife]

Just wonderin'.

[GWV]

I don't make knives but I sure do love seeing them.  So, until you makers start posting some pics then I don't have too much of anything to comment on.  Just makes me appreciate all the work you guys do more when there are no pics everyday.  Thanks!!!

[kbaknife]

There's enough makers and enthusiasts on this forum to keep it busy all day - every day.

[Lin Rhea]

I'm working on a smallish hunting knife. I'll post pics as soon as I get it done. I should be photographing more. I just have been stretched thin for time.

[Doug Campbell]

Yep knife season is over and the crazy season has started around here...        Should be in the shop this evening but after 12 miles on a horse and everything that went with it today I'm plumb wore out...

[2treks]

Karl,
I thought I might start a thread to see how I should process down my "scrap" for knife scales?
I noticed Idaho Kurt made some up and my pile is getting rather large for my small shop. Time to light a match or chunk it up.
I have stuff from real small to large enough for a big sticker.
Any suggestions on how you Smiths like it would help me.

CTT

[Lin Rhea]

Chuck, I usually get mine 1 1/2 X 2 X 5. That should cover about any size knife. It will also make two small hunters if cut just right. If you run across a piece 1 1/2 square X 20-24 inch long, it would make a hawk handle.

[2treks]

Thank you Lin, I may get on top of that pile this week.
I have one box to send to a fine fella just about ready to go and then I will tie into the other stuff.
Thanks again.

CTT

[kbaknife]

Agreed! A person can always make smaller things out of big things, but............you know.
I never did figure out who or where the idea started about selling blocks or scales 1 1/2" wide.
Whenever I cut up stuff to be stabilized for myself or to sell, I cut them up HUGE! You can always cut them down to size later.
And why do people even sell scales?
As soon as you cut up a block of material into scales for sale, you IMMEDIATELY lose the hidden tang maker as a customer.
If a person can't cut up his blocks into scales for full tang knives, he shouldn't be making knives.

[2treks]

I understand you Karl, I am not "cutting Scales" as much as I am "processing material" that is not usable for me. Squaring up odd shapes. A better question might be "what size can you guys use?" Lin gave a good place for me to start. Thank you,
CTT

[akaboomer]

I like them about the same as Lin. For bigger stuff I order the size I need. I like the blocks of Blackwood of that auction site. Last one I bought was 2"X2"X12" lots of options there. I have even called Arizona Ironwood with special order sizes. Cost a little more but they accomodated my request.

On a side note my bosses wife make fancy soap, lotions, and the like and she grows her own Lavender. So she needs a good sickle to harvest it. I will be posting the results of my version soon. Should quench and draw back tomorrow evening.

I recently moved into a niebourhood out of the country and don't have a shop set up so it's been a while since I did much beside getting some forged or rough ground.

I also have been trying my hand at making Damascus. First weld and drawing out was in Lin's shop. I cut stacked, and welded twice more at home. Damascus by hand is WORK, but I do enjoy forging.

Chris