Helle Knife kit from Dryad

[JImmyDee]

I've seen some posts from folks who built some Helle Knives from kits they got from Dryad Bows and I thought, "Me too!"

I ordered the Harding -- the kit they recommend for beginners.  Here's what happened.

 
 
 
     

I did a couple things different.  I like a big handle that swells to fill my palm and has a couple flat surfaces for my thumb and index finger.  The block they provided was barely long enough for what I wanted and I had this piece of oak lying about, so... oak it is -- big, open grain and all!

I sawed and re-sawed some oak, layed-out the tang and the handle, rough-cut the wood on a bandsaw, drilled some holes, gouged more space behind the bolster, got busy with the JB Weld, and spent an hour sanding the handle.

As I made the sheath, I had to relocate the hole where the tang retainer and belt loop are attached.  I used a Chicago screw instead of the fastener provided with the kit.  I also used a heavier twine than they supplied.

In the end I'm looking at a servicable knife with a nice blade and a handle I like with a pretty good sheath -- for $46 delivered, a couple components I had lying about, and an afternoon's work.

A very good deal, I'd say...

[p1choco]

Nice work.  Those kits are well worth every penny.

[elk ninja]

Looks good, and the best part, it's yours!  In more ways than one!  It'll be with you for a long time, skinning many a Tennessee buck!
Mike

[brettlandon]

Nice job on your first!  Watch out, though.  This knifemaking can be real addicting!

-Brett