Dr. Ashby and my new heads

[RGK]

Of course I finished my last batch of heads before reading Dr. Ashby's report on the single bevel, so Tonight I made another head but simply ground one edge on each side. This head is also 165 grains. I hope to make more and test them soon. Here are the pics of both side of the head (although they look like the same pic)

   

   

[Hatrick]

They look pretty deadly to me. We need more specs. How about length, width, ferrule diameter.

Nice job.    

[RGK]

Blade length 1 3/4 inch, Overall length 2 1/4, Width 15/16th, 11/32 ferrule.

[Dr. Ed Ashby]

Ron, they look a bit similar to the 125 gr. Abowyer. I might suggest you knock the tip off into a small Tanto design. The production Abowyer comes with a squared off tip similar to what you've got there, and they tend to chip the corners off frequently on bone impacts. Tanto stopped that, and also showed an improvement in reduced their tendency to skid on the bone's surface during angular impacts.

Do you know what the hardness level is? Sure looks like they'll work!

Ed

[StanM]

Truly beautiful work, Ron.  Whatcha use to paint them?

Stan

[Falk]

Lovely    
Would be willing to add one of each type to my collection.

[RGK]

Dr. Ashby. The material I use is M42 steel. Some of the hardest stuff around. I think it is in the RC65 to 70 range. I make fillet knives out of it mostly because it holds such a great edge. I don't think edge rolling will be a factor.

StanM, That is just cheap spray paint. I was experimenting with something other than gun bluing for a change.

[StanM]

I like it.  When you decide to put some up for sale...ah heck, don't sell 'em.  Then your hobby would be a job.  I'll have to see if I can make some myself.  Thanks for the pics.

Stan

[Dr. Ed Ashby]

Ron, I like the sound of that; R65-70. I've never worked with a BH that was over R57-R58. It will be interesting to see how it holds up to hard bone impact. If it's not so hard it wants to shatter or chip, the extra hardness will be a great asset, with the edge staying sharper longer during penetration.

Ed

[RGK]

After looking into this material, I see it max's out at RC69........ Still darn hard. It makes for a great fillet knife with wonderful edge holding ability yet a good amount of flexibility.

[capt eddie]

What taper do you have on it?  How is the blade attached to the ferrule?  I do not see solder.

[Grayishhues]

Looks to me like a field point that has been ground into a bullet shape, with a groove cut into the center for the point to slide down into.

BTW. RGK- You don't happen to go by Rancid Crabtree over on thebowyersden.com do you?

[RGK]

capt eddie, It is explained here.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=049889;p=1

Grayishhues, That would be me.

[JC]

Very impressive, precise lines considering you are doing it all by hand. Well done.

[RGK]

I am planning to start a new head that has a 2.25 : 1 ratio. Hope to have it made by the weekend.

[hickstick]

RGK   are you sure that is m42?   most bandsaw blades are either L6 or 15n20 (both excellent steels in their own right).   I've heard stories of folks trying to forge m42 and got nowhere except sore shoulders and elbows.  

or was the band saw blade the prototype and now you're using the m42?

[RGK]

The box the bandsaw coil comes in and on the blade itself is "M42". This is what we use to cut hardened steel and stainless steel. It is some tough stuff.

[StanM]

Looking forward to pics of the new heads.

Stan

[robtattoo]

*sigh* Something else I'm now compelled to have a go at making   :rolleyes:  

Seriously though, stunning craftsmanship. It looks far better than a lot of production heads in both design & finish  

[Mozarkid]

Sweet!  The RGK-M42 Broadhead.

Sure would be something if a few found their way into Dr Ashby's hands before next years adventures...