Pig Sticker - Bowie (Pics Added)

[ber643]

Got enough spare time (and the urge at the same time - LOL) to put another knife together (my fifth). This one is built on an old, unlabeled Bowie blade blank, sent to me by a friend in a trade for materials. I cleaned the blade up some but it could use a lot more. I may not do it though, as it kind of fits the "rough and toumble" effect I was after, the way it is. The handle, I fashioned out of a piece of Elk Antler I got in another trade, two pieces of White Corian, a sort of guard I fashioned from an old piece of brass, and a large brass screw I filed the head flat on, to peg the end cap on (with 60 min epoxy, as is the handle parts). The knife is 12 1/2" oa and weighs a full 2 lbs. Plenty big and tough enough to finish off a hog:

 

 

 

[Chris Surtees]

Now that is a knife Bernie! Very nice! I do not want to see the pig you plan on sticking with it though  

[skullworks]

Great job, Bernie! Should make a nice sticker!

[ber643]

LOL - I haven't got to pig hunt in the last few years, Cris, but someone, when I made my first (4)knives asked me, "Now, let's see a nice, big pig-sticker, Bernie." Started me thinking. Thanks for the comments.

Thank you, sw, I really appreciate it.

BTW, the green on the blade in the second pic is just a reflection from the moss/lichens on the end board, - such as can be seen in the third pic.

[skullworks]

Now I have to make me a big bowie, Bernie!

[ber643]

LOL - catching isn't it?

[JEFF B]

wow!!! real nice uncle bernie that will split a chigger or two in half!!  

[ber643]

Lord Have mercy, Jeff, you'd have to hit the little buggers with the flat of the blade - and you'd likely bust your leg.

Since I spoke of the fit in hand, in some threads, and earlier on some folks had said they liked to see a knife in hand:

 

[OconeeDan]

Nice, Bernie!

[ber643]

Thank you, Dan.

[MYSTIKBOW]

Now that there is a KNIFE! First rate job Bernie.  At 12 1/2" and  2lbs. ya should be able to finish off two pigs at once with that bugger.

[ber643]

LOL - thanks, Mystik.

[Full Quiver II]

Nice looking knife, Bernie! I guess the fifth time is the charm!  

[Bodork]

Nice job Bernie. That knife looks alot bigger in the picture with you holding it.

[woodchucker]

Kinda like a KA-BAR only differant  

Semper Fi Bernie!!!!!

[ber643]

Thanks, gents. One safty consideration though -

Actually, handle is really comfortable. It is oval shaped, top to bottom, and narrower at the bottom than it looks in those angles - but for the other part (safety)  I am posting this:
 
Yep, when I first fashioned that Brass piece, I had every intention of taking the fore-end of the antler down more behind it (to form a guard). However, when I got it to the stage to try the handle on, it looked so darned good, I forgot the protection part, and just decided not to re-shape it that much. Then when I was taking the pics, I thought, "Yikes, now look what you've done - gonna have to be extra careful using that thing," - it's sharp too! I need to get (or get better at making) more assorted guards. I've picked up a fair amount of little Brass gee-gaws (cheap at yard sales, etc.) to cut up and file. Just gotta remember to do it, do it, do it - right.

I hate to think of changing it but I may have to re-shape that foreend yet.

[LEOPARD]

Nice knife, Bernie! Well done!  :D

[ber643]

Thanks, Leopard. I am letting it stay as is for now, until I am sure what I want to do - so that i don't do something else I may regret later - LOL. It's on the table so I see it a lot and pick it up every so often (even though I'm working on another one or two now).

[JEFF B]

yup best to be safe than sorry uncle bernie    dont want ya to lose any fingers now.

[ber643]

Yep, Jeff - I really like the looks of it and the feel and heft - but i'd hate like all get out to slide up the handle and onto that big, sharp blade. I may grind the antler down some behind the "guard" and then post another pic of it. In the meantime I have another (different type) about done and will be posting it probably tomorrow or the neat day - and it has a guard! LOL