Set of 4 Hunters (Pro Photos added)

[Lin Rhea]

I'm just getting started on these, but I thought I'd take some pictures along the way. So this might take a week or two. Just be patient.

Here is the blades being forged. There is actually one more yet to be forged in the picture.
   

Here's one hot. I always like to see get pics while they're hot. It's required viewing.
   

Here's all the materials layed out before the blades are heat treated. The wood is some kind of South American fruit wood that the customer brought back on a trip. I cut it up and stabilized it for these knives.
   

I hardened the blades (1084 steel) and now they go into the oven for a two hour draw back. I'll check them for hardness and cook em again if they are ok. I always do two sessions of draw back.
   

[GWV]

Thanks for taking the time to share, it is appreciated.

[amar911]

Nice, Lin. Glad to learn something else from you.

Allan

[LONGBOWKID]

Wonderful. Keep the pics coming Mr. Rhea, I always have enjoyed your WIP's.

Branfon

[Lin Rhea]

All of them are at the same stage of finish which is nearing the finish grinding (120). I have two more grits to go and roll the edge, test the edge for proper heat treat, then hand sand them.  

It's now that I check often for size uniformity and edge thickness. I'm always drifting them toward the best one at the given time.

 

[Lin Rhea]

The ricasso shoulders are now filed. Still have to grind a little, roll the edge, test, and hand sand.

 

[Lin Rhea]

The edges are rolled and the guards are rouged and slid on. I have to hand sand the blades and finish the front of the guards and fit the guards.

 

[2treks]

Looks cool Lin, What is "Rolling the edge"??

[Lin Rhea]

The Cutting edge is convexed from the blade flat down to the absolute edge. The transition takes place in about 1/8 inch on these knives. It is showing in the pic as a shiny reflection. A roll instead of a flat facet. Takes practice but cuts great and holds up to abuse well.

[Bigriver]

Wow, those are coming along nicely. Love seeing the transition.

[2treks]

I get it. Thank you sir.

[Lin Rhea]

#1 is hand sanded and the guard is clamped on leaving the other three to wait their turn. The tape is a reminder to file the top of the ricasso before I clamp the guard in place. I have to work along through the week and I might forget from one evening to the next. Also everything is numbered so I wont get them mixed up.
 

[Craig B]

Lin,
What do you usually use for your final grit when hand sanding monosteel blades?

[Lin Rhea]

Anywhere from 320-600 depending on the knife. Keep in mind a good 320 hand sanded finish will look better than a bad 600. I'll have these photographed in a few days if all goes as planned. These will be 320.

[Craig B]

Thanks,
Looking forward to seeing them finished!

[snakewood3]

I really like the blade profile. 4 of a kind matching that close must be quite the challenge.

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks. Yes, it's a challenge and these are relatively simple knives.

I have the wood on one of the knives and will finish it on out and get it to the sheath maker. He will make 4 sheaths to fit it while I'm working on the remaining 3. I will measure it well and complete the others from that. The wood came from South America from an excursion the owner made many years ago. He's been saving the chunk for that long not knowing what he would do with it. Now it will be on his knife and his three son's knives. I hope to have time to photo them as a group.

[Kevin Evans]

Lin do you find it more challenging to work on multiple knives like this at one time ?
or would you rather make them one at a time to completion?

[Lin Rhea]

I would much prefer to make them all at the same time all at the same stages. Again, thankfully, these are rather simple and not as hard to remember everything. I have exactly enough wood for the 4 handles. No extra. So, you see why I am so intent on that.

[Lin Rhea]

It's getting down to crunch time. All of the blades are finished and the handle is acraglassed onto the last one this afternoon. One is finished, two are nearly finished,and of course #4 is just glued up. Sheaths are done and on the way to me with #1. I hope to finish the remainder tomorrow and have them photoed asap. The wood is rather plain but kind of special to the owner. It reminds me of straight grained Walnut.