Finished Pictures - Frame Handle Bowie

[kbaknife]

This is my third frame handle bowie, and I'm convinced I need to make more.
I really cringe the way I see some made.
Mine just have to be rock solid for me to feel comfortable and mine are.
Looks like in some knives the scales are actually used to add integrity to the frame. And when scales are as thin as they sometimes get in frame handles, that would give my nightmares.
Anyway, she still has a bit of work to do before she goes to our buddy Scott Teaschner.
Twisted wrought iron fittings.
Somewhat rare stabilized Franquette Walnut scales.

   


   


   

[Lin Rhea]

That will be pretty Karl. What's more, it will be rock solid as you say. I am really glad you do your own thinking and not follow every method you see. It has lead to you being a superlative knife maker.

[kbaknife]

I am honored.

     


 

Originally posted by Lin Rhea:
That will be pretty Karl. What's more, it will be rock solid as you say. I am really glad you do your own thinking and not follow every method you see. It has lead to you being a superlative knife maker.

[gudspelr]

I'm really liking that, Karl. I "think" I'm following some of what you have going on there...

Is that a collared nut in that last "space" in the frame that tightens down onto a threaded tang, forcing the frame forward to the back of the guard? Also, how do you approach the front edges (top and bottom) of the frame where it meets the back of the guard?  I've seen where guys have the frame just flush to the guard assembly and seem to rely on the very accurate cutout around the tang for the alignment. I've also seen where the tang sides of the top/bottom are longer and slide into recesses in the back of the guard assembly. That way, the outer portions that are seen are flush, while inside there is a "locking" or at least overlapping portion to make things stronger.

I'm really liking that knife-the chatoyance in the pics you put up is definitely obvious. Betting in person it's a real treat. Looking forward to this one finishing out.

   


Jeremy

[D.Ellis]

Interesting. I'd like to get the lowdown on that frame construction, the why's and how's, when you get the time Karl.........you know some of that free time those self employed bladesmiths have    
Damascus is purty. Nicely shaped guard too. I like the way you have knocked the sharp edges off to make the guard easy on the hands.    
Darcy

[kbaknife]

Exactly!!


 

Originally posted by D.Ellis:
 I like the way you have knocked the sharp edges off to make the guard easy on the hands.      
Darcy

[kbaknife]

Jeremy, I always have to do some resizing on photos - like everyone else - before I can answer your questions.
You pretty much nailed it all around.
The forward tang width is full width 1/2 through the spacer.
It takes about an hour, but a bit of filing on the frame face/lugs, the spacer slot and the tang itself, and I slowly creep the frame into place. I want everything to lock together with no slop.
The guard is driven on tight, so there's no up and down play.
The spacer and guard are pinned.
The frame then filed to fit the spacer.
The frame then bolted to the tang.
It's a tank.
Also notice that the frame is .008" thicker than the slot in the spacer.
You can see a little ledge around the filed lugs that will sit and push against the spacer, as well as the top portion against the back of the spacer above and below the hole.
Lots of pressure contact area.
Also, when I crank down on the bolt, this picture frame contact area on the back of the spacer won't let the frame move in any direction.

 

 

This is at a point where I'm just sneaking up on it.


 


 

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by kbaknife:
Jeremy, I always have to do some resizing on photos - like everyone else - before I can answer your questions.
You pretty much nailed it all around.
The forward tang width is full width 1/2 way through the spacer.
It takes about an hour, but a bit of filing on the frame face/lugs, the spacer slot and the tang itself, and I slowly creep the frame into place. I want everything to lock together with no slop.
The guard is driven on tight, so there's no up and down play.
The spacer and guard are pinned.
The frame then filed to fit the spacer.
The frame then bolted to the tang.
It's a tank.
Also notice that the frame is .008" thicker than the slot in the spacer.
You can see a little ledge around the filed lugs that will sit and push against the spacer, as well as the top portion against the back of the spacer above and below the hole.
Lots of pressure contact area.
Also, when I crank down on the bolt, this picture frame contact area on the back of the spacer won't let the frame move in any direction.

   

   

This is at a point where I'm just sneaking up on it.


   


     

[gudspelr]

Yup, makes all the sense in the world. Thanks for those extra photos-really puts it all in perspective. And I'd be willing to bet you're right on how stout that entire setup is. Maybe you should do your MS test knife that way....   .

Jeremy

[just_a_hunter]

That is awesome in every sence of the word!

Thanks for posting this thread!

Todd

[kbaknife]

I've already pretty much decided that a few years ago.

 

Originally posted by gudspelr:
Maybe you should do your MS test knife that way....    .
Jeremy

[kbaknife]

I've got well over a hundred edited photos of this thing already and it's still not done - hot-bluing in the morning.

These next photos don't show the previous 80 steps, but we'll just skip those and show you how it turned out.

Like I mentioned earlier, notice the full width tang that goes 1/2 way through the spacer:

     


From the handle side. See the pins and a 'dot' determining the top end for assembly. As well, the bottom and top of the slot are radiused. The lugs on the frame are filed to fit this radius. That radius locks the lugs in tight between the top of the slot and the tang.

     

How it slides together:
See the lugs just entering the spacer.

     


The frame locked into place:

     


     


The lock assembly:
(Minus the bolt!    :rolleyes: )  

 

[kbaknife]

Here is how it stands right now.
I am thrilled at how the wrought etched out.

 

 

 


 


 

 


 

[2treks]

That is fine!
I love the Wrought as well.

[gudspelr]

That right there is pretty dang cool, Karl       . You make the steps look rather (deceptively) simplistic, like some of the stuff Lin shows. I know just barely enough to look at what you're doing and wonder if I'll ever be good enough to do the things you guys do. Your craftsmanship is all kinds of impressive, sir.

Oh, and forgot to remark about your test knife... I very much look forward to that test report and photos.    :D  

Jeremy

[D.Ellis]

That's a bit overkill Karl............I LIKE overkill   :D  Thanks for the clear pics and explanation. Beautiful wrought iron.
Also, it's a good thing I live real far away, or I'd be stealing that piece of stag right out from under your nose    
Darcy

[Enzo]

Wonderful!!!

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by D.Ellis:
That's a bit overkill Karl............I LIKE overkill    :D  

Oddly, I don't see it as overkill.
There's only one bolt.

[tomsm44]

That's awesome.  I personally don't like the term 'overkill'.  I've never had a hunt end with an animal that was TOO dead.  Is this intended to be a takedown, or did you use something to lock it all together such as epoxy under the scales or locktite on the threads?

Matt

[Doug Campbell]

Awesome stuff Buddy, love it!! If that's for your table at Blade you better get busy on something else cause that aint gonna last long.