So, I finally managed to get some steel, and sat down this morning to decide on what my knife was going to look like.

I ended up making two templates I really liked. Here they are.


I decided to go with the bottom one as my first attempt at making a knife. You'll notice I put a very small choil in the design; I find I like this, because it allows me to more easily sharpen the edge on the Kalamazoo belt sander.



I first attempted to use a Dremel to cut the template out, but ended up going to a angle grinder I set up in my bench vise. I then did final clean up on my bench grinder; first getting rid of any rough edges on the stone, then onto the wire wheel to get rid of any sharp, wiry scrap. Here's what it looks like so far... what do you guys think?




Well, I'm going to go outside and enjoy a glass of Glenfiddich on the rocks, and a nice Cohiba cigar I bought! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I can't wait to hear what you guys think of it.

Looks like a pretty cool design!
good job too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> looks good so far... well, better than what I would do, that's for sure.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Looking good Tyger! What kind of handles you gonna put on it?

looking good! the tip has a Becker BK7 look to it, i like it!

Looks good. I like both designs.

Glennfiddich and Cohibas, man, there is nothing better than sitting back with that!

Thanks guys; that was a nice cigar. Been a while since I treated myself to a high quality smoke like that.

I'm thinking of either Walnut or Cocobo for the handle, and either staining it a nice dark cherry to enhance the Walnut, or a clear schlack (or something to that effect), to enhance the natural look of the Cocobo.

I have to figure out how I'm going to attach the scales as well; with a hollow or solid pin, or use a hidden bolt fastener. I'm looking at one of the knife kit websites to see what is available for me to use

I have a set of cobalt drill bits, along with my drill press, for making the holes for the fasteners/pins, and of course, the lanyard hole at the back end. I'll be drilling those before the tempering process for sure! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

what kind of grind?

Looks great!!! Cant wait to see it when your finished with it.

I'm going to try for a full convex; I'll see how it goes, and keep my fingers crossed!

Here's some comparison pics, so you have an idea of the size.

Nice Tyger.<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> What steel did you go with? I like both designs. Looks like about a 5" or slightly larger edge..? Great job so far. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I am finally working on the handles for mine after getting it back from HT.

I went with a synthetic for my handles but the Walnut or cocobolo sounds nice. Try to get it stabilized. I've also heard that you can use thinned super glue to darken and seal woods. Never tried it though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I did a full convex grind also - I will just say - stay away from the spine when you are doing your grind or you will grind away thickness - but, you also have to stay away from the edge or you will have a sharpened edge before HT. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Fun stuff!

Keep the pics coming as you progress.

looking good so far, keep us updated!