Wow,
I didn't expect all the nice comments. It really is a simple blade from a bar of steel. The small file work I used a dremmel tool to do,and the saw teeth was done with a grinding wheel and file.

Jeff I sent it to F&M Heat treating in Northlake Illinois. There they did what I asked for the paltry sum of $50.00 including shipping back. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

When I realized that I would use this for chopping and not slicing I left it Satin finished. Although 440A is very easy to polish to a pure mirror it would be wasted on mine. Like making a Dog Father mirror...just ain't right.Made for abuse so I stopped polishing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

It was a great way to kill some time at night and even though I could have done better on some facets I did take my time and worked very slow on every step. As I had never done it before all I had to go by was a Tops Tracker picture and my image of what I wanted. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
The multiple pins was me getting flamboyant in the end. I wanted it to look different...you know..mine not a Tops. That's why I chose a Maple chunk for the handle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I am pleased with it and one day I will carry it somewhere with me. for now I have no sheath that fits it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

I may order one for a Tops model and see how it fits,but that's $50.00 to find out. If it is wrong I'm out half a hund. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again for the nice words,I like it too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



Peace.

nice job p0p

Very nice.

Excellent job, and great work for a first blade.

that's impressive work, pop!

That looks awesome POP, amazing work !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I have to ask though, why 440A ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I took mine out today.....

Now that is one hell of a pic.....you could sell that to TOPS....

Awesome job Dave! Ya done good! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Pit,440A because it was so cheap and when talking to customer service at Admiral Steel the sales rep had built his own knives and recommended it highly for a "first knife" because it is so forgiving. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
It is softer and easier to work with than the newer "Super Steels" like S30V,CPM154,154CM,and the Japanese steels. He assured me I could hide mistakes easier and when I talked to him I wanted to "Mirror Polish" my Tracker.
It was only after I was done and buffing out the heat treat blackness that I decided to only Satin finish the blade due to the abuse I would heap on it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Easy to sharpen in the field if needed and if I ever change my mind I can mirror it in less than an hour. Can't do that with the harder steels. So that's why I chose 440A. oh... and I have many other blades in 440 and all take a insane edge!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


Peace.

P.S. Thanks a ton for the recipe,my bride will try to make some this weekend!!! YUMMY!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

i think 440a's a good choice. relative to most 'higher grade' stainless steels, 440a maintains a bit more toughness, which is better suited to a knife of this class. large s30v fixed blades are designed by marketers.

I hope this comment doesn't piss anyone off.




I like yours better then the one that inspired you...