In the near future I woud like to make a knife or two with some blade and bolster carving and would like some advice on the tools and techiques to acomplish this. I will be grateful for any and all advice. I turn green with envy every time I see a photo of a Rex Robinson knife!!

John, I have done a little using files and a fordom flex-shaft tool, but nothing that I am pleased with. If I were you, I would contact makers who have mastered this technique (David Broadwell, for example) and ask them directly. I think many of us would be happy to hear what you find out.

I would be one of the many interested in your findings. I've attempted this on a few projects, and much like Don haven't been totally satisfied with the results.

Steve, maybe I didn't make myself clear -I was totally UNsatisfied. ;)

THE QUESTION SEEMS TO BE..ARE YOU AN LINE ARTIST or ENGRAVER? if your not..or dont have the tallent naturally
this could be a very frustrating event...folks just dont
pic up a few tools and start doing this..they usually have
had the tallent all their lives..thats why not every one can do
it.. i wish you luck and hope you are one of the talented few
with this ability if its what you want to pursue..

I still have a blade laying in the shop that I wanted to have the appearance of flaked flint. I used a die grinder, and was somewhat impressed with a first attempt. I need to get it HT'd and blued. I hope it to look similar to obsidian when finished.

Steve

Graver mister is the name,(GRS)I think, of the recipricating style, and Paragrave is the rotory system.
Both of these companies will help you with engraving questions.

Thanks for the comments guys.I think I will follow Don`s advice and give one of the masters of the game a call.I will be more than happy to post my findings. I`m not an artist or engraver,but three years ago I did`nt know diddly about knife or damascus making, both of which I like to think I`m getting pretty good at,so I`m not discouraged!!