Some more improvements:

Added matching filework to spine of blade, mirror polished blade after removing thumbstuds. I heated the studs per Darrel's directions, heavily taped the jaws of two pairs of pliers and yet no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to get the studs off without slightly crimping them. While removed from the blade, I screwed the thumbstuds together and while holding half in my fingers, I carefully sanded and polished with my Dremel. They look OK (not great).

I need to get a macro lens for my camera to better show it off. The macro setting that comes with it doesn't let me get tight enough to really show you how good this looks in person.

Altogether, a major learning curve on this one.

For Coop: Regarding Dovetail and spacers-Once I set the table on my disc sander for 45 degrees I first ground the bolsters to match as best as possible (I did some additional hand sanding to make sure they matched perfectly). After matching the dovetail of the bolster with the carbon fiber, sanding the vulcanized red spacer to match the same 45 degrees, and sanding the Tiger Coral to the same 45 degrees as well, I glued all three spacer components to each other and then backed them up to a piece of red spacer roughly sized to the liner. I did this not only for the accent effect but to increase the strength of the joint of all three.
My neighbor has been making scale airplanes (the kind that are 10 feet+ and fly) for over 20 years and strongly suggested a glue that I've been using ever since..."Clear Siliconized Acrylic" from Ace Hardware item # 12589. Terrific bond. A sledge hammer won't break the hold, and it's nice and clear. (My neighbor uses it in the plane windows and the bond even survives crashes)

Filework: Traced curve of liner onto stainless (in this case 440C Blanchard ground). Cut out about 1/2" high using Dremel and "Gyros" brand fiber discs for Hard Steel-spraying with WD-40 every minute or two to keep it cool-still took awhile...that steel is tough stuff!. Sanded down piece using disc and belt sander until I was fairly close to size. Clamped steel piece in place between liners, marked drill holes, and drilled 1/16" pilot first (I'm glad I did this step, I was off slightly but able to correct with next size up) then 3/32" using drill press. (yeah, I finally got one). Hand sanded for closer fit. Put into bench clamp, marked off every 1/4", and roughed out "filework" with Dremel-using cone shaped grinding stone for curves and diamond wheel for horizontal lines. Had to seriously go back over everything with round and triangle files to really clean it up.
Oh yeah, had to be careful on blade not to go too deep/too close near thumbstud hole.

Hope you get the idea from these photos.

Dennis

a5.cpimg.com/image/4D/C8/...8017A-.jpg (http://a5.cpimg.com/image/4D/C8/10394445-70d8-01F8017A-.jpg)

a8.cpimg.com/image/50/C8/...8017A-.jpg (http://a8.cpimg.com/image/50/C8/10394448-7157-01F8017A-.jpg)

a1.cpimg.com/image/49/C8/...C0195-.jpg (http://a1.cpimg.com/image/49/C8/10394441-a5d2-021C0195-.jpg)

Excellent finishing touches, Dennis!
The standards which you and Coop are setting are costing me $$$ - I just had to fly down to Atlanta to pick up exotic supplies and tools at the Blade show to keep up with your new standards!
In regard to thumb stud removal, I've had good luck with the following two methods - both with a little heat added:
- medium density, plastic jaws added to a small vise.
- thin leather pads glued to small vise grip jaws with parallel faces, with a drop of sticky spray glue added to the leather surfaces.

Excellent work, Dennis! It's really looking pretty elegant now. Do you have some finishing work to do to the bolsters, or are you done? At some point you are going to have to stop reworking on this knife and get going on another! ;) ;) ;)

Kelly: You don't have anything to worry about. Your stuff is AWESOME! But I'm looking forward to your next set of projects.

Dennis: I'm slacking! I m still waiting for my Kalamazoo sander (ordered from Koval's last week), and I already have Darrell's horizontal sanding table attachment. I'm getting psyched. But I don't have a knife in progress. And.... I liked my first DDR1 so much I got another fine piece of stag. I'm going to experiment with a little different filework--not sure what. And I have a little surprise up my sleeve.... There may be a little damascus accent involved! This will take some time...

Thanks for posting and updating us. Great work, Dennis!!!!

Coop-
I had to smile while reading your reply. I don't know exactly what you have planned but let's see if we're thinking on the same track:

Last week I placed an order with Texas Knife...Stag scales and Eggerling Damascus Bolster!!! I have a feeling this may sound familiar?...heh, heh.

Unfortunately, due to some confusion caused by their staff being at the show, they never processed my order (even though I had an e-mail confirmation), so I had to re-order this past weekend.
I should get my goodies on Wednesday.

Also, something of note: Last weekend a former, well-to-do neighbor was visiting when I showed her this new knife. She was very impressed and asked if I could make her a set of kitchen knives.
I responded "sure!" I explained that as these are handmade they will be quite expensive...perhaps as much as $200 per knife! She said "no problem, let's start with a couple and if I like them you can do a full set!!!"
Seeing as how I've yet to make my first fixed blade knife, I think of this as winning a scholarship to knifemaking class. So, arriving on Wednesday along with the aforementioned order are European-styled kitchen cutlery blades from Jantz, and Ivory Micarta along with Mosaic pins from Texas Knife...something a little bit "fancy" for my wealthy, new customer.

Between this "commission" and all the KitKnives I have planned I've got my work cut out for me. In response I'm closing off half of my "finished" basement (it's fully carpeted), selling off a regulation customized pool table to make room (the walls are faux-finished to match the table) and turning the whole deal into a workshop!
I bought a workbench and backwall from Sears. I've got my drill press, belt/disc sander (I'm sure I'll get a good one in 6 months or so), and every conceivable accessory for the Dremel...I'm ready to rock 'n roll! This is an all-consuming hobby and I love it.

Dennis

Last week I placed an order with Texas Knife...Stag scales and Eggerling Damascus Bolster!!! I have a feeling this may sound familiar?...heh, heh.

I don't know what you're talking about! ;)

Now THAT'S the spirit! The home is transforming... Give up on your rec room and start the knife workshop! "Honey, could you bring me down the canvas micarta?? It's in the linen closet next to the tablecloths. Oh, and turn the oven down to 400* for the draw on your way down..!!!"

I'd better get movin....

Coop

Before you complete the workshop, I'll suggest the following:
-put a lock on the door that opens from the inside, only,
-mount a red STOP light on the outside, along with a DO NOT DISTURB sign
Not much more dangerous than a yell for help with an overflowing toilet bowl, feuding children, or wild horses
when operating a grinder or buffer.

Sounds like fun!
Very nice work on the folder Dennis!