For your consideration...

The warm weather is near, vacations (or STAYcations as the case may be) loom in the coming months, and money is scarce for most, but a summer knife exchange seems required nonetheless. Call it a mental health thing.

This KITH will be centered on the use of bone or similar material--I'll keep it simple.

The rules:
Any hard substance that grew on or in an animal, with the exception of stacked leather, will be acceptable as a handle material either in part or in full.

This includes: bone, oosic, horn, antler, ivory, ancient ivory, tooth, etc.

These materials may be used in any way you desire, i.e., full handles, spacers, inlays, etc. They may be embellished if you like (carved, scrimshanded, etc.). It is entirely up to you.

As for the knife, it must be a fully heat treated and usable blade of an appropriate steel. Any shape, size, or finish is fine. However, experience teaches us to avoid push daggers, and daggers in general may be illegal in many places, so avoid sharpening both edges until you check with eventual recipient of your knife.

Sheaths are encouraged, but not required. If you can't make a sheath, you might consider a display stand or display box--again not required.

That's it. Let you imaginations run wild!

We will set August 1st as draw date. That's 3 1/2 months. As this is plenty of time, we will keep that date firm.

You may sign up for this KITH all the way up to July 25th, by posting here. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ACTUAL FIRST NAME WHEN SIGNING UP. That makes us all 'friends' rather than annonymous strangers. If you announced your intent to participate on the 'feeler thread', please do so again here to make it official.

I'll update this list as people sign up.

Andrew Garrett CONFIRMED
Andy Sharpe (ranger1) DROPPED
Will (williwd2111) CONFIRMED
Keary (mzydbuck)
Dave Ruhlig CONFIRMED
James Williams (jawilliams0425) DROPPED
Kevin (Kostoglotov) CONFIRMED
Kurt Huhn (pipecrafter) CONFIRMED
Curtis Wilson (CWKnifeman) CONFIRMED
Richard Wineland (wineland) CONFIRMED
James (lpspurgeon) CONFIRMED
Darrin Sanders (pork chop) CONFIRMED
Dallas Dreger (NuViking) CONFIRMED
Terence (terence) DROPPED
Shane Atwood (spaknives) DROPPED
Mark (markd) DROPPED
Craig (texasnewf) CONFIRMED
Dave (Txcwboy) DROPPED
Dave (D N D Boyd)
John Scruby (John) DROPPED
Paul (p moore) CONFIRMED


Let's get busy!

Ok, I'll play.

Already half done would have heat treated it today but its snowing like its Jan here so I will do that tomorrow. I may end up making a few others just in case.
First name is Will you can call me Bill or anything else really... just not late for dinner, I am already late for dinner.

Hello, my name is Keary and I'm an addict. I've never done a KITH but I'm excited. Would mother of pearl be an acceptable 'bone'?

I'm in! I've already been thinking about my knife for this KITH. I'm either going with a traditional friction folder or Nessmuk.... I think. Bone is the one material I really haven't worked with much so I'm really looking forward to this. I'm going to to have to get started fairly quickly because Jun-Aug are unbearable in my shop!
-Dave

BTW- My real name is Mike Jones if the guys in black helicopters are watching:smokin

:banplease

Keary, yes MOP is fine. I actually had not considered that one, but it clearly fits the perameters.

If possible I would like to get in again.

James Williams (jawilliams0425)

Your in James. You near Joplin? I grew up there.

I drew up a design for mine last night--gonna sleep on it.

I'd like to be in

Kevin

I'm in.

I'll do it for this one, as I said.
Curtis Wilson

Count me in....I did the last one and it was my first so now I am hooked.

Richard Wineland

www.winelandknives.com

I'm thinking of a classic bird and trout knife with white bone scales on which I'll make my first attempt at scrimshaw--maybe a pheasant.

I have some buffalo horn so I made a large skinner. A buffalo skinner if you will.

Yes Andy I live in Joplin. Moved here about six years ago and now that I am in this one the wife reminded me that I owe her a knife also. So I guess this will be a two for one for me. Thinking about Mammoth tooth.

Unfortunatly for the lot of you at least to one of ya :)
Im in too

James

There's another Joplin guy around here. In fact, he sent me my last KITH knife if I recall.

Heck, he may get in on this one. If you two wind up next to each other on the draw, you could just drop it by the house! lol

on or in an animal......how about double-dyed, stabilized horse hockey? :101

Well, since I finished a blade for the last one, but never had time to finish it out with a handle, I might could do this one. All my travels have started and were waiting to hear back on the international contracts. I may be in Kahazikstan for the draw! I won't know my upcoming work travel schedule until later this month. I'll post back here then.

Well after looking at the price of manmoth tooth I think died buffalo horn is looking really good right now. Have been drawing up some thing but not sure yet. Thought about using bolsters but have never done them.

Count me in and let me say these KITH's are a great thing.

Got a first name pork chop?

im in. i have been toying around with the idea of forging a blade. ill have to sleep on that one.

Count me in boys.

Oops. My name is Darrin Sanders. Sorry about that.

Got it Darrin, thanks.

Don't forget those first names if you don't mind fellas.

If you strongly object, I understand, but it helps cultivate a good atmosphere. This is the last time I'll mention it.

When is the deadline for putting your name in the hat? I have several that I am trying to get finished and need to before I commit to something else.

OK what the heck I think I should have enough time & these kiths are fun. SO "I'M IN".
Thanks, Shane

I got a set of jigged horn scales in the mail and about a dozen blanks on the way from waterjetting so...I guess I gotta play.

Dallas Dreger. AKA NuViking

Wade you ever get an answer to the dealine Q ?

The intro lists July 25th as the sign up deadline. Sorry I missed that question earlier.

Sorry Andy, I guess I need reading lessions. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Count me in, I have several ideas in mind and some exotic bone materials as well .. this sounds like fun ! - Name - Craig Newbury

Throw me a bone ( Im in :) )

Dave

Newies Name is Craig. I guess Newfies cant read English :)

Me too! i'm shin...I mean in.

Paul

Sweet count me in please. I also have to make a knife my for my Wife as well... This is great I can't wait

Dave:flame:

Can you use IMI Stag ? I happen to have it on hand. :)


Dave

Imistag is actually cow bone. So, yes, you may use it.

I've used it once and consider it to be the best looking faux stag out there.

texasnewf is Craig

txcwboy is Dave :)

OOps! Texas 'overload'

Fixed it.

markd's in I should have a handle on my crappy plunge cuts by then.:) :)

I would like to sign up. I'm new on this forum though, hope that ok.
My name is Serge Panchenko

We still have to wait 2 more months to get started ????? Yikes!

So I got some nice buffalo horn scales a couple of weeks ago for this KITH and went out to my shop yeterday to find one warped like crazy. I know I linve in one of the most humid places in the country and the scales came from a much dryer climate, but I didn't expect that much warping! I'm starting to see why I've shyed away from this material in the past. Do any of you guys know how I can fix this or do I just sand the crap out of it? Even if I do get them straight are they going to stay that way? I guess stabilizing is an option, but I thought the whole point of using materials like this is to keep that natural feel.
-Dave

Just sand the crap out of it VERY SLOWLY (to keep it cool).

When you mount them, avoid pins--go with Loveless fasteners or Corbys, maybe even flared tubes. You might even place that hardware a bit closer to the ends of the scales than you might with other stuff.

A rock solid mechanical bond will keep them straight once you get them mounted.

I had the same problem thats the only reason mine is not finished yet. Thanks for the how to Andy.

Mine's through heat treating.

I'm going WAAAAY out of my comfort zone with this one. I'm still not certain how I will afix etched damascus bolsters to a finished blade without it looking screwy. I'm thinking domed end brass pins for bolster and the bone scales.

Andy, If you have pin holes in the tang just use hidden pins, Thats what I do on my Bird-N-Trout III's. Just drill down into the inside of the bolsters 1/16" to 3/32" holes for 1/16" pins Make sure that the hiles are exact. Then Put soulder onto the insideof the bolsters and redrill by hand to clean up the holes. Next cut the length of the 1/16" pins where there will not be any gap with both bolsters and pins in place. Wrap a wet paper towel around the bladeclamp in a vise and just heat the bolsters up enough as to let the soulder flow (note: you may have to use avery little flux on the pre souldered bolsters), Once you see the soulder start to flow clamp togather with a heavy pair of pliers until the soulder cools and sets. Clean up any excess soulder then finish as required.
Hope that this helps you along.
Cutris Wilson

That's a great method Curtis, but the problem is that the bolsters will require a different etched finish than the blade they will be flush with.

I'm going to do some spot epoxy and superglued pins to grind everything down to exact dimensions. Then I'll separate all those parts, etch as desired and reassemble with nice domed pins (a technique I've never tried but have the tools for). Peening will be out of the question, but I'll make sure things are snug.

Hey Guys been really busy. Just got caught up reading all the posts.
Here's one I finished for a customer (Seems to fit this Kith)
Handle is Sperm Whale Tooth. Very Cool Stuff.

A lesson learned....

My knife is all but finished. All that remains is doming my pins (first time I've done this) and carefully putting it together.

I tried scrimshaw for the first time, but will have to sand it off and leave the scales white. You see, I didn't heed the warning in both scrimshaw books that I own--bone is a bad canvas for scrim. It's too porus and too hard. The work is harder and the product looks terrible. I'll try again on some proper ivory someday.

So, I will easily make the deadline and should be posting pics as soon as I can find a couple hours to assemble and photo my entry.

How goes the progress elsewhere?

BTW Andy, you need to make another one of those and throw it in the hat! Very slick!

My name is John Scruby, I am a hobbyist maker and I live over the pond but I would love to join in if there is no objection. I love KITHs and like working with Bone and Antler.

ATVB John

Welcome John.

I am going to have to drop out of this KITH due to health reasons. Sorry and hope to have this taken care of by the next KITH. James

Finally getting started on my entry. Given the size of my last KITH entry, I'm thinking of making a patch knife with a simple leather sheath. Maybe some basic tooling. It's looking like deer leg bone for the handle, with some rawhide wrap. I might even put a bronze accent on it, or maybe copper, or maybe iron - I can't decide right now. I probably won't figure it all out until I actually start to put it all together anyway. :D

Hey Kurt, I'm really enjoying your last KITH knife.
I got my blade heat treated. I'm going with a small EDC that I have had in my head for some time.

Well, I'm done early (if you can believe that), and here it is--a semi tradionalesque Japanese tanto.

The blade is a Nicholson Black Diamond Mill Bastard (file). I etched and hand sanded and then handsanded with 600g actually using FC as a lube. The end result is a deep dark luster almost like bluing it. A dry buff, a coat of Turtle Wax, and then some Ren wax, seals in the color. Though it was hard to photograph, there is a traditional wavy hamon in the blade.

The scales are cow bone which I attempted my first scrimshaw on (cherry blossoms and kanji). Well, I should have listened to the experts in the scrim books I have, because bone is a terrible canvas for scrimming--way too porous--what a mess! I sanded it off and desided to buff both sides with my dirty buffing wheel I use for steel. This gave the scales some texture and color as the plain white was just a monument to my scrim failure.

The bolsters are Thunderforged damascus (scrap from a very old billet I used before discovering Matt Walker). I gave them a VERY deep etch for topography and them buffed them down to what I think is the most attractive way to finish a good pattern weld.

This knife is WAAAAY out of my comfort zone and represents a few firsts for me: first dovetailed bolsters (not a fan of making bolsters anyway), first domed pins (easy but..., why?) and first tradional tanto profile (my handles NEVER curve this way). But hey..., that's the idea with a KITH, right?

It's just a hair under 11'' OA.

There are many flaws, but I learned plenty. I hope whoever gets stuck with it enjoys my effort.
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0009.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0010.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0011.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0012.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0013.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0014.JPG
http://www.garrettknives.com/images/480_DSCN0015.JPG

Sorry for the slow response fellas.

John, welcome to the KITH by all means! Be sure to read the first post carefully and have a great time with it!

James, sorry to see anyone drop out, but health comes first. Whatever it is, I hope it works out for the best. Good luck.

Andy,

All I can say is WOW--that is some knife!

That my friend is excellent. Very different for you. Whow this could be my 3rd Garrett knife. COOOL

Is that the final list on the first post? I know I don't get to come by here as often as I should, But I would like to join if you will have me.

Paul

I'll get you added Paul! Welcome!

Due to a major screw up on my part I have to start over. Hopefully I will get finished in time.

So anyone else with WIP to show ???? Less than a month before the draw /nudge nudge

Guys due to a change in my work hrs. I'm going to have to drop out.
I gotta get a new day job. This one sucks.

Sorry to hear that Andy... I hope the job thing works itself out.

Hey, we're hiring at the hospital!

The only problem with that is it would be one hell of a daily comute. Also sick people scare me.
The job thing will work out just longer hrs. Guess i shouldn't complain wit so many people just looking for work

My blade is fresh out of the tempering oven. Next step is to dye the deer leg bone handle. I'm thinking coffee or tea will give it the color I'm aiming for.

Can't wait to see it Kurt!

I'm jumping on the bike and leading a pack of motorcycles west through the southern rockies, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and on to Vegas. It's my anniversary, and I'll be on vacation the last two weeks of the month.

I should still be able to check in on the posts from our hotel, but I'm going to ask that participants start confirming or dropping now, so I can be ready for the draw date as soon as I get home.

If you do not post a confirmation, and have not added to the discussion in a while, I'll have to make a judgement call as I may not have time to PM or email everybody. That will probably mean marking you as unconfirmed and excluding your name from the drawing.

Those of you who are confirming, need to get some pics posted before shipping--we like the eye candy around here.

Let's get hoppin' fellas!

I'll check in when I leave town. Now I just need to pick out one of the knives in my KITH collection to take along--heck, maybe even two.

I am CONFIRMING.

My knife is complete.

CONFIRMED!

Not finished, but the hard part is over - now the labor starts. :)

confirmed...

Blade done, Filework done, HT done, Clean up done

Needs edge,scales, contemplete sheath, new home

sorry guys im out. had acrazy month and no sign of letting up , next time

Blade is Profiled and HT'd

I still intend on completing

Out of the HT oven. Scales are ready to put on. I'm in!!

I had mine cut out, shaped, bevels on and I was cleaning up the spine when I found a hairline fault in the steel. It ran from the point of the knife, along the spine for about an inch and a half. I have never found faults in Ground Flat Stock before and thought it would polish out. It just kept getting bigger so I thought I could file it out and re-profile the knife a little and still save it. The knife is useless and I am not going to have the time to get another one done in time.

Very sorry but I am going to have to drop out. Perhaps another time.

markd is still in!

I had Forge issues and lost the urge to finish mine. Count me out.

Sorry

Dave

Well, we are about 50% so far.

Bone handle is dyed, and will get stabilized next. I'm trying to decide on further embelishments.

Still coming along. IF I dont get the project I have going right now I have a bone handled knife that I finished shortly before the throw me a bone started. Allways have a contengency plan.

Teaser time!!

http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/KITH_WIP_20090718.jpg

It still needs final grind and finish, and the bone needs reshaped near the blade as well. This is actually bone #2 for this blade. I discovered a crack in the previous one as I was reshaping it, and decided not to risk it and used a new piece. It still needs dyed and stabilized.

Now the bolster, I'm not sure about. I could do a copper bolster plate, or I could "man up" and try to cast something from pewter. That way I could actually give the bolster a bit of length. Opinions?

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030830.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030824.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030832.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030826.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030825.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030823.jpg

http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj422/Traokxxx/Throw%20me%20a%20bone/P1030831.jpg

I still need to put an edge on it. smooth it out a lil more and come up with a sheath.. I got some rabbit I may try to do something with.

With all that space it is so tempting to try to scrimshaw.. but I think Ill wait too close to the finish line to trip up now.

Can't wait to see it done Kurt!

That's a great little sgian dubh James! I have a few kilts and that would look nice tucked in my sock.

I guess I better get a witness to the draw now--if I get it, you guys'll think I cheated. lol

I leaving for the wild west tomorrow morning. I'll try to check in from the hotel--no promises. I'll be back in plenty of time for the draw.

Have a good last week of the KITH guys.

Remember, if you haven't confirmed by the draw date, you'll be dropped, so if anyone wants to PM or email a buddy to wake him up, ya better get to it.

Andrew I didnt know it was an actuall knife style .. (Stupid Newb)

Imagine my shock when doing a web search and found that style.. Holy smokes, it aint a replica but I can see some similarities.

Thanks for the kind words.. Now on to scrim plotting

I'm still in.

Gotcha Porkchop.

That's funny James! Isn't it amazing what can be discovered completely by accident?

BTW, If that's cow bone, I wouldn't scrim it. My effort was a disaster due to the porous nature of the bone.

Man you guys are coming up w/some beauties!

I'm still in as of now, but have a lot of work to do this weekend!! I"ve been out of the shop for a while because it's so bloody hot in the summer I can't stand to be in there for too long!

-Dave

I'm still here. Ditto on the sweat box shop! I am "re"jigging the handles now. Didn't like the thickness of them. Finish up and make the sheath this week. I should be done in time. Just under the wire as always.

Paul

Latest progress:
http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/KITH_WIP_20090725.jpg

That purple thing in the picture is a wax carving of the bolster that I'll set into a casting mold tomorrow and cast later in the day - if the mold is ready. I decided to use pewter, with some copper accents. I couldn't decide between the two, so I decided to use both. :D

That is going to be so cool. Can't wait to see it.

I like the aging on that leg bone. Can't wait to see what developes.

My turn for the teaser.

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq261/pmooreknife/bone200903.jpg

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq261/pmooreknife/Bone200902.jpg

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq261/pmooreknife/Bone200901.jpg

Guys I hope to have the knife complete this weekend.

Great looking blades so far

I am finished with the knife and just need to do the sheath so I am still in.

Richard Wineland


www.winelandknives.com

Last night's pewter casting was mostly a success, as was the soldering of the copper to the blade (thank goodness!). I've got minor clean up, then assembly, and the knife will be finished. I'm going to work on a leather sheath for it tomorrow, and I should be finished with a day to spare. :D

Looks like I am out guys. I had mine "Finished" a long time ago. Been working out of state and just came home for a couple days and decided to do some polishing and get it ready to mail out. It would seem that the buffalo horn has warped quite a bit since I put it on. there is a space between the tang and the horn for about the back 2 inches of the handle on one side. Is there any easy fast way to fix this? there is no way that I am sending it the way it is. So I guess I am out unless this can be easily fixed

Never mind I am still in. have more buffalo horn and a blank waiting for a handle. may be a day or so late but I will get it done. Any tips for making it so that i dont have the same problem with this one?

when sanding, go slow, and keep the horn cool. Heat is a killer of buffalo horn.

I am by no means a photographer but here is a pic of my knife. Just need to finish the sheath..

9569

Richard Wineland

www.winelandknives.com

Well..., we left Gallup, New Mexico (near the Arizona border) at sun up and got home about 2 hours ago. My hands hurt from gripping the handlebars all day and I'm still vibrating to the hum of my V-twin. Alas, we arrived safely and we had a great vacation--saw some truly inspiring sights on the way out there. I'm very proud of my wife who, with limited riding experience, completed the 3000 mile journey on her own bike for the second time. My buddy Joe went with us and did it on an unmodified Suzuki Hayabusa--ouch!

I could talk all day about my vacation and motorcycles, but I won't.

By my count, we have five makers yet to confirm or drop. We draw on the 1st...

The entries thus far look awesome and it's shaping up to be another great KITH. Well done fellas! If anyone was looking forward to a chance at a knife by a particuler maker, then make sure they are still in. If there is no confirmation by the draw time, they will sadly be dropped.

Well Fellors I guess I am going to have to do the unmentionable and be a loser and drop out. I am very sorry! It always made me mad when people would sign up for these and then drop out and now I am doing it.
I am just way to busy trying to get cought up on orders and enough knives done for the blade West show. My knife I was going to make for this is still just a piece of flat bar stock with a picture of a knife scribed on it.
Once again I am very sorry. You even gave us plenty of time I just screwed up and didn't get done. Well next time fellors. Thanks, Shane

Mine is done.
Curtis Wilson

12 people confirmed... That's a good KITH!

I emailed the last three outstanding makers who are yet to check in. Hopefully, they'll be able to participate.

Count me in as confirmed, I'll have pics up this weekend. Knife is finished.

Friggin markd is friggin out....:punchself

Knife is finished! Leather for the sheath is casing right now, and I should have it all together by tomorrow. So, not a day early after all. :D

Knife pics:
http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/KITH_WIP_20090730a.jpg
http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/KITH_WIP_20090730b.jpg

The blade is 1095 high carbon steel, the handle is deer leg bone that I dyed, and the accent pieces are antiqued copper and pewter.

EDIT: I'll get better pictures once the sheath is put together....

I hate when I have to drop out of a Kith. I always go back and see neatest knives of which one should have been mine. Excellent work gentelmen. Beautiful Blades.

Yea... there are some good ones in this exchange. I can't wait for the draw tomorrow!

And here is the draw:

Richard (wineland)
Darrin (pork chop)
Kevin (kostoglotov)
Andy Garrett
Curtis (CWKnifeman)
Paul (p moore)
Dallas (NuViking)
Kurt (pipecrafter)
Will (willied2111)
Dave Ruhlig
Craig (texasnewf)
James (lpspurgeon)

You will send your entry to the participant whose name appears under yours on the list. The guy on the bottom sends his to the guy on the top.

You pay to ship your knife--you get one shipped to you free of charge--all's fair.

Get 'em shipped out over the course of the next few days. You can get addresses through email or private messages here in the forums.

Please post pictures of the knife you recieve if it has not been posted already. I need pics to set up the gallery for this KITH.

Great job everyone! Be sure to post your thought s and reactions when your new knife arrives.

PM's sent out.

Paul

Here's my entry

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3782329701_b1b693290f.jpg


1084
Whitetail Antler & Water Buffalo Spacers
Stabilized Spalted Acacia (Cheated a bite here)

Blue Painters tape not included:D

my entry
1095 7 in oal 3 3/4 in blade buffalo horn scales w/ nickel silver pins

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/willied2111/KITHknifethrowmeabone2009001.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/willied2111/KITHknifethrowmeabone2009008.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/willied2111/KITHknifethrowmeabone2009006.jpg

Got mine sent off today to porkchop and got a better pic of it finished.

9610






Richard Wineland

www.winelandknives.com

Here's my entry - I'm still new at this so please forgive me if it's not as nice as some on here. The steel is bar stock 1095 with a nikel silver bolster. I got the bone at a knife show last Sept. in Grapevine and wanted to make something really wild looking ! Somehow it turned out more Fred Flintstone looking ! :D

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo346/texasnewf/Knives%202009/African_Waterbuck2.jpg

She looks pretty good to me Craig. Tell us about the steel type and other materials--processes...

They're all looking real good! I just love buffalo horn, but man is it tempermental, ehh?

Nice Sigma too Will. .40?

Yep its a .40. And yes buffalo horn is temperamental this will be the last time I use it for a while.

Ok, here's mine. It's a new design for me that I call the "tortoise" becuse it reminds me of the gopher tortoises I see all of the time in my back yard - imagine it upside down and you'll see what I mean. It's 1/8" 1095, 7 3/4 OAL with a 3 1/4" blade. It's about 1 1/2" at it widest point. The handle is buffalo horn with 1/8" brass pins.

I've been working on my hamon lines and blade finishes and I must say I'm pretty happy with this one. My goal is to get a tough "aged" look. As I find my niche as a knife maker I'm finding that I really like the "timeless" look. I like my finished product to look like something that my grandfather would have used or had been handed down for generations. On this particular blade I cleaned it up to about 600 grit, dipped a green scotchbrite in ferric and hand rubbed while etching.

This was my first time using buffalo and will probably be the last for a while. No only is it a PITA to work with it smells like it came from the other end of the buffalo! I will say it sure does shine up nice though - probably too nice and slick for a skinner....

Let me know what you think.

-Dave

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1616/6734214/12954893/371179306.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1616/6734214/12954893/371179211.jpg

Here is the one that I sent out to Paul Moore yesterday.
http://www.fototime.com/B317DEDF42AA1DD/medium.jpg (http://www.fototime.com/pictinv/B317DEDF42AA1DD)

http://www.fototime.com/57E7C61E1604EC0/medium.jpg (http://www.fototime.com/pictinv/57E7C61E1604EC0)

It is a 520 layer Random Pattern Damascus Utility: A brass guard, Water Buffalo Spacer, Elk Handle with a Mosaic Star in the Handle Butt.
The knife sheath is a double tongue open (no hold downs) with a snakeskin cover. I hope that he likes it, and will use it well.

Curtis Wilson

Andy, I am looking forward to adding your knife to my collection. I really favor the oirgional tanto style over the american tanto style. I guess I am more of a tradiationalist as for this type of blade. The origional tanto is more of the common using knife in Japans past and now as well, especially if you get out into the farming areas.
Thanks in advance.
Curtis Wilson

Recieved my knife from Wineland today. All I can say is WOW!!!!! Very nice piece, and the sheath is excellent too. Makes me ashamed of the knife I'm sending out. By the way Richard, what kind of steel is in it and how did you put the final finish on?

Thanks for the kind words Darrin!! I am glad that you like it. The blade is 440C with a hardness of 59C and for a final satin finish I buff it lightly with a hard sisal wheel.


Richard Wineland

www.winelandknives.com

Got mine from Andy today a really nice origional Tanto, a style that I rarely see that much of but really like. It is one that will go into my collection, and will cherrish always. Thanks Andy you did a really great job on it, the hammon is really great, nice and even. You did a lot of work on it, and it shows.
Thanks again,
Curtis Wilson

Glad you like it Curtis--I had fun making it. It was good to get a call from you as well.

I got my knife from Kevin too! It's great! You gotta tell me how you get that glossy finish on the handle. And this baby is SHARP too!

This will make a very nice addition to my KITH collection. Thank you sir.

Andy

Thank you much for those very kind words :bow

As far as the handle, I filled the pores with Superglue (lots of glue) and sanded to 400, steel wool & pink compound

I’m glad you liked the knife!


And thanks again for putting this together. Both of the KITHs have been great learning experiences and have given me the kick in the pants to try something new

I received my knife today from Dave Ruhlig and just wanted to say thanks a lot. It's a very nice and I like the aged look he did with the ferric acid. Thanks Dave !

I figured folks might like to see the final version of my contribution. The knife is on it's way, but I just got a chance to clean up the photos and upload them.

http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/bone_kith_2009-1.jpg
http://www.ostrogothforge.com/images/throw_me_a_bone_KITH/bone_kith_2009-2.jpg

I had a lot of fun doing this knife. Thanks to everyone who participated!

That looks wesome Kurt. I will have yours in the mail in the next day or two. I have been rely busy at work and now harvesting.