Being the office geezer, I decided to up the ante for this year's "white elephant" gift exchange, which typically involves cheap items you don't always really want. This year, the table had several CD's of various quality (I ended up with a nice Celtic selection, avoiding the Justin Beiber Christmas CD...) but I decided to challenge myself to a "1 day knife", something made in 8 hours or less, not counting the temper cycle. I came in at 7 with this one, and at least one of those hours, maybe more, was a complete waste of time playing around with Super-Blue for the first time, and ultimately deciding against it and buffing up clean.


Blade is 4.25", W2, and a thin hamon about 1cm from the edge that you can't really see because I lack a proper light box and can't photograph hamon worth a ####. Handle is a really nice piece of curly walnut.


http://tidewaterforge.smugmug.com/The-Tidewater-Forge/White-Elephant-2011/i-Q2L9w7B/0/XL/DSCF9492-XL.jpg


http://tidewaterforge.smugmug.com/The-Tidewater-Forge/White-Elephant-2011/i-z9wPTtS/0/XL/DSCF9498-XL.jpg


http://tidewaterforge.smugmug.com/The-Tidewater-Forge/White-Elephant-2011/i-WLCGB6m/0/XL/DSCF9497-XL.jpg


http://tidewaterforge.smugmug.com/The-Tidewater-Forge/White-Elephant-2011/i-dRf2x6f/0/XL/DSCF9496-XL.jpg



I drilled the handle 1/8" wide, and burned in the tang for a tight mechanical grip after filing out any char, then secured with cutlers resin. The wood is finished with gunstock oil, and the whole piece treated with Ren wax.

The new owner has been adequately warned on handling, patina, washing, and oiling regularly.



I find myself generally pleased with the level of work I can accomplish in a single day's time, when I put my mind to it and clear out the distractions. Thanks for looking.

Chris---don't know why nobody has commented on this very nice kitchen knife (i just saw it today--don't get around much any more)---i like it and it sure looks like it would be a nice addition to any kitchen. mike

Great knife. I am in the process of making a mini santoku for my wife, to replace the no-name white plastic handled parer she uses for everything... (and I'm a chef, it hurts me to watch her use it) Mine will take more than 7 hours I'm sure, and not be as cool, but hey, I'm only starting out. Anyway, nice one, it's given me inspiration.

Thanks, guys. I don't get over here very often either, but wanted to share.

Chris, I'm sure the new owner is definitely not thinking 'white elephant'. nice knife!!. I like the walnut handle with the gunstock finish/look. Good work.

Nice knife. What steel did you use?