Order of operations

[SVanderkolff]

I am having a few problems created I think by the order in which I do things so I decided to put together a list of the major steps. This could hopefully be of use to someone just starting and hopefully some of the more experienced could point out different options. The problem I am having is that finishing the handles and bolsters is causing me to damage the filework.

Order of Operations

Profile blade
grind bevels
drill bolster and handle holes
hand sand blade 270, 400, 800 grit
filework blade
heat treat
temper
cut bolster to size
flatten bolster material
drill 1 side of bolster using blade as template
drill side 2 of bolster using side 1
grind bolster to rough shape
grind dovetail on bolster
sand and polish front edge of bolster
hand sand blade 400, 800, 1500 buff
hammer peen bolster to blade
tape blade to maintain finsh
grind top and bottom edge of bolster to shape
flatten handle slabs
attach bottom liner to slabs
dovetail
attach front liner to slabs
cut slabs to rough shape
epoxy 1 slab to blade
drill slab using blade holes
epoxy side 2 to blade
drill using holes in side 1
cut pins
epoxy and insert pins
grind handle to final shape
hand sand bolster to final finish
buff bolster
hand sand handle to final finish

I realize there are numerous smaller steps that I may have missed, please feel free to add them.
This seems like a long way to get to what I am hoping to find out but I couldn't thin of another way to illistrate it and as I said this may be of some help to others who are learning.
Thanks
Steve

[Bob Sigmon]

Steve,

Great List! Sometimes I just like to see things in print. Basically a check list so that I don't forget to do a step along the way!

Thanks,

Bob Sigmon

[wrathlord]

ok I get it,try this,make a template of the knife,out of aluminum,or micarta,whatever.... then make your handles on the template,then just reapply to the knife,or make the handle at the time the profile of your Handle is ground,just the profile is needed now,so drill your pin holes in the blank and in both handle slabs,afix the slabs,don't peen or glue yet,grind both together ,then remove and finish the knife,when you apply the handles they will be flush with the filework,and the filing won't be damaged.Hope I helped alittle.