first solo effort completed!

[tomh]

I finally got my proper filters for my respirator, so today I was able to grind out the micarta for my first completed solo effort. I guess it was not a true solo, since I got so much advice from this site, and from Ed on the phone, but it is done!

It might not be as pretty as the knife I made with Ed but I am happy with it anyhow.

It is forged from 1084, with a nickel silver guard, black micarta handle, differential heat treat. It is only finished out to 400 grit on the guard and handle since I don't have a buffer or any finer belts.

I like the grip that the 400 leaves on the micarta. Then I just polished up the blade and guard with 0000 steel wool, and now I am off to make a sheath for my personal carry!

Thanks again for all the help guys.

[Wade Holloway]

Great looking little knife. Looks like you did a really good job.

[cdent]

Real nice job Tom. Shows many well done details.

Take care, Craig

[MLAZYB]

Tom,
If you like the feel of the finish thats all that matters. I will sometimes use 0000 steel wool for a satin finish on handles. I remember Ed's advice from my first class.
1. Works good
2. Feels good
3. Looks good
It looks like you have hit all three.

Bing
MLazyB Custom Knives

[tomh]

you guys are being too nice. there are plenty of boo boos on this one but that is why I am going to keep it and beat the crap out of it to see how my work holds up. thanks for the encouragement!

and if you have any advice for not ruining perfectly good plunge lines I am all ears!!!

[Ed Caffrey]

Great job Tom! The biggest issue for most new makers is getting the profile of a knife worked out.....and you did wonderfully on this one! All those little aesthetics will come with time and practice. From what I can see in the photo, the fits look excellent, and the grind is super for your level of experience. Pat yourself on the back!!! THEN GET BACK TO WORK!

[cdent]

Plunges are easy Tom. Start them well forward to leave some meat. Ease them back checking both sides for eveness, then outsource to Ed.

Take care, Craig

[tomh]

Who needs a ricasso anyway Craig!

[ranger1]

Very nice job Tom. Is there a little Caffery influance in that knife?

[tomh]

Everything about that knife has Ed's influence, and I stole the ideas fair and square!
Especially the finger groove ricasso.

[Steven Kelly]

Very nice first knife!! I only wish my first one looked like that!!!!!!!

Good Job...

Steve

[tomh]

got the sheath done, on to the next one!