knife

[powderman]

HILLBILL. The only reason I chose the big Schrade lockback if I could have only one is because of its strength and size. All 4 of my Schrades are SHRADES, no chinky stuff. POWDERMAN. 

[Hit or Miss]

I like to buy Helle blades and put my own handles on them.  That said, I won't go to the woods without one!  Wicked sharp and hold an edge like nothing else.  I prefer a blade in the 3-3 1/2" range too.  My edc is an HK knife made by Benchmade that came in a kit with a light and mult-tool.

[powderman]

HIT OR MISS. I'm not familiar with the helle blades. Any info?? POWDERMAN. 

[teamnelson]

Howdy,

I took up knifemaking a few months back, using the stock removal method. Finished 9; #10 is about 1/2 way done and it'll be "the one" for the forseeable future. I used Aldos 1095 high carbon steel 3/16" thick, 1 1/4" wide, about 9" oal, 4.5" spear point blade. 10 degree scandi pre-HT, will probably finish with a convex edge. Plan to use loveless bullseye fasteners and a steel lanyard tube. Scales ... it's tough, I have a nice piece of purple heart, several pieces of Koa, and some black or multicam G10. I'm learning that the knife will probably "tell" me at a certain point in the process what it wants, if that makes any sense. The convex edge is the strongest in knifemaking, and 10## takes a great edge - I use diamond cards in 400 and 1200 grit, the size of credit cards that I have on me all the time, like a knife.

For what it's worth, I'm not a skilled artisan of any sort; knifemaking is a skill I find therapeutic, and a way to give some folks a part of me. I am hopeful one of my knives will taste Elk this season in the hands of a friend of mine in Montana.

[Couger]

Any pics TN? 

[teamnelson]

Any pics TN? 

Here's #s 6-9; first one on the left is koa handled, the rest are all handled with homemade mycarta. 3 fingered knives, about 6.5" long. One on the right is taped up to form a kydex sheath.

[Hit or Miss]

Powderman, check out Ragweed Forge, it's where I order my blades from.  I love the scandi type blade.  Laminated steel that takes a scary sharp edge and keeps it!  I have one that has gutted and skinned 3 deer and hasn't been touched by even a steel.