I've been carrying this one around for about a month and using it for whatever one would need a knife for I guess. I'm happy with how it performs, but every time I pull it out of the sheath the blemish on the ricasso drives me nuts.
I vividly remember when it presented itself.......I was attempting to protect the blade while doing some finish work on the guard and I chose to wrap it in blue painters tape as I've done on several blades prior. After removing the tape I noticed the mark. It looks worse in person than I was able to show in the pictures.
Since I never had any plans to sell this knife and realized that it's purely cosmetic, I built a sheath for it and put it to work. With that being said, every part of me wants to try dobbing a Q-Tip in ferric and attempt to "fix" this blemish. My gut tells me that I should leave well enough alone and chalk it up as a lesson learned.
How would you fix this? Why is this the only spot that there is an issue (I'm wanting to blame it on my surface prep prior to etching)?
Matt, What did you use a cleaner before etching? Actually there could be a number of reasons for a spot like that. But, to answer the question, if it's bugging you, fix it. You're not going to hurt it by doing the Q-tip thing. If that is not satisfactory, you can get serious and seal the guard and submerge the blade. Just neutralize the acid afterward.
When the photo first opened, my eye went somewhere else. The handle is lower on the bottom and flush with the top. You did not ask about that I know but I would fix that over the small spot on the ricasso. Unless it's a test knife. Then I would fix both.
I like the knife. There's plenty to enjoy about it as an EDC.
Lin, This one is just a test knife, so I'll fix both of these issues. I cleaned the blade with Windex followed by acetone. I put on rubber gloves in between the Windex and acetone to keep my oily hands from contacting the metal.
When the photo first opened, my eye went somewhere else. The handle is lower on the bottom and flush with the top. You did not ask about that I know but I would fix that over the small spot on the ricasso.
I appreciate you pointing this out and I think I understand what you're teaching me, but I'd like to clarify......Are you suggesting to remove material from the guard/handle area so it is flush, or inline with the bottom of the ricasso thus making a smoother transition between ricasso and handle?
I appreciate you pointing this out and I think I understand what you're teaching me, but I'd like to clarify......Are you suggesting to remove material from the guard/handle area so it is flush, or inline with the bottom of the ricasso thus making a smoother transition between ricasso and handle?
Yes that is what I meant. I also realize that it was unsolicited and for that that hope you'll forgive me. It's a fine looking knife. But to my eye, it would be a little better by bringing it in there. If you think bringing it in line with the bottom of the ricasso is going to get things too skinny, then you might just bring it in a little.
I will use acetone sometimes but will follow with denatured alcohol. Acetone can leave something that interferes with the etch. I've had the same thing happen.
No worries Mr. Rhea, honest feedback is invaluable! In knowing the talent pool that frequents this site I'm definitely not fishing for compliments or "feel good" ribbons.
I've been trying to get things flowing as a single unit rather than looking like 3 separate components merely joined together, so your feedback is very helpful.
I've got 3 or 4 more knives laying around that look very similar. I'll share a few pictures of em' once I remove some of the belly fat behind the ricasso.
Matt one thing you might try is using dawn dishwashing soap to clean the blade after the acetone. I have seen those spots also. I fix them before guard and handle work. Sometimes they just happen. Nice looking knife. I do agree with Lin about the handle to ricasso area. Always learning things. I look forward to seeing your next knives.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Thanks Brion, I'll give the soap a try.
