Gentlemen:
I forged this Keesler inspired 5160 camp knife/chopper/fighter (you choose) a couple weeks ago at the NESM under instructors Mike Williams, MS and Nick Rossi, AS. I brought it home rough forged/normalized, then in my shop performed another normalization after rough grinding, edge quenched in canola oii, then double tempered.
The blade performed flawlessly: after chopping through two old 2 x 4s, then still shaved hair with no edge deformation or chipping. I was happy with the heat treat results and performance to say the least.
I also learned to keep the size of the guard from extending towards the butt - it shortens the handle. I learned a lot in finishing this new design and the next one will build on what I learned from the mistakes on this one.
The area under the ricasso is rounded for choking up on the blade while the thumb serrations were extended to support both hand positions. I'm going to use thicker scales too - this handle barely makes it. Let's call this a prototype.
I'd appreciate any comments on this design that I could improve upon. No need to be gentle now - I've got some pretty hard bark on me. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
V/R,
TK
1/4" 5160 stock
Double Normalized/tempered
HT to Rc 59-60
14 3/8" OAL
9" Blade - flat/convex ground with distal taper
Almost sharp clip
Premium Black Walnut scales - Truoil finish
Tapered tang with red liners
416 Stainless furniture
Thumb serrations on spine
Southern style belt sheath 8-10 oz
"Energy and persistence overcome all obstacles." Ben Franklin
TK, Are you going to the hammer in next weekend in Auburn? If so, maybe you can bring that knife with you and I'll try to give you a suggestion or two. It looks good and your forging skills are showing that you have been exposed to the fine teachers you mentioned. May be after the hammer in you can forge another and post it here as a comparison.
In the mean time, another skilled maker that does a great job on these type knives is Karl Andersen JS. You might take a look at his work.
|quoted:
TK, Are you going to the hammer in next weekend in Auburn? If so, maybe you can bring that knife with you and I'll try to give you a suggestion or two. It looks good and your forging skills are showing that you have been exposed to the fine teachers you mentioned. May be after the hammer in you can forge another and post it here as a comparison.
In the mean time, another skilled maker that does a great job on these type knives is Karl Andersen JS. You might take a look at his work.
Hi Lin:
Thanks for your input - that knife is on its way to a very happy camper. I'll probably catch up with you at the hammer-in and we can go from there.
"Energy and persistence overcome all obstacles." Ben Franklin
very nice TK !! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
sheath sounds interesting as well , any pics to share TK ?
[font="Comic Sans MS"]'Never Quit On Improving'[/font]
