Your mighty ambitious I'd say and doing great. I like it. I'm not sure about the shark fin <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> , but you did very well.

Good job! Is the fin for opening? How did you finish the purple heart? I've got some that I've thought about using on a hunter.

Bob

The shark fin was originally just a different take on a fingernail nick. I wanted to add more flow and make the knife more useful for those of us who don't have much of a fingernail. It led to a nautical theme with the cuttlebone and contrasting finish on the blade, also like a shark.

The purpleheart was sanded to 400 grit and buffed with renaissance wax. It's naturally hard and oily and doesn't need a lot of protection. I should note though, that I think my grey, wet/dry sandpaper stained it a little, making it very dark. Next time I will use regular sandpaper from the hardware store and see if that's any better. However, purpleheart will darken naturally with exposure to UV light and heat, eventually turning grey, a woodworker told me automotive laquer can prevent this but may not be a pleasant finish.

~Josh

Thanks for the info Joshua.

I got mine from a friend that turns pens. Most wood turners apply super glue with a felt pad while turning the wood. Since we can't do that with an odd shaped handle, the wood will have to have another finish applied. I like useing tru oil, and applying several coats. I steel wool with 0000 between coats. I rub out the last few coat with a rag, linseed oil and rottenstone as described in Joe Keeslar's book, Handles and Guards. Haven't tried it on purple heart, but it works on most woods. Slicks the wood like glass. Then I apply wax.

Thanks Again!

Bob