I know that there are different viewpoints on what is an "Arkansas Toothpick" but this is my concept of one. I chose to make the blade for this one out of a mosaic Damascus. I used a little different method for the accordion cut on it. This is a traditional 40x8 "W" pattern that I squared on the bias & four-wayed. I then pressed the accordion into it rather than cutting or grinding it.
bladesmithing:
normalizing:
Here's the blade after a rough grind and before H/T:
I wanted to give this one a long octagonal pommel but the only material that I had available was an old hardy tool from years back made of 416 round:
After center boring it to remove weight, I shaped the outside on the 2x72:
Here are the components for the knife (Damascus blade, blackwood & 416):
For the guard I turned the ball tips on a lathe first and then forged the 1/2" round bar between them.
I wanted to give the blackwood handle straight flutes and in order to compliment the octagonal pommel I used 16 flutes in the blackwood.
Here's the first dry fit-up. At this point all pieces are still rough ground. The flutes in the blackwood need to be straighten some as well. For this I will use a homemade scraper. (I tried using a chisel earlier and found the blackwood to be prone to splitting from uneven growth rings.)
I've still got a couple of days of sand, polish & etch left on this one. The blackwood hilt is a possibly a little too proud. I want it slightly proud but may need to take it down slightly just for aesthetics. I'll post a completed version when done.
I hope that you enjoyed the trip through this one.
Gary
Gary
Lots of work, and looking good.
Anthony
|quoted:
Gary
Lots of work, and looking good.
Anthony
Thanks, Anthony. I may not be done when the knife is completed though as this one probably needs a traditional metal-tip sheath.
Here's the knife etched & ready for final assembly:
I hope that you enjoyed the trip through the construction of this one.
Gary
