What's going on in your shop? Show us whats going on, and talk a bit about your work!

[Blackdirt cowboy]

In my experience they don't need a whole lot of breaking in. A minute or two. I find it is important to have 100% finish before using them to get it nice. Eg a complete 400 grit finish with no scratches left from the previous grit, then 400 grit cork.

That’s more than likely my problem. I usually have a few deeper scratches I just didn’t get out. I’m getting better though. I even vary my grinding direction 45° each time to be sure all the deeper scratches are gone, but still, when I get to the higher grits, it seems like they appear out of nowhere. That’s why I like the scotchbrite belts, they can blend and hide that.

 

[Justin W]

Finished this one today.

 

[Ron Raducanu]

I realized gears on a curved bolster are just dumb...next idea, been meaning to try this three layer weave thingamajig

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I'd ask you how in the world you do this, but I know if you told me, you'd have to kill me....

 

[WValtakis]

I'd ask you how in the world you do this, but I know if you told me, you'd have to kill me....

No secret, tiny chisels and lots of time

 

[Ron Raducanu]

No secret, tiny chisels and lots of time

Cool! And the anodizing?

 

[WValtakis]

Cool! And the anodizing?

Pretty much the same, a quality power supply and lots of time (I've been anodizing titanium for over a decade, figured out most of the ways to do it wrong already)

 

[fitzo]

WValtakis What are you using as the "brush". Thanks.

 

[WValtakis]

WValtakis What are you using as the "brush". Thanks.

The "brush" is actually a brush, with a lead soldered to the ferrule holding the bristles.

 

[David Mary]

Chip do you draw your concepts freehand, and also cut them freehand?

 

[WValtakis]

Chip do you draw your concepts freehand, and also cut them freehand?

The knotwork is usually drawn freehand, the basketweave type stuff I'll transfer a basic pattern at the right scale to the piece for spacing and orientation. Cutting is all done completely freehand, only thing steering the chisel is me...pitch, roll, and yaw are all in the wrist

 

[David Mary]

This is good to hear. I really look up to your work, and have taken your advice and gotten a flex-shaft for my dremel. I screwed the foot pedal to the side of my bench so I can keep my stance stable and simply lean my hip into the peddle. Now with a bit of practice, I'll be cranking out "Chipped-metal" quality work in easily 1-2 hundred years.

 

[Cliff Carter Knives]

Working on this one. Dark stonewashed 80CrV2, ironwood and corbys.

 

[fitzo]

The "brush" is actually a brush, with a lead soldered to the ferrule holding the bristles.

Thank you. I came across my anodizing rig he other day and the scraps I had experimented coloring. I plan to try again. Thank you for the reply. I will ask my wife which one of her brushes is cheapest!

I have another question, if you would, and it's not a trade secret: what type of graver to cut Ti and what face/heel? Thanks in advance.

Very nice work! Happy to see an engraver here.

 

[WValtakis]

Thank you. I came across my anodizing rig he other day and the scraps I had experimented coloring. I plan to try again. Thank you for the reply. I will ask my wife which one of her brushes is cheapest!

I have another question, if you would, and it's not a trade secret: what type of graver to cut Ti and what face/heel? Thanks in advance.

Very nice work! Happy to see an engraver here.

I cut almost everything with cobalt, 96° with 45/15.

 

[pafka]

First time peening bolsters - not exactly a roaring success as you can see But I had the blade on my bench for a long time, I needed to be done with it and move on.
N690 @ 60 HRC, 4.75mm thick, about 12 cm long blade.

 

[fitzo]

I cut almost everything with cobalt, 96° with 45/15.

Thanks! I have a couple Carbalts here, and I found a whole box of Ti plate last night I'd been starting with when I left the shop ca. 2010 along with a couple pieces I had practiced anodizing. So, your work has my total interest, sir. Thanks, again!

 

[TheEdge01]

Here’s another EDC drop point I’m finishing up for a customer. This one should be ready to go out tomorrow. It has a FFG 1084 carbon steel blade, black G10 scales, and a brass guard.

 

[Ron Raducanu]

HT on my second knife done! And I didn't burn anything down. Wooohooo!!

 

[matthew michael]

I realized gears on a curved bolster are just dumb...next idea, been meaning to try this three layer weave thingamajig

View attachment 1555121View attachment 1555122

I was excited to see the gears.... This will do too!

 

[HSC ///]

Arrived France
Sitting around reading
Waiting for blades and equipment to arrive. Grinder ordered