As a not-even-beginner thinking about tinkering with knife making, I look at those and think no way can I do anything close to that. Beautiful blades. Wish I could offer help with your questions, but that's all I got. :3:
Sorry, couldn't resist. :3: I have a hobbyist's interest in knives and (low-budget) knife making. I haven't actually made any knives yet, I'm buying blades/blanks adding my own scales, and doing final finishing sharpening. One day soon I'll be buying some 1084 and I'll see how well I like really...