Recent content by Joseph

Thank you so much for posting this thread. The education it provides is incredibly worthwhile not only for knifemakers, but also to help buyers understand the work that goes into making a high-end custom knife and the price they command. I really could have used the mirror trick you mentioned...

I had someone mention that they plan to make a handle with the bark parallel to the knife tang (pictured on the right side below). I don't think it would be such a good idea... although the blocks are solid, I believe they need correct bark orientation and should be "sandwiched" between...

Your welcome guys, can't wait to see your results. Yes. I used slow set epoxy to glue the blocks to the tang. Here is a link with more about this knife's making: http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?35626-Colored-stacked-birch-bark-handled-knife The blocks were kept at about 3/4"...

Thanks guys :)

Thanks Roger.

Well, I finally finished the colored stacked birch bark handled knife that I started last summer (see this post http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?32849-Which-spacer-positioning-makes-knife-look-more-balanced). It is has a Mora laminated steel blade with 1/4" brass butt and finger guard...

Here is a method of making birch-bark blocks derived from these excellent tutorials and instructions on making full length traditional birch bark handles: http://nordiskaknivar.wordpress.com/tag/birch-bark-handle-tutorial/ http://archive.is/wzjHd scroll down to post number 24 for instructions...

Well, I made a couple of diamonds ones of different lengths along with a square one. Remembering the drill press suggestion, I made a simple adapter for my hollow chisel morticer; so awl doesn't turn and goes strictly up and down. Works pretty good, but a better adapted deck for...

Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sM0Qjumyro

Paul, Thanks for the sewing needle suggestion, its a good tip to know. Randy, That British Blades link you provided is fantastic. From it, I was able to estimate that height-to-width ratio should be around 1:1.6ish. Also could estimate that the awl the fellow uses is just under...

Thanks for that Idea Doug. I haven't seen a drapery needle before but have seen a carpet (or jute?) needle that had a wide spade-like shape at the tip...but it was curved if I recall correctly. Nevertheless, I really want to try the old-school approach first:)

I'm new to this and have been doing my homework as to which awl to start hand stitching with. There is no local store to actually physically view tools prior to purchase. Instead of buying, I decided to make my own diamond awl, but would really appreciate a little help and input from...

I wasn't sure if this post belongs in this section or the sheath making section. This section was chosen because the question relates more to what would work better for the knife rather than how to make the sheath. The sheath is for a knife I'm making very similar to the one in the...

Thanks again guys. I got a clearer idea of where I'm going now. Hope to post some pictures of a completed knife within the next two weeks:biggrin:

Thanks for all the comments thus far guys, it really helps hashing things out with others. I've also asked for the thoughts of friends and family, and like here, a clear favorite was not to be found. A buddy's kid said that the non-symmetrical ones "looks like ya didn't have enough dark...