knife handle question.

[alec bailey]

Thanks for all the advice. I've gone through several trees wasteing wood but I found out if you leave the bark on and store it in a dark room for about 2-3 weeks.

[alec bailey]

this is what the first coat of stain looks like.

[alec bailey]

ive got pretty much everything done to this knife. all i need now is were could i find leather for a sheath?

[alec bailey]

here is the final thing all done. i put a forced patina on the bald so it wouldn't rust or scratch up. tell me what you think.

[alec bailey]

anybody?

[akey]

I like it! Can you elaborate on the forced patina?

[Bjankowski]

Mesquite is one of my favorite handle woods. Elm is often not all that interesting in terms of color and grain. If your mesquite is dry, you should be good to go. Brass bar stock is best from the knife supply places, but brass pin stock in 1/8 or 3/16 can be had at Lowe's.

These three knives have some good burly mesquite.

Gotta love that mesquite burl; I'm going to my lake house at P.K. this morning I have a tree that has four big balls on it. I'm hoping they look that good when I open them up.

Good job on the knives; very clean!

[furboom]

I have always liked Mesquite. You can get some really nice patterns out of it.

[alec bailey]

I like it! Can you elaborate on the forced patina?

Not quite sure what ure saying?

[robert garcia]

Not quite sure what ure saying?

I think he means an acid etch. I used to use mustard or straight vinegar, but finally used ferric chloride and never looked back. The acid takes the sheen off the blade and gives it a really cool, rustic look and feel. However, it does not prevent rust, you still have to keep non stainless steel blades oiled, especially if stored in a leather sheath.

[alec bailey]

I think he means an acid etch. I used to use mustard or straight vinegar, but finally used ferric chloride and never looked back. The acid takes the sheen off the blade and gives it a really cool, rustic look and feel. However, it does not prevent rust, you still have to keep non stainless steel blades oiled, especially if stored in a leather sheath.

That's what I thought..... but I just used straight vinegar.

[alec bailey]

i thought i might as well just put up a picture before i sell it. i etched the guys intals into it. tell me what you think

[alec bailey]

please tell me if there is something you would change so i can improve for next time.

[akey]

I like it. I like the rustic look to it. I am in the process of building my first knife and you mentioning the forced patina has led me to alot of research on it. I think that is the route I am going to take, too.

[alec bailey]

this is my first attempt with the forced patina also. make sure to o it before you you put handle on it. (my mistake)