The Woodshop Shed

Adding Koa knife scales

Furnished content.
(from Lumberjocks.com)


I have really enjoyed crafting these knives. I purchased the Tanto knife blank from Woodcrafters.com some years ago, and the fillet knife blank from usaknifemakers.com recently. Got asked to craft a gift, of any sort, and rummaged around in my 'mebbe sometime' locker. Hit on the big knife blank. I felt it wouldn't do for the gift, but would give me practice for what I knew would be appropriate for this young man.The Tanto was my first ever effort in knife crafting (I'm only adding to a very nicely and professionally made piece of steel; the actual knife making has to do with the metal). 5A Koa scales with ebony fillers, finished in hand-rubbed gloss poly. Since this was my first knife, naturally there are a couple small errors. So I probably get to keep it. The fillet knife is a gift for a favorite fisherman. Getting VERY hard to find this quality Koa anywhere.The fillet knife was easier since I was able to dodge the errors in process and execution. Still a good amount of effort and care produced what I think is a fine beautiful tool. Epoxyed the pre-drilled ebony/koa scales. Installed brass pins Shaped with recip sander and files. Sanded to 300 grit and finished in beeswax and mineral oil. A simple finish but easily cleaned and refurb'd. I want him to use it.In my research, I learned mostly that there are many, many knifemaker craftsmen, creating brilliant, beautiful, really sharp (in every sense), cutting, slicing, and dicing things. My efforts don't hold a candle. If you're interested just Google 'knife making parts and materials'.Having said all that, it was lots of fun, and whetted my apetite to do more and get better. I've ordered 3 more fillet knives.Aloha from paradise,
Vicrider

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