Boot knife

[Vortex]

I know this is a sir gun forum, but I thought under the circumstances( it coming up on Christmas) that this would be appropriate.

This is a boot knife that I have been working on for my dad. It is made from pretty good grade steel I had lying around, and the handle is red wood I got that from wheel barrow handles, sorry if that sounds redneck. And is took about 2+ weeks to make. So hear is is.

[Vortex]

more pics

[Vortex]

more pics

[Vortex]

The case is custom made and custom hand stitched. It is brown leather. The case was designed to fit on the outside of a western boot. It has a 5" total blade length and a 3 3/4" handle. The blade was also polished by hand to for a mirror finish. The handle has been stained with 1 coat of light stain and has 1 coat of clear over top to seal it all in. And the total width is 23/4" wide. The case is sewn together with brown, waxed hemp.

[crowpopper]

nice   did ya heat treat it?   you can heat treat the knife for more strength and edge holding ability

[Vortex]

NO sorry, no heat treated. Although I did think of that. I am however gona soak the blade in oil to help prevent rust. I have made blades and cases before, but never this good or even together matching.

[Vortex]

I'm still working on the sharpening( 2 or 3 days of that to do) then I think it'll be done.

[JonnyReb]

 I nickname it "THOR"   Pretty sweet Vortex, thats one heck of a gift, i'll bet he'll absolutely love it!  J

[uncle paulie]

I had read somewhere that you can heat metal to cherry red and then dip it in oil to help resist rust, and perhaps it also has something to do with a poor mans version of heat treating. I think I'd try it on a scrap first if you go that route. Looks like you might have missed your calling, I'll be it looks even sweeter in person!

pv

[JMJ in NC]

That would be oil quench heat treating. May or may not improve hardness depending on the grade of steel. I'd try it on a leftover piece of scrap steel of the same grade to see if it works.

Vortex - nice work. I've rehandled a few knives, but never built one from scratch. I'm sorely tempted to purchase a kit (blade, wood and rivets included, you supply the labour and final shape/profile) but don't have the time or a belt sander to do it justice. Someday, perhaps some nice Damascus pattern-welded steel or a nice 440C SS drop point...

Regards - JMJ

[airiscool]

Yes, oil quenching will help reduce the tendency to rust by putting more carbon into the surface, but to add to what JMJ just said, depending on what grade steel it is, oil quenching could also make the blade so hard that it would be brittle if it isn't then tempered to the range best for knives.

Any good books on blacksmithing, or blacksmithing talk forums will have info on simple methods, such as a spark test, to see how much carbon is in the steel and how best to heat treat it for the job intended.

Paul. 

[airiscool]

Good job Vortex, I'm sure your gonna make your Dad, not only happy, but very proud too.

Your design reminds me of a cross between Nordic/Celtic knives and a Scottish Sqian Dubh (black knife). Very ancient and traditional edged weapons.

Paul

[Vortex]

I actually got the tear drop blade look from a throwing knife I saw, and the rear serrates was an idea I had for a while but never had a chance to try it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002ZW5EKM/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous The two ears was just a cool feature that I threw around for a while ti'' I came up with the final design. ANd the rivets are 1/4" bolts that I cut and filled down to fit.

[mac56]

looks like fine workmanship.... bet dad loves it !!!    Mike

[Rocker1]

Thats great craftsmanship good work I am sure your pops will love it. Thanks David