kukri & bush knife with micarta handle...completed

[marthandan]

i have never been able to sharpen a knife to hair shaving sharp . the blade didn't slice through paper before and after the tests.

I hope you're kidding. What sharpening system do you use?

a combination stone from CUMI. there were a few flats on the edge. sorted them out. still can't shave hair. the first 2" of the blade slice paper easily. the chopping section still has issues. not sure if its because of the thicker section or improper sharpening. most probably the latter.

some progress on the bush knife. pretty pleased with the way the micarta has come out . but it is a pain to work with. hacksaws and files are of no use. used a metal cutting disc to cut the stuff. rough shaping was by a combination of angle grinder and rasps. have to be careful with the angle grinder. it can burn the micarta.
the handle slabs will be held by 8mm copper tubes.

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a close up.

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[Moin.]

Awesome !!! What resin did you use for the Micarta ? Make, price, Quantity ?

Regards
Moin.

[marthandan]

polyester resin - about Rs. 200 per kg inclusive of catalyst, accelerator. qty - 200 ml

[brihacharan]

[quote="marthandan"][quote="ak27"][quote="marthandan"]

. have to be careful with the angle grinder. it can burn the micarta.


> Try using a Bench Grinder - They run at slower speeds than an Angle Grinder. High speed is the culprit for creating excess heat & burn.
> In case Angle Grinder is easy to handle then try fixing a 'Rheostat' to reduce speed(The type that's used to regulate the speed of ceiling fans)
Briha

[essdee1972]

Would suggest Dremel (that's because I just got one, and can't get over the awesomeness of the thing! Burns a big hole in the wallet, but worth every penny and then some!!!). Or if you have a drill, which you can lock at a lower speed, you can try fixing a flexi shaft to it, and then a rotary tool bit, which can grind it out. of course, there are people who swear by elbow grease - sandpaper and rub rub rub!

[ak27]

a combination stone from CUMI. there were a few flats on the edge. sorted them out. still can't shave hair. the first 2" of the blade slice paper easily. the chopping section still has issues. not sure if its because of the thicker section or improper sharpening. most probably the latter.

Maybe the thicker section's to blame. Because I just use a 150 grit sand paper to sharpen all my work blades(Boker and CRKT 440/420 steel folders) and though the process is tedious, I always manage to put a hair-shaving edge on them.

of course, there are people who swear by elbow grease - sandpaper and rub rub rub!

That would be me!!

[ak27]

@Mathandan The bush craft knife is beautiful and the Micarta surely makes it more elegant. Good Job!

[essdee1972]

Hey, AK27, I suggested Dremel for grinding / shaping the Micarta. I sharpen with a Spyderco. Tried sandpaper + mousepad convexing, thanks to Mack & Moin's posts, but turned out to be a complete and utter failure.......

[marthandan]

@essdee...the dremel is a great tool. but what applies to the angle grinder applies to the dremel too. both opt for high speed to get the job done. of course, the dremel's speed can be varied. the angle grinder works if you are just careful about not burning up the material, whatever it may be.

[ak27]

Hey, AK27, I suggested Dremel for grinding / shaping the Micarta. I sharpen with a Spyderco. Tried sandpaper + mousepad convexing, thanks to Mack & Moin's posts, but turned out to be a complete and utter failure.......

Argh, sorry, got mixed up a bit there!
Nonetheless, let me assure you, if you have steady hands and are willing to spare a little time you'll definitely be able to achieve a decent edge with the good ol' sand paper.

[essdee1972]

Ak, after almost butchering a nice Cartini chef's knife, I gave up!! I know many people have successfully done convexing, I have seen live samples of Moin's & Slingshot's work, but I think ....... Or just have "unclever" hands!!

[marthandan]

there it is...my bushknife.
some changes compared to the earlier pics i posted. three busse stlye copper rivets. the blade's profile has been changed a bit. have given it a small recurve. the micarta has come out well. it is a pain to work with. rasps / grinder for rough profiling and emery sheets for finishing. the current finish is 80 grade sanding disc used in orbital sanders. did take the finish upto 400 grit. the colour was a lovely dark green overall with almost white fabric lines being visible. while it looked great, it was too smooth for actual use. might make more sense for a display knife. copper might not be the best rivet material for working knives (IMHO). it felt too soft when rivetting.
sheath is hand stitched veg tanned cow leather dyed a blackish maroon. its a simple sheath with no belt loops, etc. i always carry my knife in the bag while trekking/camping.
so...what do you gentlemen think?

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[marthandan]

some more pics...

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...it needs a lanyard matching the sheath. now where can i get maroon paracord?...of course...the local shoe store

[tirpassion]

Dear Sir,
I am simply stunned by your craftmanship!!!!! Hat's off to you.

my sincere regards
tirpassion

[Prabhath]

Congrats on a job excellently done........hope there are more such jobs in the works