My first step was to draw out the plan for making the scales for the knife. This included the cocobolo grip panels, the turquoise inlay and the silver bolster and endcap. I drew and redrew the layout until I was happy with the results. I wanted a certain balance and flow and I think I finally got one that worked. The first step was to figure out the new tool I would use this morning, a wet cut tile saw I got from my daughter after they redid their bathroom. I installed a new diamond blade, filled it with water, and off we went. I should have worn a rubber apron.
02 tile saw.jpg
If you have never used one, they throw a lot of water and "mud" when you cut.
Glad I wore a face shield. I did make a push block since I was cutting narrow slices. I took my time and cut carefully and managed to make fairly neat cuts. I didn't worry about perfect. Once I was done and had cleaned and put away the saw, I rough polished the turquoise on the disc on the bench grinder, dipping it often to keep it cool and damp to prevent cracking.
03 slices.jpg
Once I had rough shaped the two slices down, I checked to insure they closely fit my design sketch. They fit.
04 fits.jpg
Looks like we have a good start. Next up, cutting and shaping the silver, this will be a long process.
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It's going to be PUSHING my skill level and taking me to the edge. Might be OUT of my skill levels... so we'll take the trip together and see. Here is the layout of the materials for the start of the project. The knife blank alone was just over $170. 
Yup, it's a bit of a risk, but you have to take chances to expand your skills. That chunk of turquoise? About $40. Came straight from the mine in AZ.
