Henry Rifle Forums

Meh... I thought I might share SOME of this build in case someone might want to watch. This will be a personal build, I'm keeping it. 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.

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.


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.


Once I had rough shaped the two slices down, I checked to insure they closely fit my design sketch. They fit.


Looks like we have a good start. Next up, cutting and shaping the silver, this will be a long process.

I ve got some damascus knives with turquoise color on them. My wifes son gave these to me for my Birthday as we gave him a set for his. They are japanese made and very sharp

Way beyond my abilities.

BigAl,

That's a bit beyond me... but mine will have cocobolo, silver, and turquoise...
Those are pretty as well. I couldn't afford that much turquoise. LOL. If it's solid and not just a thin layer embedded.

BrokenolMarine wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 16, 2023 8:12 pm

BigAl,

That's a bit beyond me... but mine will have cocobolo, silver, and turquoise...
Those are pretty as well. I couldn't afford that much turquoise. LOL. If it's solid and not just a thin layer embedded.

Totally understand that I was just showing off my knives. The handles are sea abalone anyway.

They are very nice. We had a nice damascus set we bought from Crate and Barrel, Six Steak knives, and complete carving set. Stolen by professional movers and packers when we moved once. Was unable to replace that set. We had gotten them on closeout at half price... no longer carried. LONG before I ever thought about making my own.

I'll be following this! It's already pretty!

Sure like the sketch you did showing the inlay position. Will be following along.

BigAl, that’s an impressive set of knives you have there.