Another Hopeful for Little Rock

Doug Campbell · February 14, 2015, 11:51:00 PM

Last year while in Little Rock for the Arkansas Knife Show I was quizzing Lin about how he forged the ball guards he's been doing. I have done a couple but struggled with all kinds of problems so figured I'd ask the expert. In typically generous Lin fashion he just took me over to the Blacksmith Shop at the Arkansas Historical Museum where he works and gave me a first class demonstration of his method. I didn't get a chance to try out what I'd learned last Spring before getting covered up with ranch work and having to shut the knife shop down for the summer...

Fast forward to Jan 15 and the upcoming Arkansas Knife Show and a particular style Bowie I'd been thinking about for a while. It is in process right now and I'm hoping I can get it done before we fly out next Thursday...

Well Lin likes to do these "teaser" posts so figured I'd throw up a pic of how she's going so far. The blade is finished, guard forged (forgot to get an "as forged" pic, in case you can't tell that's an acorn on the top) handle and fitting material is getting there. More to follow.

After many hours of grinding, filing and sanding here is the guard in the flat...

More to follow...

gudspelr · February 15, 2015, 01:25:00 AM

Can't wait for more. Posts like yours are a little painful-so cool, but I want more so badly....

Jeremy

Doug Campbell · February 15, 2015, 02:01:00 PM

More progress today...

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2015, 02:20:00 PM

Wow!!!

Doug Campbell · February 15, 2015, 08:16:00 PM

Coming along nicely...

Rusty Izatt · February 15, 2015, 09:06:00 PM

That is going to be sweet Doug!

D.Ellis · February 16, 2015, 12:35:00 AM

I like where that's going Doug!
Darcy

gudspelr · February 16, 2015, 01:49:00 AM

I feel kinda dumb like I keep saying the same thing....but wow. What are the spacers in there-brass or bronze? I'm really hoping the sheath is going to have some nicely tooled oak leaves and acorns

.

Jeremy

Lin Rhea · February 16, 2015, 07:06:00 AM

Great Doug! I'm looking forward to seeing that knife up close! Great job!

When you're just a little nervous and scared, you know you're in the creative zone.

Doug Campbell · February 16, 2015, 07:57:00 AM

Well I must be pretty deep in the "Zone" then Lin... :D

The spacers are Silica Bronze and Damascus Jeremy and the sheath will hopefully be the new owners baby.

Thanks a bunch!

Doug Campbell · February 16, 2015, 09:04:00 PM

Well put in some "quality time" and goterdone!!

Have to say a special thanks to Lin, don't think I'd tried this without his help. Already got more ideas running around in my feeble little brain...

D.Ellis · February 16, 2015, 10:48:00 PM

That turned out great Doug.
Is that amber dyed sambar stag or elk? It looks awesome!
Darcy

Doug Campbell · February 17, 2015, 09:29:00 AM

Thanks again Darcy and that is amber died elk, as nice as any Sambar I've seen.

FerretWYO · February 17, 2015, 10:04:00 AM

That is awesome my friend.

Lin Rhea · February 17, 2015, 10:18:00 AM

Turned out great!

D.Ellis · February 17, 2015, 02:28:00 PM

I thought it had that elk look to it. I have a similar piece I'm working with right now. Good elk tines......especially the brow tines are very nice. I like the local connection to those type of handle materials too.
Again, nice work. Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone a bit....... it fuels growth

I look forward to seeing what your next big project looks like.
Darcy