My other hobby filling time in isolation. Finished page 8.

[Rob E]

It’s working progress but I’ve been working on this, I call it “the washing machine “

C5A6DF01-657C-4831-9932-F18AC1E3CBB9.jpeg (21.62 KiB) Viewed 2820 times

[Wingco]

Rob E I call it “the washing machine “

Wow Rob, how does that work??

[Weathers]

Another numpty question with the Drill, Burn then saw. Why do you burn then saw? Does the file saw get really pointy at the end so you can get it in that narrow hole? Or do you attack from both ends of the handle?

I get you want a tight mechanical fit and the glue is almost a “just in case”.

[DJ.]

There's no such thing as a numpty question

It is a blind hole, so the saw has to be very thin like this:
https://www.fyneboatkits.co.uk/supplies/tools/japanese-keyhole-saw/

At the end there is a portion without teeth, so I have ground that off.

If you burn the hole to full size, it leaves charred wood that is quit crumbly, so it isn't a good surface to glue to.

[Weathers]

There's no such thing as a numpty question

If you burn the hole to full size, it leaves charred wood that is quit crumbly, so it isn't a good surface to glue to.

You're too kind Duncan!!

So why not just drill to almost the size then use the Jap saw to finish the hole off? Or have I missed something.

I watched a chap (on TV) in Alaska making a knife and he made the handle out of sections of different types of wood and bone (all less than 1cm wide) and he then shaped that. It looked amazing when he finished it. It was a gift for a family member.

[DJ.]

A stacked handle like that is easier to make, but I don't like them as much. I have done that sort of thing with a threaded tang and screw on cap, but this is what I'd make if the knife was for me.

The burning is a way of speeding up the process. It is very smelly and chars the wood but it is faster

[DJ.]

With just over a week to go, I finished the present

I've made a box for the two knives from Utile wood bought on ebay. The logo on the lid was devised by my daughter and fiancee for their wedding invitations:

Here are some photos of the finished polished knives:

As the pattern isn't obvious when highly polished, I wiped some vinegar across the blades to tarnish them. As the knives are used, the pattern becomes more obvious. By leaving them polished and not etching the steel, they are easier to clean and if the owner wishes they can be repolished with some metal polish quite easily. Here are the tarnished blades:

To anyone who's made it to page 8 of this thread, thanks . I hope it has been of interest.
Duncan

[b33fy]

Superb job, Duncan. A brilliant and unique gift for such a special occasion, thanks for sharing the whole fascinating process.

[Kegco]

Great job Duncan
Nice thread
And what a great gift

[greenwoo]

quality!

note to self, must get therapy and find some patience.