Forged file with Osage Orange handle

[messerist]

I forged this skinner out of a file and used some Osage Orange blocks for a handle. I've never used osage before and when I started shaping the handle I was shocked because the wood looked almost neon green! As you can see the color has toned down a bit. Blade is from my horde of old files. Thanks for lookin'!

 

[bikerdoc]

Nice executed. I like it!
Pefect lines, symetry, and balance.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

good work, many a mountain man would have been happy to have it.

 

[Smokey Joe]

VEEEEry nice!

Messerist (Deutsch for "knifemaker," no?)--That is a neat job, and I happen to like the blade's shape. A nice touch, I think, was to leave just a few of the file ridges intact, kind of as a sign of the knife's origin.

What sort of a sheath are you planning?

 

[hso]

Nice job!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Very Nice!

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Nicely Done

That's a fine piece.

 

[7X57chilmau]

Nice work!

J

 

[Kingcreek]

beautiful lines, deep skinning belly, I like it. That Osage orange will turn a nice honey amber with time.

 

[CWL]

My compliments!

 

[messerist]

Thanks very much for the generous compliments! Smokey Joe I have not figured out a sheath for it yet. The guy I made it for has moved and did not leave me any way to get a hold of him. I kinda like the person getting the knife to choose what kind of sheath they want.

 

[Big Bill]

Great job messerist! What tools did you use to shape the handle?

 

[messerist]

Big BILL mostly rasps, files and sandpaper.

 

[Big Bill]

Well, you sure done good!

 

[Mokwepa]

Messerist, looks very good. I like the diamond patern here and there from the file teath.

How do you make a gaurd/hilt out of brass. Im very keen to make a knife with a similar gaurd. Is it all stock removal from a large solid piece?

 

[messerist]

Yes. I use flat bar stock. It all depends on the style of knife I'm working on as to the thickness of the brass. I am not sure how your postal services are in the bush but if you can order material you should be able to get brass in varying dimensions for your knives. I get mine from my work in a metal shop. Some knifemaker catalogs carry it and it is available online. I see you have been casting brass where you are. I have not tried that because I'm spoiled and have the luxury of being able to get the stuff. As far as working with brass it is fairly easy and much softer than the steel you have been making your guards from. You should have no problems working it. Good Luck

 

[Erich]

Man, that is beautiful! I'm sure glad I clicked on this thread.