The Down Under Build story

over 4 years ago

I was thinking about a way to really wrap up and awesome knife build. I have been making videos kind of step by step, but what would be a great way to book end the process. It hit me that making a written post that included pictures and videos would be the best way. I hope you all enjoy this.

So this past week I took on a project that was both exciting and terrifying. When it comes to making knives, sure I can do that all day, but when you send it around the world...it makes your butt pucker a little bit. That is just what happened. My new friend @galenkp came to me and said he wanted something that he could use regularly. He wanted it to be tough, and be sharp AF. We got some of the details worked out and then I started going for it.

The process is something that continues to change with each build. There is always something special about each piece, and the process has to change to match. I have a pretty basic model that I follow. Anneal the steel, clean the steel, draw the outline, profile the blade, make bevels, finish surface, make handle, clean up, done. A basic walk through...until the piece starts to speak to you and telling you what it wants.

Sometimes I end up having to go back and forth between steps because the steel isn't doing exactly what I would want it to do. Sometimes I have to switch between working by hand and working with a machine, and then back to working by hand. It is whatever is needed.

There were a couple of things with this build that I did differently than I have ever done before. I changed how I hardened the steel and how I heated up the quench oil. I also tempered the blade in the oven inside the house. This was new for me, but 375 degrees for a hour, and then two rounds of that really did the trick. This should make it very hard and very tough.

All through the process I stayed in tough with Galen. I got his feed back and opinion of how he thought that the whole thing was going. He was able to also get some behind the scenes pictures while I was working through the process. I would like to share some pictures of the build, no real order.

As you can see I was doing some big things. I really enjoy what I do and the future is looking bright. I am about to start another blade that will be bigger more like a bushcraft/camp knife. If you are interested I accept Paypal or Crypto. If you are quick enough you can catch me before I start and I can build you a custom piece.

If you would like to check out all of the steps of the build, these are the links for all of the posts and videos.

I can't believe that it is all done now, and is currently in the mail on it's way. I am excited and nervous. I had to try something different with the blade because of the long travel. After doing alot of research, I found that a thin layer of tung oil on the blade would help prevent rust...well...here's hoping!

I'm not sure when it should arrive because it all has to go through customs. No big deal..yikes haha. Once it is securely in his hands, I think I will be able to breathe a bit easier. For now, I am in that weird place between the finished piece but it hasn't been delivered. I am sure it will all be just fine.

Thank you all again for joining me through this process, and I look forward to connecting with you all. You can get with me here in the comments, or join me on the Inner Blocks server on discord.

P.S. you can also check out some of my other knife builds...

@papa-pepper two custom neck knives

@bowentroyer and @thefarmerswife 2 family legacy blades

Be well
~The Yeti

Join me on Discord https://discord.gg/zyqFjJ3

https://steemit.com/@freedompoint