Fun "little" project I just wrapped up...

[Lee Slikkers]

A few3 months ago I ordered a couple stainless Bowie blades so I could make up a couple finished knives for me and my 2 boys.  The more I looked at the blade the less I liked the "bright & shiny" look of it so I heated it up and took a ball peen to it for some distressing.  Then I did some battery & vinager sessions with it and then heated it back up and quenched it.

I had this nice piece of Elk antler and decided to use it for the handle...drill was a chore as it was pithy and the bit wanted to walk a lot, especially for the length of the hole needed but nothing a couple more stout bits, chisels and files couldn't handle.  I scored the tang, mixed up some epoxy with antler dust and pounded the handle onto the blade and let dry.  This afternoon I filed the antler flesh with the guard and then applied some antiquing affects.  Wiped it down with mink oil paste and buffed it out and bingo...a Bowie I can feel proud to carry 








Next I need top work up a rawhide lined braintanned buckskin sheath for it...think I will try a little beadwork and see how it turns out.

Thanks for looking~

[mullet]

I like it Lee. I'm like you, that shiney look just doesn't work with that kind of knife. Good job, sir.

[fishfinder401]

now quick, deshine that other on in the picture

[madcrow]

That is a sweet looking Bowie Lee.  I can't wait to see the sheath

[Lone500]

i really like the way the blade looks.

[Postman]

THAT'S a knife....great job!

[bowtarist]

Boy you did that blade justice.  can't wait to see the rest of them.  vinager and battery? is that like salt water and battery etching? dpg

[bubby]

you showed some Mad skill's there Lee, a knife to be proud of for shure, Bub

[Pappy]

Beautiful,thats all I  can say.
   Pappy

[GregB]

Great job! You definitely enhanced the look and character of the knife.

[jonathan creason]

Great job making that one your own, Lee.  Can't wait to see the britches you put on it.

[Lee Slikkers]

Thanks Gents!  It was a fun project and I too am tickled out how she all came together.

Bowtarist, yes...used vinegar with coarse sea salt added to it and then used an 18volt battery pack with some gator clips and small balls of scotch brite type wool as pads to hold the solution as I added the current.

[blackhawk]

Bowtarist, yes...used vinegar with coarse sea salt added to it and then used an 18volt battery pack with some gator clips and small balls of scotch brite type wool as pads to hold the solution as I added the current.

Nice buddy..I like that much better.....soooooo where else did you attach those gator clips to(use your imagination) ....or what else did you use to hold with them .........    

[Lee Slikkers]