Unhappy with the look of one of my earlier attempts, and becoming fascinated with the pewter pouring routine, I recycled a blade and knocked out a new dress sgian. Here's some step-by-step piccies (enlarge when clicked)

Handle roughed out. White oak (Quercus alba)


I wanted to try to make a poured pewter pommel with a thistle look about it. I laid out the design and then worked it with the razor knife and some small gouges.



I was afraid that the pewter wouldn't make it all the way to the ends of the relieved areas, so I drilled a large hole down the core of the handle and connected this to each of the gouged areas with small holes.


Collared up and ready to pour.


After the collar was removed.


Rough-shaped with files.


Further shaping, now the blade has been attached with a poured bolster.


Finished. Wood dyed with leather dye and sealed with Watco Danish oil.


I'm not sure I can see a "thistle" there at all. Maybe more of a "castellated" look instead. And all that pewter makes this little gem HEAVY. It's a bit rough looking, but it's OK for the time being. Each time I try this I learn a bit more and I'm sure I'll get ambitious soon and tear this one apart and recycle the blade and pewter into a new project sgian.