Hand made kit

[Dranoweb]

The wolf pins were leftovers from a gift to my fiance on our first meeting.
we had been talking for around 10 years prior, but never met in person.

I thought it worth the effort to impress. She was actually the inspiration for my recently acquired skill with white metal, and this project was my first attempt at the craft.
It took me around 3 months to develop the methods and process to make this happen, and I'm still improving on them today.

With the assistance of my laser cutter, and some trickery to make it do things it was never designed to do, I managed to turn out some acceptable quality goods.

One of the originals
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In place on the gift box.
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Front of the box
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The box it'self
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The medallion - my first successful casting
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The box from a distance
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I also have a favorite - limited edition "buckles of America" wolf buckle that I use everyday, but with the possibility of loosing it to airport customs, I decided to make one I could replace for the trip.

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I might point out that this buckle is about 25mm thick and weighs over a kilogram.
but then again, I'm not comfortable with a light buckle.
Still amazed at the fact customs didn't take this off me. I went through so many security checks...
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and a couple of test pieces I made at the time, included for interest.

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[Dranoweb]

On the build topic again - I've chosen a "Japan Black" stain for the hardwood sheath, in keeping with the "hidden black" literal translation of "Sgian Dubh"

Varnish is still setting, so more pics to come.

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[Dranoweb]

Varnish is finally dry enough to photograph.
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[Hopper250]

I like the black, its not ostentatious but still calls the eye to the knot work.

[Dranoweb]

I'll have to arrange some better pictures, but the hardwood grain still shows a little, and in the sun it has an "aged" look.
but this is the prototype, I have to make a couple of duplicates - one for my best man, one for the piper, and a miniature for my nephew.

[Dranoweb]

Yet more pictures for the curious:

The whole set - one for myself - one for best man, and a gift for the piper.
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Showing off the "japan black" stain in more detail.
The pictures really don't do this justice.
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An attempt to get the sparkle from the graphite in the resin
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Trying to catch the laser in action.
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An Idea I have in the works for quiet times (if they ever come)
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Dress rehersal is not far away, so there may be some pictures that actually include a kilt soon.

[Dranoweb]

As a courtesy to those following - I have started a new thread in the general chat section which I will be requisitioning as a brag book for wedding photos and further progress relating to the kilt.

that thread is HERE

possibly, if my brother has his way - I'll get dragged along to a re-enactment group with a black powder rifle.

Oh and by the way - finally boxed up the Piper's gift.
Hate to declare something "finished" but I think it's about as good as I have time for now.

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[tkdog]

Wow!

[Dranoweb]

Glad you like it.
I have been convinced to make some more in the near future for sale.
once I secure a source of pewter or white-metal, and a little more time I'll have some extras - surplus to requirement.

[Grizzly]

I never fail to be completely impressed by the range of skills and talent that some of our members have. Well done they are fantastic.