damascus sgian

[Joe Gondek]

A liitle while ago I ordered some blade blanks from Rab Gordon


I finally got around to putting a handle on one of the blades


I haven't had time to make a sheath to carry in my stocking so for now it is riding around in my neck sheath

[string]

that is lovely, I love a Damascus blade

[Bugbear]

very good!

[James MacMillan]

Nice looking sgian dubh. What is the handle made of?

[Joe Gondek]

Nice looking sgian dubh. What is the handle made of?

Mule Deer antler with a poured pewter bolster

[David Thornton]

I've had a very similar blade for a year and just haven't had the nerve to try a handle. I'm looking forward to what you do with the others.
David

[turpin]

I have a SS and damascus blade waiting for my undivided attention. Joe, once you've got the raw poured bolster, what are your steps and tools used in polishing? All I have is a bench grinder and I think that would be a bit much, and sandpaper would take a long time.

[Joe Gondek]

I have a SS and damascus blade waiting for my undivided attention. Joe, once you've got the raw poured bolster, what are your steps and tools used in polishing? All I have is a bench grinder and I think that would be a bit much, and sandpaper woult take a long time.

I don't use any power tools to finish it
I use hand files and sandpaper

the file card is used to keep the files clean

the small round triangle are used to help shape the bolster

I rough it in with a medium course file then switch to a fine mill bastard file
you can put a really smooth finish on metal using a fine file
after I get it to dimension I go to sand paper

start with 220 grit
then 320,400,600,and finish with crocus
I then buff with a piece of wool blanket

Just remember that if you put a mark in it with a file it has to come out with a file don't try to sand out file marks

[turpin]

Thanks, I think I can do that.

[ChromeScholar]

I like it! I have several blades I need to do something with, though none are Damascus. I like the look of your work.