Couple Forged Knife Blades...Finished (Bulbus Handle)

[tippit]

I like to look at the "Items for Sale/Wanted" forum.  A couple of days ago I saw where someone was looking for a Josh Wrightsman knife and someone else said there was one for sale on the Contemporary Longrifle Association artisan's page .  Not knowing who he was, I looked Josh up...quite an amazing bladesmith & flintlock maker.  On his Facebook page were some beautiful examples of his work...but I was very impressed by a simple steak/patch knife with a bulbus handle.  So I had my inspiration to head to my forge.  I won't post a picture of Josh's knife without his permission but here are two blades (8 1/2 & 9 1/2 inches OAL) I just forged, profiled, and ground that are ready to be drilled for handle pins and quenched/tempered.  So far I like the fat feel of the handle in my hand.  I'll post finished pictures later....tippit

[Keith Zimmerman]

Will be beauties when they are finished with dark stained scales.

[Marcruger]

Yep, some dark-stained curly maple would look appropriate.....

[Mike from OK]

Those are nice! Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Mike

[tippit]

Well since I don't have anything else to do, I thought I'd show my finishing process step by step.

This is the the 8 1/2 inch blade that I'll have Osage scales.  Blade is out of tempering oven with finish grind.  I matched two small Osage blocks, drilled my pin holes, and fitted to handle with 4 penny finishing nails.  Since I'm trying to make a palm swelled handle, I tapered the scales and rough ground to fit.  Nothing is glued up right now as I'll take it apart to hand sand the blade...120, 280, finally 320 grit.  I don't usually go finer for a working knife unless the new owner wants.  With use they all get scratched and develop a gray patina.  Be back later with the scales glued on and handle shaped...tippit

[P.W.Berkuta]

LOVE the blade style  . I can see where that handle shape will fit the hand but it will have to grow on me. Maybe the rear radius made a bit smaller would look more balanced to my eye ?

[tippit]

P.W.
I'll be shaping the entire handle once my glue up sets in 24 hours.  It won't look clunky but the handle butt will be more of a rounded bulbus style.  Just hand sanded blade and glued it up.  Once I can shape the handle, I suspect about 50% of the Osage will be yellow dust.

[tippit]

Finished...
Bulbus Handled Knife inspired by Josh Wrightsman...very comfortable in the palm of your hand.  Thanks for looking...tippit









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[Brokennock]

Very nice.

[johnfolchetti]

Beautiful job Jeff.

[RoaringBull]

Looks like it would fit really nice in the hand. Looks sharp too. Very nice job!

[P.W.Berkuta]

I like it much better now that it is finished - I like the color of the handle also - congrats on a fine knife

[tippit]

Thanks for all the kind words. The color will change especially if left out in the sun to a amber honey.  It has about 10 coats of TruOil on it now and has been in the sun all day....already seeing color change between the grain lines. Here is the knife along side an old Osage longbow of mine to see what the color change can be.

[Keith Zimmerman]

Love osage as it ages.  Esp on my bows.  Whats the other blade gonna get?

[tippit]

Keith,
I'm still getting used to the feel of the bulbus handle. I like it because seems to just fill the palm of my hand with more weight. I don't like fat heavy handles but this one with the slim taper feels good. So to answer your question, the other knife will stay unfinished on my bench for now.

[John SMOthermon]

Good work, I especially like the wood grain orientation at the butt.
Well done.

[tippit]

I'm amazed as I never tried this before just 2 days sitting in the Sun...Osage color change already starting to pop...