Shows I'll be at in the next couple of days or fun with last minute planning

I'll be at the horse fair with limited stock tomorrow. There will be a few knives to choose from.  I'll put up a post with in stock stuff later.

Sunday, I'll be at the spring fling with limited stock and set up at the Neighborgoods booth

At least one thing went right today

Right out of the etchant

One of my friends was helping out in the shop while I was working on this little damascus skinner and called dibs.  So it is sold.  The other blades that were in the queue today turned out to be practice blades so the G man can practice his grinding skills. 3 out of the 7 had stress fractures that make them unusable except for practice.  The blades were water quenched because I was trying to get some more blades with a hamon.  Shit happens.

After the final polish and ready for some snake wood scales

I think it was time to change the filters on the respirator

2 more hunters ready for a sheath

 The grinder has been getting a good work out the last week.  I'm almost ready to do another batch of heat treat.   The micarta dust is in a thick layer around the big grinder.  Making handles isn't as fun for me as making the blades.  Handles are the user interface so the have to be comfy and durable.  That just takes time.  If things go according to plan I'll have a post on the current inventory of knives available for sale on Monday.

Copious amounts of particles were filtered

Grandma's paring knife is done

Grandma called and wanted a new paring knife. The one she bought in the 60's finally wore out.  I made her one with black micarta scales and a 1095 blade.  It's a little less than an eighth inch thick.  I hope she likes it.  She will let me know either way, she's not shy with her opinions.

February 2018 goings on at the shop

The knife to be raffled off for the Ma and Pa Kettle days fundraiser.
https://www.facebook.com/maandpakettlemn/

A mess of work to get through

Some of the first sharp shiny things for 2018

New apprentice getting his hands dirty on the big grinder.  There is a big grin behind the mask!

Some blades ready for final grinds and handles.