Makin' a knife

Just thought I'd share a few pictures of a knife I've started working on.


It's a 3.5 inch carbon steel blade. I'll also be doing another out of 4 inch stainless steel.


The handle in the pictures is a rough draft. I made it as a preliminary essay in order to find a shape and size that I like.


It's basically a simple oval shaped handle, sized for my hand, with a lower guard and pommel. It's comfortable with many different grips.



I like to have a small lower guard on a knife that will be used out doors, far from immediate medical attention. Having sliced open a finger already I know how quickly it can happen, and how serious it can be. People who've used a knife since childhood may not need the guard, but I feel better having it there!


I carved it out of cedar... VERY easy wood to carve and shape. But also way to soft for a knife handle! The end product will have a handle made out of hardwood, modeled more or less on what you see here with a few modifications.


I'm thinking about using both light and dark coloured woods to give it some character. Oh, and also a nice brass bolster to add strength at the weakest point where the blade and handle meet.

Cheers!

Spruce Tips!

The spruce tips are out in full force around here!


They make a great tea, loaded with vitamin C, and has a slightly citrusy quality; though in my opinion it doesn't compare with eastern white pine as far as flavour goes. According to "Discovering Wild Plants, Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest" by Janice J. Schofield, sweetening the tea with honey, orange slices, cinnamon and cloves, or a nip of brandy is good.

She also writes that spruce tips can be made into a tasty Jelly!!! I've never tried it, but my interest is piqued! According to Janice spruce tip jelly goes well with lamb, venison or even morning muffins. The lamb, or venison I can see... but the muffins, I'll have to try it to judge. I googled spruce tip jelly and sure enough, there are a few small businesses around who make it. I'll get some and taste it before I make it myself!


Here's a couple of shots of the tea on the go.



By all means give it a try yourself...BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE 100% SURE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE PLANT/TREE YOU'RE HARVESTING FROM. If there is ANY doubt, leave it alone!


I have a couple of interviews this week, so hopefully I'll be back to work soon...it would be really nice to have a proper camera again!!!