Skian Dubh-It-Y'Salf

[ozmeath]

That looks very nice. You have taken an old file that would have been tossed and made it into something you can hand down in your family. Great job! BTW any train wrecks lately near you

Always wanted to be famous. At least I can make the 6 o'clock news!

[Sciuropterus]

I've made throwing knives out of old files.

[ozmeath]

I've made throwing knives out of old files.

Hey man any pics?

[Sciuropterus]

Hey man any pics?

Nope, sometimes I just throw them as-is, the tang of a big heavy file sticks fairly well, otherwise I just grind a suitable point and start throwing. I don't finish/polish or anything like that.

[ozmeath]

Any word on how deep I can carve into the base of adeer horn before I trash it?
E.

[bangkok kilt]

Nope, but I'm sure you'll let us know after you do it!

[Caradoc]

Any word on how deep I can carve into the base of adeer horn before I trash it?
E.

Trial and error. Some antlers have thicker "walls" than others.

Important note: if you're drilling or sawing bone or antler, wear a mask. Don't breathe the dust. It's bad for you.

[ozmeath]

BK, no doubt! V. funny...
Caradoc, I've worked alot W. horn, bone and tooth and the like but I thank you for the warning.It's good to get a reminder so I don't get complacent.
Erin.

[Rab Gordon]

I think that the shadows of the file teeth add character and show its history so I would'nt worry about completely polishing them out.
The rate of cooling in the quench is effected a lot by the type and temperature of the oil. Heating the oil a little actually speeds up the quench as the oil circulates better. Peanut oil is supposed to be very good although I havn't tried this myself.
Hot brine is another method and is a lot safer than hot oil, although this may cool the blade too fast especially if it's very thin. Abother tip is to leave the blade just a little bit thicker until you've finished the heat treat then grind down to size.

Are you casting some silver fittings for the handle ?

Rab

[ozmeath]

Quick update on the joys of bladesmithing. Picked up these awesome deer horn yesterday for just $20 from the contact I mentioned before. Now I've got to on that bolster and possibly a hilt. May just carve the end though (of the one I'm holding). Saw some and it looks dandy. Sorry, the pics are gettin bigger and bigger on that site.