Another couple of new creations

[Blacktail]

Just finished up a set of two matching knives

Drop point knife has a hidden tang and a brass oval shaped guard
Caping knife is the same with a hidden tang but with a brass pin to hold just behind the brass guard

Both have Elk antler handles that came from a shed and were restained and finished to a dark honey colour.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/antlerhandleset.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13438&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=323)

[weatherby_man]

Cool knives blacktail. Very nice.

[martyonthewater]

very nice indeed blacktail, do you do the leatherwork for the sheaths as well?

[Blacktail]

very nice indeed blacktail, do you do the leatherwork for the sheaths as well?

yes I do
Every aspect of my knives are controled by me

[StoneChaser]

Nothing feels better in the hands than a good chunk of elk antler!

How long does it take you to grind out something like the bottom one?

Would love to see some before and after pics.... the work "in progress" for curiosity's sake.

Always been envious of those with enough talent to grind their own...I have enough trouble getting an edge on my gerbers!

[NaStY]

Those knifes look awesome blktail.

I really like the lower one. Have you made one with a slightly shorter and a little more curved. It would make a great skinning knife...

[Blacktail]

Those knifes look awesome blktail.

I really like the lower one. Have you made one with a slightly shorter and a little more curved. It would make a great skinning knife...


that size knife is a little small for skinning but I do make a larger knife better suited for that job

[Blacktail]

Nothing feels better in the hands than a good chunk of elk antler!

How long does it take you to grind out something like the bottom one?

Would love to see some before and after pics.... the work "in progress" for curiosity's sake.

Always been envious of those with enough talent to grind their own...I have enough trouble getting an edge on my gerbers!

Most blades will take me anywhere between a few hours and a day to make depending on the size

The problem most people have getting a good edge on a knife involves consistancy and patience and taking their time to get a good edge

[NaStY]

I use a smaller knife for bears as it does a nicer job at taking the fat off the hide and its easier for me to sharpen....

[Blacktail]

I use a smaller knife for bears as it does a nicer job at taking the fat off the hide and its easier for me to sharpen....

The knife on top is the one I made for myself In this picture it will give you an idea of the size in relation to a caping knife
I have used this knife to field dress everything from foxes to moose
The caping knife by it's design is really just good for caping out animals for mounting as it allows you to get into those areas like a scalpel would.
I have a couple guides here in Alberta that I have made the lower caper and the upper clip point for and they are pleased with them

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/setofanother3.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13440&size=big&cat=&si=setofanother3)

[papaken]

Very nice work.

[GRIZLY HUNTER]

Hey blacktail , good work man

[Tuffcity]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/setofanother3.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13440&size=big&cat=&si=setofanother3)

That top one looks like a Finnish knife I've had for decades. Love that knife! Roy, drop me a PM on cost on the top one... I'm hoping the daughter will need one of her own this year. :)

RC

[Blacktail]

No problem Tuffy

I am working on another design right now grinding up another piece of steel .I just got some 440 and 6A sent up from my buddy in the states

Apparently some on this sight think that my copying a design from one of those cheap japanese steel blades is not right and are infering that I am actually using those pieces of s**t to make a quick buck.

I will post up when it is finished

[BlacktailStalker]

I wouldnt worry about them Blacktail, you know your product is quality obviously and I'm sure the people who have one will vouche for you.

[Ddog]

,,,well who ever said that to you is obviously not inclined about the knifemaking world.
i have been making knives for quite a while. Whoever is responsible for saying that copying a design is not right, is an idiot, It is almost impossible to come up with a totally original design of a hunting knife.
After all they are knives, they go to a point at one end and a handle at the other. the knives that Blacktail made are not original designed knives and almost every maker has a caping knife and some kind of a drop point. Amongst knifemakers it is common to have designs of knives that are shared, it is also common to whoever came up with the design to get the credit for it.
If some one wants me to make them a knife that they have seen and like i simply pull out my cardboard copies and send them pictures until they see one they like and choose then we go from there.
Almost every single knife made today , even if you draw it from scratch , has been made by another maker somewhere.
The reason for making it is it is a good design and usually someone will buy it right away because it is handmade.

[spreerider]

I was thinking of starting a couple knives, where do you get your steel from?
All i can find is tool grade steel from one of my suppliers, that is used for making lathe cutting bits.
What about pins and guards do you make them yourself or purchase them from a supplier?
The wood for the handles do you get that at a hardware store or specialty store?

[Blacktail]

Thanks guys

I will admit to copying designs but have never been dishonest as to the originality of my blades.
I was raised to tell the truth and stand up for the right way of the world.
I don't appreciate being inferred as one who call himself a "custom knifemaker" and uses preformed blades to only put handles on.

well enough of my rant..............so be it

you can get steel from

admiral steel
http://www.admiralsteel.com

ranger knife
http://www.knifemaker.ca

handle material varies from local wood yards or Lee Valley or any exotic wood dealer
I like working with dymondwood which is a laminated wood product that is impregnated with resin so it doesn't warp or crack swell or shrink.
you can get it at anyone of the knifemaker supply places

[Conrad74]

Nice work Blacktail

Ryan