Thread: My first one. A Wade and Butcher meets the desert

I think you did well.

I can't tell if you used a wedge or a spacer, but I don't see anything poking out, so you probably fitted it well. That is one of the more challenging parts of the scale making process at first, so well done.

As you said, the scale shape, especially at the pivot end, it kind of rough and rudimentary, but it works. Not bad, keep it up.

Also, I'm not sure if it is just the lighting, but it looks like there are still some scratches from the hand-sanding on the tang in the 2nd picture. Hand-sanding a blade is time consuming, and you have to get all the scratches out if you want an even finish. Even so, nice job.

Many light taps with a polished hammer and a good anvil surface (mine is chrome), and finish the pins off with some metal polish at the end will really make them pop.

I've been hand sanding because I can do that inside and I usually watch a ball game while I'm doing it. The workshop (my garage) is still about 110 degrees out there. When its really warm I've found that polishing compound you put on a buffing wheel doesn't hold up to well. I never considered polishing the actual peen part of the hammer but great idea. Yea a thousand little taps. It actually is a wedge but not much of one. It's a pretty substantial blade and I wanted to make sure there would be enough room for it between the scales. Overall its very light and easy to hold in the hand.

One thing about a wedge; if you get it right, you don't have to make it huge because when you tighten the scales down, the wedge (even a thin one), will create enough space for the blade.
Just something to consider for the next pair.

I've realized that. This is all so trial and error. I have no one looking over my shoulder and giving me advice as I go. I appreciate all of the advice anyone gives me. I've learned a great deal from these first few, that's for sure.

I think you did well.