Nice work, Eric. The hand sanding paid off and nice attention to details on it. Looking real good, my friend! I often go with two tape on blades like that too.
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I don't think it's as good as it could be but it's way better than what it started as. The bevel was all over the place and honing it actually felt smoother. Didn't have that typical bumpy spine that wedges seem to have. Thanks Tuzi, one day I hope to attain your level. For now I'll be the grasshopper :)
The antler mini scales are a work in progress for our very own Butzy. Still need to round it all off, put divits all over the lower area like a golf ball, and figure something out for the faux bolsters. Slowly working on them among my many projects I bounce between. They look bowed and they are, the hair substance seems to tighten and bow when heated up(sanding) but they are flat and flex easy so should be no issues when pinning, and should look good finished still.
The pinned scales were my first complete build and am thoroughly depressed with the out come. That wedge pin hole was waaaay off and makes me want to throw them in the garbage, the pinning is terrible (although I have learned for next time. Grind as close as possible than light peening) and the Peter Michels logos didn't turn out the greatest. I am not impressed with them at all. But we're my first go at it.
The pointed scales are for a contrasting similar set of King cutter blades I'm going to make up in a box set. One square point (this one) one round point. Trying to make this one look as close to the 'king cutter' logo on the blade. I am so far impressed with this one and it is coming along well. The round point will be different with more round edges to suit the blade point. Probably incorporate the boker tree logo rather than the king cutter logo.
P.s I do not know what wood this is, just random (hard?) wood from pallets I had... both are the same just one sanded fresh, and one stained black and than lightly sanded. Left to the weather it's quite dark. Any knowledgeable help would be great. I don't really know woods by looking yet.
It seems they need a diet? Best to start out too big than too small.
Look at other scales and try to emulate those before going with new designs.
You will learn a lot, I think?
But HEY! I don't make scales! :D
An update on butsys scales. Figured I should put a couple more hours in on them.
You should thin those out so your bolsters and all are level with your picking.
Like these!
Attachment 277630
Here for reference to a Dovo. Granted dovos do have a bit thicker of a scale. But I need a bit of meat to have depth to engrave into. And am still feeling out wood a bit still for durability. The antler I will still be working away a bit. And although great for flexibility, easy to split because of its hair genetics... so I figured if a bit thicker at the pins it may help protect from it splintering if pinned and peened gently and without too much flex stress to it.
Nice I like those, and I know they're still way too thick, gotta bring them down some more, and deff that name plate. Have to figure out and throw in some detail in the bolsters still as well. Could I get a side shot of that as well to see what I should be working with? Granted I did want them above a bit just to stand off and out a bit. But I agree they are still too thick, and that name plate for sure as well.
And that these are the first scales I've been doing in over five years now. Those black and pearl ones, these antler ones I started after, than the finished ones real quick, and than the king cutters in progress. So I'm kinda new again. And didn't do many before just two or three O.K. ones. Nothing like some of the guys on here. Just phenomenal work these guys do. But I'm learning and getting better each time.
Everything must be thin, smooth, and lend it'self to balance, ease of honing and stropping.
I don't make scales, but I know what I like.
They are the way they are for a reason.
For real, Are they that terrible?