First Restoration(s)

I picked up the first blade (left) for twelve dollars. Very good condition. Hollow grind, slight smile, but i know it will be a great piece. The second one needs a little more work. it has a lot of hone wear but it was sheffield so i grabbed it (for 8 bucks how could i not take a risk?). It is also a wedge blade. I picked out Bocote wood for the scales and a nice ebony for the wedge. Im going to get a second wood when i start the latter of the two. I am very excited and am accepting any recommendations. This is my first so I would be a fool not to accept the advice of the master restorers I see on this site. Thanks so much, it is with your help that I even feel qualified to undertake this task.
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Regards,
Garrett

Is there in fact anything wrong with the Berg that would warrant a restore? Looks good to go to me. Nice pick ups at good prices!

James.

careful with the bocote. thats one of the ones that you ought to wear a respirator when you work with it.

bocote also needs acetone before you try to finish it with anything. acetone will help strip the oils which will goof up your finish.
pay special attention to your wedge fit.
Good luck.

+1 with the wedge fitting. Go grab a new file and have it around when you start your wedge. After you cut it out, run the flats over the file to make them 100% flat. Believe me, it will save you a lot of time. Also, read up on the tutorials in the WIKI about wedge geometry. It's important.

Thank you all. I read up on all the wedge posts as well as located the ebony wood on the toxic list. I will take great care when working with these woods. Also the guy at the woodworker store warned me about the finish. i will try acetone as well as ask his advice on the finishes (he actually restores knives). The Berg doesnt actually NEED restoration but the blade is far from mirror with small amounts of discoloration, the scales have a name amateurishly scratched in and they are rather ugly so Im just gonna redo the whole thing for S and G.