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Well got this drop point from @257weatherby and was thinking about making a new handle from a NZ native wood.
But on inspection the handle wasn't as rough as it looked in the pictures (bought sight unseen)
Here it is as I bought it.
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Went over the blade with a few different grades of wet and dry down to 1000grit
And took the lacquer off the handle and it's come up pretty nice.
I think for now some true oil and a decent sharpen will do.
I really thought the handle was in a lot worse shape.
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Just letting it dry out in the sun completely then I'll give it a few coats of true oil.
Should look like new :cool:
it looks awesome..... bet it will be great to use aswell. one of those oval sdiamond steels would probably work great to keep it super sharp.
Mine hasn't looked like that in 20 years.
First coat of true oil, will be a few more for a nice durable finish.
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Keep pictures coming. Nice, stout companion to your slim bladed, slim handled Mercator.
Please do go higher than 1000 grit, you will get a mirror shine - not just for looks, but very good protection against corrosion and stains.
It's gonna need stone work to restore the edge, a steel just won't do that. All in good timeQuote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
Yup intend to but only had 1000 grit in the shed, the local supplier out here only goes to 1200 so will get some 2000 grit when I'm in town tomorrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
I'd just use a small square of 1200, and keep using it even if it loses its grit - it's effective grit is then much higher. Same goes for the 1000 come to talk of it. Say hi to black fingertips.
There are some knife sharpening threads here, some advocate just using fine grit wet and dry for the edge.
BC tru oil is great, but finish it off with bees wax. i have some if you want it
It's gonna need a few coats of true oil, once I'm happy with that I'll hit you up for some beeswax @gonetropo
This is after 2 coats of true oil, I did one more and will leave that to dry overnight then I'll give it a quick buff.
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Nice job
Nice. I'm actually really bummed I didn't snatch that up when it was available.
both mine respond well to ceramic stick sharpeners..... the diamond type steels work well too,Ive got a tiny pen sized one that goes with me hunting it will bring back a very dull blade quickly,its pretty coarse.the oval steels Ive only tried a couple of times really impressed.
After 3 coats it's looking pretty slick. Will give it a light sand in the morning then work on the blade
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Well after inadvertently touching it when it wasn't quite dry..... Twice ffs
It's now had 5 or 6 coats of tru oil and has a finish like glass, gonna leave it for another 24 hours to avoid any soft spots that might take a little longer to dry before starting sharpening the blade.
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I fully understand the pride in workmanship however ultimately its a tool, not a trophy so don't stress over little oops moments.
Hi @<u><a href="https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.nz/member.php?u=8009" target="_blank">dannyb</a></u>,
I'd suggest you have some way to go before sharpening the blade.
How far is up to you, but watching this mad guy will give you an idea of the process:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0HKQAWF-jOk
Won't be going that crazy, it is after all a tool and will be used. It will be better than new but not crazy mirror finish better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cordite
Nice man. Looking good.
now make sure to put small ring of para cord on your sheath to stick through that hole in handle and over top of handle...it would be terrible to see a grown man cry if you lost it out of sheath after all the hard work.
was thinking of something along those linesQuote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
or maybe a wee bit of bone on a cord to act like a gorge hook???? be a mongrel to get out one handed though.... years ago I had a loop of elastic on one of my sheath knifes..worked a treat.
was thinking about taking it to a saddle maker or the likes to get a strap with a stud made up :thumbsup:
where is Hamish???? he makes a good sheath.
Beeswax polished the handle and oiled the blade, the pics really don't do the gloss finish justice, also I really should've taken before pics.
The blade is as shiny as its gonna be. Hopefully will get around to sharpening it tomorrow.
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Looks good, you did a nice job. :thumbsup: Only one was to make it better, grind off the top two words in the brand. :fighting::D
