Indeed- it seems hard for folks in this modern world to pare things down to what was probably carried. (Yeah, I know- it's a book, but still- based in reality, for the average guys!) Keeping things to a minimum, as what both Dwayne and Elwedhwen have noted. My kit is very simple, almost exactly what...

That's a great looking pack- and a nice tutorial! Even with the silliness of Google translate, it made sense.

I have made pack baskets and the like from the Triumph of Maximilian before, and yeah- they are either huge or tiny, that is true!

Anyhow- great build!

Robert

Well- pack it up, measure the package, and then use a scale- if you have no choice but to use a bathroom one- weight yourself with the box, then without. Add a pound, for safety's sake. Then go to USPS.com and calculate the shipping. The standard parcel post is somewhat hidden- so look carefully. AN...

so, I own what I own- do my battle rifles (L1A1s) equate to anything? And what of the 1400's-style armor I have? Also- as I have a neighbor with several riding horses- can I steal them?

Thanks! It's the little things that really make a difference in a knife- or really any hand-crafted item.

I'm working on a forge that will get to welding heat, myself- and a new one for the fella that forged this blade, too. His current one is nothing but a giant heat-mass of concrete...

you know- by the smell, it could well be linseed oil in this mix. Hmm... I'll make a test batch here in a few days and see.

This stuff isn't sticky once it sets for a day or 2, though- and the only sweating it does is into say, paper or light-colored leather. Even then- only in real high heat.

So- she's done, except for the polish of the edge- which waits until AFTER I make the sheath. The handle has 5 coats of tung oil based finish, and is still taking it, so more to go there, until it stops absorbing it, and the whole handle has a slight sheen to it. I imagine the bark center will take ...

Lookin' good!

As it was an excuse to NOT return to the freezing depths of the workshop for a few minutes- here are the pics of my bota. This very bota was in the NFL Films "The Spanish-American War, America's First Intervention", a few years ago. The Spanish army used a similar piece, all the way into t...

In years past- we made our own bota liners out of the super-heavy "Vacuum-seal" bag stuff. We'd draw our shape on it in sharpie, and use the sealing machine to seal it in small steps, following the shape. FOr the neck, you do end up with a sort of straight line on the inside of the curve, ...

Lovely. Thanks for sharing! This shows that even in a built-up area, like that of Southern California- there is still nature and beauty- if you only take a bit of time to find it.

All right- so, I've been able to get into the shop for some time with the blade... and here is the handle, mostly done. It will have a "keel" of sorts (small~) on the pommel, for pull cord or lanyard, should you want it. Overall it's 11 1/8" (before the keel- which will add about 3/8&...

Happy new year all! Just got back from running about madly selling stuff at gun shows. It's crazy out there... Anyhow- I looked through all the backup files and on this computer (last one died horribly...), and cannot find the recipe for the oil and wax-based oilcloth I came up with. I'll need to sp...

As it should be. Heck- tried to do a trade for the blade, but Richard needs some scratch... Our usual deal is I do the temper and grinding, he forges. As you can see- he's perfectly capable of the grinding, hardening and tempering, but he much prefers the hammereing...

Hi all- just had a great day's visit from my friend- a smith of no small skill, Richard. One blade he had hardened and made was brought to me to handle, as he likes making the steel bits a LOT, and as you can see- he's darned good, too! This is a one-of a kind piece, as are all of his made to date. ...