Rossr Report post Posted May 9, 2022 I made this knife and sheath combo for a friends son who earned his Eagle scout rank in boy scouts. I carved the eagle head and then tried to blend it so as it went down the sheath it seemed like the body. Kinda abstract maybe but with the Initials thought it flowed better. I feel like my carving skills are rusty at best but can't decide how to improve on this one. The eagle head is from a craft aid. The eye was tough imo and around the beak seemed off to me...among.other things Open to thoughts Ross Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted May 9, 2022 (edited) I think you are being too critical on yourself Leave it as it is . . . . . . . or rub some dark shoe polish into the low parts, and rub off from the high spots, buff up and the design will really stand out Edited May 9, 2022 by fredk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bert03241 Report post Posted May 9, 2022 Nice work great job Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuck123wapati Report post Posted May 9, 2022 i like the sheath and the knife!! Great job I'm sure it will be cherished for a lifetime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted May 9, 2022 20 hours ago, fredk said: I think you are being too critical on yourself Leave it as it is . . . . . . . or rub some dark shoe polish into the low parts, and rub off from the high spots, buff up and the design will really stand out Appreciate that thought Fred. Im always hyper critical of what I do.....I suspect I'd stop making stuff if I ever made something I was 100% happy with....I think I'm trying to figure out how to progress more. I see amazing work and while I'm not unhappy with mine I'm hoping I can Still improve. Bert and chuck thanks for the kind words Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
battlemunky Report post Posted May 10, 2022 I dunno man, I think you are being a bit critical as well because that looks quite good. I totally see the vibe you were going for with the head and body of the eagle. Great looking knife too. Good job! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leescustomleather Report post Posted May 10, 2022 I totally get being self-critical it is how my work improves, so many people give praise which feels good, but it doesn't offer any real help which is what you asked for. I see you doing one thing that is something I still struggle with, that is trying to put too fine detail into my work with a swivel knife and beveling tools. For myself it always seems to lose resolution, all kind of blend together, kind of like the difference between throwing one pebble into a pond and the ripples that result or throwing a handful of pebbles into a pond, where the ripples just turn into chaos and lose definition. Sorry for the long-winded explanation I guess that is the best I could come up with. The only way I have found to add fine detail to leather is with stamps with the detail cut into the stamp. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted May 11, 2022 8 hours ago, Leescustomleather said: I totally get being self-critical it is how my work improves, so many people give praise which feels good, but it doesn't offer any real help which is what you asked for. I see you doing one thing that is something I still struggle with, that is trying to put too fine detail into my work with a swivel knife and beveling tools. For myself it always seems to lose resolution, all kind of blend together, kind of like the difference between throwing one pebble into a pond and the ripples that result or throwing a handful of pebbles into a pond, where the ripples just turn into chaos and lose definition. Sorry for the long-winded explanation I guess that is the best I could come up with. The only way I have found to add fine detail to leather is with stamps with the detail cut into the stamp. I appreciate those thoughts. Less is more many times and I sure do add too much at times. Good thoughts on the stamps with detail too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tsunkasapa Report post Posted May 11, 2022 Looks great. I wouldn't change a thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samalan Report post Posted May 11, 2022 Beautiful gift that will last a lifetime . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlamoJoe2002 Report post Posted May 11, 2022 Ross, That is a work to be proud of. Since I'm learning hand stitching, I'll throw out a what if...What if you were to double back inside the ends of the stitch line instead of turning a u-turn? Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted May 11, 2022 28 minutes ago, AlamoJoe2002 said: Ross, That is a work to be proud of. Since I'm learning hand stitching, I'll throw out a what if...What if you were to double back inside the ends of the stitch line instead of turning a u-turn? Joe So that's a possible for sure. I interesting you bring this up. I sewed the white linen stitch on my needle awl randall campbell machine. One of the issues I have had is how to back stitch, if I just back stitch the awl will cut the thread . In the past I have left long tails and then hand sewed them foe the back stitch. This of course takes time and annoys me. So I saw the loop or u turn in I think AL stohlmans book on holster making and tried it on this one. Not sure it's a good method or not. Ross 46 minutes ago, Samalan said: Beautiful gift that will last a lifetime . Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted June 7, 2022 top notch! YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted June 7, 2022 8 hours ago, YinTx said: top notch! YinTx Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brokenolmarine Report post Posted June 7, 2022 Nice work. Very powerful. But I agree with the backstitch. The loops pull the eye away from the amazing tooling and trimwork in the leather. Great job. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted June 7, 2022 (edited) I think it is great and no need to change anything but to me, being hard on yourself is not a bad thing. I am my own worst critic and I'm sure many here are. But when we are pleased you can be sure everyone else will be too. So don't ever accept mediocrity and keep setting the bar high. Oh, and I forgot to compliment you on the knife! I've seen your work in the past and it is always top shelf. Edited June 7, 2022 by Tugadude Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rossr Report post Posted June 7, 2022 43 minutes ago, Brokenolmarine said: Nice work. Very powerful. But I agree with the backstitch. The loops pull the eye away from the amazing tooling and trimwork in the leather. Great job. I do like the backstitch option better as well, thanks for the thoughts! Appreciate the compliment. 23 minutes ago, Tugadude said: I think it is great and no need to change anything but to me, being hard on yourself is not a bad thing. I am my own worst critic and I'm sure many here are. But when we are pleased you can be sure everyone else will be too. So don't ever accept mediocrity and keep setting the bar high. Oh, and I forgot to compliment you on the knife! I've seen your work in the past and it is always top shelf. Very kind, thanks tug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
