Fonzarellis Report post Posted January 26, 2015 (edited) I have been eyeballing all the beautiful work and talent of some of the folks on here when it comes to oak leaves and wanted to give it a try myself. I've been holding off until I got my knife work dialed in a bit more so I could make the tiny turns required to git er done. I was watching a video showing the use of lifters and I liked the end result quite a bit. Since I'm a bit strapped for cash after our Christmas spending spree, I decided what the heck, I can make these myself. I used a piece of stainless steel rod for the small one and an old screwdriver shank for the larger one. I cut the angles with a file and sharpened/polished it until it was razor sharp using various grits of wet/dry sandpaper to 2000 grit. A few strokes on the strop and they were ready to be baptized. I grabbed a piece of scrap, cased it and the next day went to work. Here' s how it turned out. I do have an oops on one of the edges and the acorns look a little lame to me. What I really liked was the detail brought out after I hit it with a little resist on the leaves and some antique stain. Not really happy with the pebble background but that's probably my inexperience cuz it looks like I over did it and sorta "beat down" the detail. For the sheath I'm making with this design, I may go back to a 6104 and 6898. The antique seems to take better. Any suggestions/critique? Edited January 26, 2015 by Fonzarellis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rohn Report post Posted January 26, 2015 I am in no way an expert when it comes to oak leaves, but this looks like you did a great job on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eddie1968 Report post Posted January 27, 2015 I'm no expert either but oak leaves are one of my favorite things to do. there are numerous leaf designs as well as different tools and techniques, etc, to get the desired looks your after. I've found a few that work for me so that's what I stick with. Looks like to me your off to a great start! Stay at it! Eddie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Airth Report post Posted January 27, 2015 That looks awesome, especially considering you're using "hobo" tools. I'm envious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fonzarellis Report post Posted January 27, 2015 (edited) "hobo tools", Ha-Ha, I guess that's a pretty accurate description. In the bushcraft community it would be called "field expedient". They seem to work pretty well and possibly a better grade of steel. Haven't made any stamps yet but I have used a snap setter to do some hammered effects. Like they say "necessity is the mother of invention" I guess. Thanks for all the kind words everyone. Edited January 27, 2015 by Fonzarellis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
