https://promcarving.com/events/2022-09-30T12:38:08+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/videos/2022-08-03T03:50:28+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/bears/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_20220726_211355_941.webpIMG_20220726_211355_941https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_20220726_211356_035.webpIMG_20220726_211356_035https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_20220711_205154_hdr.jpgIMG_20220711_205154_HDRhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/img_20220529_113555-1.jpgIMG_20220529_113555https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/img_20220529_113555.jpgIMG_20220529_113555https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/img_20220527_063959_hdr.jpgIMG_20220527_063959_HDRhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/received_551251119953986.jpegreceived_551251119953986https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/img_20220519_204821_hdr.jpgIMG_20220519_204821_HDRhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220123_134412.jpg20220123_134412https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/capture2b_2021-11-23-18-35-24.pngCapture+_2021-11-23-18-35-242022-09-09T23:58:11+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/chainsaw-carved-bears/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/img_20220714_190159_hdr.jpgIMG_20220714_190159_HDRhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220111_064056.jpg20220111_064056https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220101_151304.jpg20220101_151304https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220101_151154.jpg20220101_151154https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20211117_063924.jpg20211117_063924https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/capture2b_2021-09-28-22-13-58-1.pngCapture+_2021-09-28-22-13-58.pnghttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/capture2b_2021-09-28-22-13-58.pngCapture+_2021-09-28-22-13-58.pnghttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210727_065551.jpg20210727_065551.jpghttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210906_160746.jpg20210906_160746.jpghttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/img_20210830_212623_527.jpgIMG_20210830_212623_527.jpg2022-07-15T02:51:32+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/contact/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/logs.jpglogs2022-07-05T03:44:05+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/about/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cabin-carving.jpgcabin-carving2022-08-02T10:18:49+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/old-hobby-blog-posts/2022-07-05T03:29:41+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/lucky-the-gnome/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gnome.jpggnome2022-07-05T03:04:47+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/carving-care/2022-06-05T21:14:31+00:00weekly0.6https://promcarving.com/2021/12/18/made-in-minnesota-expo-2021/2021-12-19T03:34:36+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2021/12/18/new-logo-t-shirts/2021-12-19T03:23:04+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2019/08/10/new-hatchet-project/2019-08-10T23:21:09+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2015/04/14/butternut-handle-bottle-opener/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wpid-wp-1429010959977.jpegwpid-wp-1429010959977.jpeg2015-04-14T11:30:35+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2013/10/08/bolt-action-pens/2013-10-09T01:46:19+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2013/09/02/cherry-bowl/2013-09-03T03:53:56+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2013/09/02/warped-bowls/2013-09-03T03:52:23+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/05/07/ever-wonder-why-log-furniture-costs-so-much/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dscn0444.jpgDSCN0444Here are the rest of the logs peeled. I don't know how long they will need to dry, but I am guessing about a year. I doubt I will be patient enough to wait that long.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dscn0445.jpgDSCN0445Here are about half the logs drying...https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dscn0448.jpgDSCN0448More bark shavings...https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dscn0446.jpgDSCN0446I always thought log furniture seemed so expensive. So, I set off to build some for the cabin. Now I know why it costs as much as it does. You don't just go buy some 2 by material from Home Depot. I had to harvest the logs, get them home and peel them. Here is one pile of bark shavings. I don't know how many hours I have into this so far and I don't really want to know. Mind you, I've done all of this work just to get these to the drying stage.... I haven't even built any furniture yet!2012-05-08T05:04:00+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/04/29/log-table-2/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dscn03821.jpgDSCN0382https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dscn0382.jpgDSCN03822012-04-30T03:15:50+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/03/19/new-table-done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0286.jpgDSCN0286This is the final product. I made this table for an expo and here it is in use. This was a fun project.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0280.jpgDSCN0280The log table is almost finished.2012-03-20T04:31:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/03/04/new-table/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dscn0253.jpgDSCN0253Can you spot the log table in this picture? It needs a little bit of work.2012-03-05T04:13:31+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/02/28/file-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dscn0227.jpgDSCN0227I've wanted to do this for a while. I've seen others make a knife out of a good quality file. I've had one around the shop for a while and now I am going to give it a shot. I've annealed the file to make it easier to grind and shape. The wood is some maple burl slabs I've purchased which are stained blue. The brass rod is a mosiac pin material that will give some design to the pins I use to keep the handle in place. I am exicted to get working on this project!2013-02-08T18:31:12+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/02/28/hatchet-revitalization/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dscn0226.jpgDSCN0226I bought this Plumb brand hatchet at a flea market a couple years ago. I've always wanted to carve a new handle for it and fix it up. I finally ordered a new handle and will get started on revitalizing the head. I need to soak it in vinegar and the rust will wipe off. I will then sand it, polish it, sharpen it and put the new handle on it. 2012-02-29T04:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/02/28/new-hobby-alert/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dscn0225.jpgDSCN0225I've wanted to make some log furniture for a long time. I finally got the draw knife out and made some shavings. It isn't pretty, but it should work as an end table at the cabin. If I had to do it over again, I would find a better log for the top, use larger logs for the legs and feet and make all of the tenons on my lathe instead of with the hatchet and draw knife. You have to start somewhere!2012-02-29T04:34:38+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/01/02/quacking-aspen-box/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dscn0076.jpgDSCN0076The dark lines going around the bowl were created by cutting a groove and then applying a wire tool I made to create friction and cause the wood to burn and leave that mark.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dscn0075.jpgDSCN0075This is my first stab at making a box on the wood lathe. This was turned from a green Quacking Aspen (popple) log I cut. I let it dry for a week or two before finishing it. I sanded it to 1800 grit and it was finished with mineral oil. I've had this mineral oil (food safe finish) for a while and I wanted to see how it turns out. I like it.2012-02-28T12:41:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2012/01/02/knife-upgrades/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dscn0077.jpgDSCN0077It's not pretty, but this is what I've coined my "campfire knife." I forged this knife as my first trial at making a knife using the forge and an anvil. It worked well for carving marshmallow sticks and such around the campfire in our back yard. But, it was unsafe to carry and the handle was uncomfortable. So, I made a simple sheath to keep the edge safe. It has no belt loop, I just carry it in my back pocket or carry it. I had some paracord lying around so this was my first attempt at wrapping a handle with it. It isn't pretty, but it sure can be useful around the campfire.2012-01-03T05:35:53+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/12/27/reverse-bowl-jig/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0062.jpgDSCN0062Here are the parts involved. The original disk I mentioned, some 1/4" bolts and nuts, a MDF "donut" and some rubber hose pieces so the MDF doesn't damage the bowl. I may change it to once continuous hose piece or glue another mouse pad to the inside. We will see; everything in my shop is an experiment.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0061.jpgDSCN0061Here is another view of the jig.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0060.jpgDSCN0060This is the upgrade I made to this disk. I have a "donut" bolted to the original piece with padding to have full access to the bottom of the bowl. It works very well.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0059.jpgDSCN0059My intial way to finish the bottom of a bowl was using this disk I made. It is made of MDF glued to a tapped maple block (to thread onto the lathe) and I glued a computer mouse pad to it for cusion and grip. This works pretty well, but I would like more access to the bottom and this version leaves a little nub that needs to hand chiseled and sanded.2011-12-27T06:05:18+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/12/19/you-cant-win-them-all/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0035.jpgDSCN0035Not every project turns out as planned. Here are two examples of bowls I started to turn that turned out to be more wor than it was worth. Both of these had developed cracks and the bowls flew off the lathe multiple times. At some point you have to say when on these projects. There is plenty of wood to be turned on my wood pile. My kids found these in my burn pile and asked if they could have them. What could I say? So, they are now Matchbox car storage devices.2011-12-21T20:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/12/19/more-bowls/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0034.jpgDSCN0034I am very pleased with these bowls. The left on is turned from mountain ash and the bowl on the righ tis cherry.2011-12-20T14:55:50+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/12/19/shop-air-filtrations-device/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0030.jpgDSCN0030Here is the furnace filter side; I've used two filters. I have a blue $.99 one as a pre filter to catch the larger particles and a better 3M filter after that to catch the smaller stuff. This isn't perfect as many professional models capture particles down to 5 micron, but his will improve my enviroment greatly.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dscn0029.jpgDSCN0029It may not be pretty, but here is my air filtration device I built. This is basically a box with a furnace blower inside of it with furnace filters on the opposite side. This blows the dust away from me as I am working and the filters clean the air as it cycles througout the shop. I am very happy to have this addition to my shop!2011-12-20T15:27:33+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/11/07/elm-bowls/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/100_3803.jpg100_3803Here is a bunch of bowls made from Elm I've been working on. The "orange" one was finished with amber shellac as a learning experiment.2011-11-08T15:05:50+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/09/08/fire-starters/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/100_3679.jpg100_3679What to do with all of the shavings from wood turning? Asside from burning, compost pile and the garden I decided to make a few fire starters. You stuff a cardboard egg carton bottom with sawdust or shavings, melt some old candles and pour them in. WARNING... put foild or wax paper under the egg carton first as the liquid wax tends to seep through the egg carton. When all is dry, cut them up into 12 pieces (or how many eggs your carton holds) and you have a successful fire starter. They work pretty well.2011-09-08T05:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/09/04/hand-made-crooked-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/100_3658.jpg100_3658I've been reading the book "Canoe Paddles" by Graham Warren and David Gidmark recently. In this book they describe how to carve your own canoe paddles. The recommended knife for one technique is the crooked knife. I thought it would be fun to carve canoe paddles, so here is the start of my crooked knife.2011-09-04T05:01:09+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/09/03/hunting-hatchet-done-2/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/100_3659.jpg100_3659Here is the final product on my first attempt of making a hatchet by hand. I used 1080 high carbon steel and mahogany for the handle. 2011-09-04T04:55:35+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/08/11/wood-lathe-updates/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/100_3615.jpg100_3615I've been wanting a mini lathe for a while now. I would like one so I can take it to the cabin and maybe inside this winter to work on pens and other small projects. I finally found a good used one and am very excited to start using this new addition to my shop.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/100_3611.jpg100_3611The motor I had on my wood lathe died recently. Luckily, I had this beefy TEFC 1/2 hp motor waiting to be used. I got a new pulley and motor mounts and I'm back in business. The best part is that the lathe doesn't bog down under pressure any more. I think it was time for a new motor!2011-08-12T11:55:55+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/08/07/the-hatchet-works/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/100_3585.jpg100_3585I quickly put an edge on the hatchet to give it a try. I successfuly hacked through some oak. Now on to make the handle and sheath and it's all set to go.2011-08-07T13:41:03+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/31/hunting-hatchet-progress/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3582.jpg100_3582This bad boy is about ready for the quench!https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3580.jpg100_3580Here I have the welds ground down and the bevel has been ground. Ready for the heat treatment.2011-07-31T05:56:29+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/27/making-a-hunting-hatchet/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3575.jpg100_3575Here is the start of my first attempt at making a hatchet. Like most of the other projects, I am using 1080 steel and this picture shows that I've welded the 2" steel head to the 1" steel handle. Now for some grinding!2011-07-28T04:51:57+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/23/new-tools-in-the-toolbox/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3561.jpg100_3561https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3557.jpg100_3557https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3560.jpg100_3560I've finally wised up and bought a very fine tip permanent marker to mark the bottom of the bowls I've turned with my name, the wood type and the year the project was turned. I used the normal sized marker for the back of my chainsaw carved bears.2011-07-23T15:03:40+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/17/10-bears-own/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_35591-e1310961590338.jpg100_3559Here it is, bear #10!https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3559.jpg100_3559Here it is! Bear #10. 2011-07-18T14:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/16/bowl-turning-techniques/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3550.jpg100_3550I have been learning about and trying two different wood bowl turning techniques. The bowls on the left are elm and are being made using the first technique I've learned. First, I "rough out" the bowl. This means means that I get it to about the shape that I would like to see the bowl when it is done. These bowls have been turned from half log when cut with the grain. Once it is roughed out, I put them in a paper bag and let them dry over the course of a couple months or more. If I was to just put them in the house to dry without placing them in a bag, they will start to crack as they dry (I read about this after I had a couple bowls crack on me!). Wood moves; so I do expect them to warp while they dry, but this will be addressed when I do the final turning. Every so often I weigh each bowl with a digital kitchen scale and keep track of the weight loss. When I notice that it has quit loosing weight or is loosing such an insignificant amount, I am ready to do the finish turning. I've had good luck way of drying the wood. In theory, it will only loose weight when you either remove wood or water has left the wood. I haven't touched the bowl to a chisel, so it must be the water leaving. Once it is dry, I re-chuck the bowl, do the finish turning, sanding and finishing. 2011-07-16T20:35:05+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/16/two-hobbies-in-one/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3546.jpg100_3546I have the tools and experience to heat treat my knife blades, so when I started wood turning and didn't have any chisels I started making my own. I turned a handle which allows interchangeable bits. I made the chisels out of some 1/2" O1 drill rod. One stick made 5 chisels. Not bad for $10! Once I ground them to shape and such, I heat treated them, tempered them, sharpened them and put them to work.2011-07-16T19:38:59+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/07/13/deer-antler-handle-hunting-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3540.jpg100_3540Here is the deer antler handled hand made knife nestled in it's custom fitted leather sheath.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/100_3539.jpg100_3539This is my first attempt at a antler handled hand made knife. I used brass for the finger guard, cap and pin with a form fitted leather sheath. All in all, I think it turned out well.2011-07-14T03:35:01+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/06/02/success/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_3385.jpg100_3385This is my first attempt at a "natural edge" bowl and I think it turned out pretty well. 2011-06-03T04:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/05/17/pens/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/100_3325.jpg100_3325Here is the completed project.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/100_3324.jpg100_3324Here are the pen blanks on the mandrel. As you can see my lathe is "very fancy".https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/100_3323.jpg100_3323After much thought, I ordered some lathe accesories to turn pens. I was very excited for it to arrive and to get started.2011-05-17T05:14:06+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/05/11/painting-tip/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/100_3266.jpg100_3266When painting or putting a finish on a project I like to have it raised up so that the finish doesn't dry to paper or a paper towel, thus spoiling the finish. My children go through a lot of peanut butter, so I started saving the lids to help with this. I've found that I can confidently set the finished project on the edges of these lids it doesn't stick to the finish and allows the project to dry. Give it a shot.2011-05-11T05:31:17+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/05/08/elm-bowl/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/img_4581.jpgIMG_4581I've been having a lot of fun turning bowls on my wood lathe. I've started adding some pictures of projects I've done on a new page. It doesn't show as a tab on the top of my site, but you can find these projects on the right hand menu of my page under "lathe projects".2011-05-09T03:45:20+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/02/28/bowl-turning-on-the-wood-lathe/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/100_3118.jpg100_3118Here is a bowl with a cover I made. The cover cracked as it dried. Apparently I have some more to learn about turning but I am having lots of fun with it.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/brians-bowl-finished.jpgBrian's bowl finishedHere is the finished project. He did an awesome job on this one.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/brians-bowl-in-progress.jpgBrians bowl in progressHere is a bowl my brother was turning out of popple.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/lathe.jpgLatheHere is the lathe. It's not pretty, but it turns wood and that is all that matters. Oh, and the price was right too.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/elm-bowls-in-progress.jpgElm bowls in progressHere is some elm from a tree in my back yard. These will have some awesome color to them once done.2011-03-01T04:40:31+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/02/28/antler-handled-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/antler-knife.jpgAntler knifeHere is one of the antler handled knives that I have been working on. Since I don't think I will be able to polish the end nicely due to the soft middle it will feature a brass butt cap when done.2011-03-01T04:09:07+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/02/28/i-made-the-newspaper/2011-02-28T16:50:12+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/01/28/beeswax-on-leather-sheaths/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/100_3098.jpg100_3098I recently read how treating your leather sheaths can help stiffen them up and make them water resistant. I found a beeswax disc and did some experimenting with the middle black sheath. I found this to be easy to apply and soak into the leather when I used the heat gun. I am very excited to use this on future sheaths. FYI, the black sheath on the left is drying after being wet formed to the shape of the knife. The knife is wrapped in tin foil and vaseline to keep it from rusting while doing this. That is why there is a metal shiny thing sticking out of the top of the sheath.2011-02-22T02:38:57+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/01/23/crazy-northern-mn-log-harvesting/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/100_3069.jpg100_3069Here I am moving a log for bear carving from the woods up to the cabin in -18 F weather (January in MN).2011-01-24T00:34:44+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/01/20/product-testing/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/100_3051.jpg100_3051I recently built a knife for myself using the 1080 carbon steel from Admiral Steel so that I can do some testing. I want to use this knife a lot to find out what I am dealing with and make sure I am doing things right. I carved this log out with a chainsaw to make a bowl and needed to remove the bark. I was about to use my draw knife (pictured), but figured I might as well give my new knife some action. I did a lot of peeling and slicing and the knife worked like a champ. It took a while, but it still sliced paper when done and I see now dull spots that need to be sharpened. This is a good sign, I am very happy and am looking forward to the next test.2011-01-21T05:31:10+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/01/09/nice-rack/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/100_3041.jpg100_3041A friend gave me this nice set of whitetail antlers. I'm excited to use these for some knife handles. The blade on the left needs to be ground and the one on the right needs just a little more before heat treating.2011-01-09T14:56:52+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2011/01/08/copper-brass-and-cherry/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/100_3033.jpg100_3033Here are couple recently finished hand made hidden tang knives. Both feature a cherry wood handle and 1080 steel for the blades. This was my first knife using copper and black plastic (top) and I am very pleased with the look. The bottom knife has a brass finger guard, pins and lanyard hole liner.2011-01-09T02:53:08+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/12/27/copper/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/100_3013.jpg100_3013I saw a knife a while back with copper instead of brass and it looked very unique. I finally found all the pieces I need and here it is so far. This hidden tang knife has a cherry handle with black plastic sandwiched between 1/8" copper bar stock for the finger guard. I also used a copper pin and lanyard hole liner. The steel is the 1080. I post a picture when it is done.2010-12-28T03:46:09+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/12/04/two-more-done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/100_2974.jpg100_2974Here are two more done. Both are made of 1080 blade steel. The top one has a cherry wood handle and the bottom one is oak. The eyelets on the top sheath are so a person can zip tie it to a pack or something and the bottom knife has the customers initials burnt into the handle.2010-12-04T13:56:38+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/25/ready-for-epoxy/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2957.jpg100_2957Here is s hidden tang knife ready for epoxy.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2956.jpg100_2956Here is one hand made knife ready for epoxy. The brass finger guard will have the brass pins running through it and the knife to secure it in place.2010-11-25T06:25:51+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/18/heat-treated-blades/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/two-heat-treated-knives.jpgtwo heat treated knivesHere are a couple blades that have just been heat treated. You can see the line where they were quenched in oil on the blade meaning this is where the hardening occured.2010-11-19T05:40:32+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/17/new-grinder/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2930.jpg100_2930Great news! I recently acquired this wonderful grinder from Harbor Freight. This bad boy will speed things up a ton. I still like and will use my files, but this allows me to take a bunch of the scratches out without so much elbow grease.2010-11-17T06:04:03+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/10/hunting-hatchet-done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2926.jpg100_2926Here is the finished product. I put an oak handle on it, cleaned off a bunch of the rust, sharpened it and made a sheath for it. I'm all ready to do some chopping.2010-11-11T05:30:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/03/tactical-knife-design/2010-11-03T17:38:33+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/11/01/heater-for-the-winter/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2920.jpg100_2920The beautiful thing about this heater is that is casts radiant heat into a focused area. My garage isn't completely insulated and I only work in a small area when making knives. So, this HotZone heater does a great job of heating just me (not the rest of the garage) where I am working. I'm glad I got it installed before the cold really hit.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/100_2918.jpg100_2918It was bound to happen... winter in Minnesota is about here. If I want to keep making knives, I need something to keep me warm in the garage. The anser was a Hot Zone heater from Radiant Optics (http://www.schaeferfan.com/HOTZONE_RADIANT_HEATERS_C1983.cfm)2010-11-01T05:08:07+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/30/hunting-hatchet/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/100_2904.jpg100_2904My father picked this up for me at a flea market for $1. This is the exact same one that he carries with him in his hunting backpack. Although I normally work on handmade knives, I think this will be a fun project to clean up, sharpen, put a new handle on and make a sheath. I'll let you know how it turns out.2010-10-31T05:19:09+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/28/file-jig/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/100_2897.jpg100_2897The metal piece with welds on it is a jig I made to keep the files from slipping while filing. This seems to be working so far as I am trying to keep a clean transition from the ricasso to the knife edge bevel. The opposite side has wing nuts for me to tighten it down. I'm trying to work on at least one improvement on each knife to gradually improve my skills and the knife quality.2010-10-28T05:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/17/new-sheath-style/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/knife-1.jpgKnife 1https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/knife-2.jpgKnife 2Here is the first knife I made once getting back into knife making this spring. I am trying a different sheath style for this one. I am liking it a lot. It is custom fit exactly to the knife so it acts like a pouch for the knife. It holds it very well and is very functional.2010-10-18T03:25:34+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/10/chainsaw-carving/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/welcome-bear.jpgWelcome bearHere is one example of work done. View the "Chainsaw carved bears" page for more.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/jason-prom-knives-log-sign.jpgjason prom knives log signI've recently become interested in chainsaw carving bears out of logs. I've only completed 4 so far, but I decided to add a page dedicted to this. I know it has nothing to do w/ knives, but it's my site dang it and I'm adding it!2010-10-13T19:59:28+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/06/into-the-forge-it-goes/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/100_2804.jpg100_2804This blade is almost to 1500 degrees. In just a minute it will be ready to be quenched into oil.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/100_2802.jpg100_2802Here is a knife blade in the forge being heated up.2010-10-07T03:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/10/06/growing-file-collection/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/100_2791.jpg100_2791After using sanders and such, I've grown a much greater appreciation for simple files. I've switched to using these to shape the bevel, the rest of the blade, the brass and the handle. I have much greater control with these and the knife turns out better. Here is a sample of the growing file collection. This includes rasps, mill bastards, second cut mill, smooth cut mill, needle files, rounds, half rounds, triangle and more. Each has it's own use.2010-10-07T01:57:55+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/09/28/new-batch-done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2757.jpg100_2757https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2755.jpg100_27552010-09-29T15:46:01+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/09/13/glue-up/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2711.jpg100_2711Here are a couple knives that are epoxied and drying2010-09-14T03:06:40+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/09/02/new-steel-knives/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2672.jpg100_2672First three knife blanks from the new steel2010-09-03T03:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/09/02/wood-for-handles/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2665.jpg100_2665https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2664.jpg100_26642010-09-27T18:30:33+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/09/01/done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/100_2662.jpg100_2662Here is one of my first knives resharpened and in it's new sheath2010-09-02T02:51:12+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/26/leather-arrived/2010-08-26T23:10:56+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/20/cherry-wood-handle-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/cherry-knife.jpgCherry knifeHere is a picture my little brother whipped up while we were in the garage one night. He is pretty good with photo shop and such.2010-08-21T03:50:44+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/20/you-tube-video/2010-08-20T14:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/17/some-hunters-with-brass/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2648.jpg100_2648Here are a couple hunters I finished with the brass bolsters. I think this looks great!2010-08-18T04:05:59+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/17/new-goods/2010-08-18T04:02:07+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/12/big-news/2010-08-12T13:14:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/09/pair-of-paring-knives/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2618.jpg100_2618Here's a pair of paring knives that are ready for their new home; the kitchen2010-08-10T03:16:03+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/07/check-out-the-new-page-added/2010-08-07T12:51:44+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/07/incredible/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2593.jpg100_2593This knife survived the maple branch2010-08-07T11:54:37+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/04/field-testing/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2588.jpg100_2588https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2584.jpg100_25842010-08-05T13:11:53+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/08/02/one-more-done/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/100_2560.jpg100_2560First completed knife in which I did some forging2010-08-03T12:12:41+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/30/twisted/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2548.jpg100_25482010-07-31T04:59:20+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/30/what-is-that/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2554.jpg100_2554Two cedar handled paring knives in the making2010-07-31T04:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/30/junkyard-steel/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/junkyard-steel-types.jpgJunkyard steel types2010-07-31T04:50:14+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/28/pair-of-utility-kitchen-knives/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2546.jpg100_2546Oak handles w/ red mahogany stain2010-07-29T04:10:34+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/26/you-never-know-who-will-show-up-at-the-cabin/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2511.jpg100_2511How strange, isn't that bird out of season!?2010-07-26T11:55:13+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/26/hammern-at-the-cabin/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2541.jpg100_2541The end results: flattened the top one as it was from a twisty lawn mower blade (all were from the same lawn mower blade), I flattened the nasty twist and tried to put an edge on it on the second from top, created and flattened another twist on the third from top and purposley curved the bottom one to make into a skinner/caping knife for a taxidermist.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2502.jpg100_2502This used to be the words ugliest twist. Now that it's flattened, after some grinding, this make a prett sweet knife.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2490.jpg100_2490Putting the hammer downhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2494.jpg100_2494Heating up the steelhttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2501.jpg100_2501Bringing the heat2010-07-26T11:53:24+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/23/one-ugly-knife-to-be/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2486.jpg100_2486The "twist" that went all wrong2010-07-23T13:26:22+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/the-knife-that-started-it-all/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2485.jpg100_2485My first knife made in 19922010-10-18T16:54:32+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/this-is-what-1500-degrees-looks-like/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2484.jpg100_2484https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2483.jpg100_24832010-07-22T12:37:29+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/box-o-bricks/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2476.jpg100_2476Box of soft kiln bricks which are what I needed2010-07-22T04:45:49+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/blacksmith-knife/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2475.jpg100_24751998-1999 blacksmith knife2010-07-22T03:16:44+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/the-knife-that-almost-ended-it-all/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2468.jpg100_2468https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2448.jpg100_2448The 1995 bowie2010-07-22T03:07:28+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/21/ground-blades-ready-for-the-sander/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2462.jpg100_2462Here are four blades that have been ground on "Whitey" and are now ready for the sander2010-07-22T02:58:01+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/19/proof-that-what-i-am-doing-works/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2420.jpg100_2420Once "normalized" the steel is much more durablehttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2415.jpg100_2415Soft end bends, heat treated end snaps2010-07-21T02:59:21+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/19/so-many-knives-to-make-so-little-time/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2441.jpg100_2441Metal files ready to upgrade to knives.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2443.jpg100_2443Wood for handles and steel for blades anxiously awaiting to be made into knives.2010-07-20T03:16:31+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/19/from-the-lawn-to-the-kitchen/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2437.jpg100_2437Chop, chop.2010-07-20T03:05:53+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/20/sparks-are-flying/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2414.jpg100_2414All cut. Now for a lot of shaping and cleaning up on the bench grinder and sander. I can see these slicing paper already!https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2412.jpg100_2412Good old fashioned fun!https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2410.jpg100_2410"Stumpy" and "Big Red" waiting for some action2010-07-20T03:01:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/18/the-forge-in-use/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2402.jpg100_2402Forge with a knife blank in it2010-07-20T03:01:07+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/18/progress-on-some-skinning-knives/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_23861.jpg100_2386https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2396.jpg100_2396https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2388.jpg100_2388https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2387.jpg100_2387https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2386.jpg100_23862010-07-20T02:47:58+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/11/new-batch-of-knives/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2381.jpg100_2381https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2377.jpg100_23772010-07-20T02:47:27+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/19/back-in-from-the-garage/https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2409.jpg100_2409Really professional sander! I forgot I owned this hand belt sander and I turned it into a bench sander. It really speeds things up and makes things look much better.https://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2408.jpg100_2408"Whitey" is my home made grinder/polisher where most of the material removal happenshttps://promcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/100_2407.jpg100_2407Heating up my home made branding iron (copper really)2010-07-19T04:11:10+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.com/2010/07/09/hello-world/2010-07-09T04:26:44+00:00monthlyhttps://promcarving.comdaily1.02022-09-30T12:38:08+00:00