A Wee Viking Knife

Ok, I guess a 4.5" blade isn't that wee, but with my other two project being a 15" and a 19" blade it feels pretty wee to me.

This blade was largely a platform for experiments.  I've wanted to try using antler for a handle, so when I saw this piece of elk antler being sold as a dog chew, I grabbed it.  Pretty and cheap and fit well in my hand.  The blade is 1084 as usual.  I started with 3/16ths stock and drew it fairly wide.  I tapered the blade down to an unfinished edge of .5mm, so this thing really slices well.  It took a wicked edge very easily.

I tried a patina experiment on the sheath this time.  I like the patina much better than the BrassBlack I used last time, but it took me a while to get the texture of the metal, the patina, and what I used to selectively remove the patina, balanced for the right effect.  This brass on the tip I used too aggressive an abrasive - it looks too much like leopard spots.  The rear edge piece I hit too hard and no often enough with the hammer so it's a bit spotted too.  The front band that goes around the handle is pretty much exactly what I wanted, so I'm happy.  Now when I finish the 15" seax I won't be smacking myself for screwing up the sheath on something that I've put so much time into.
 Any project you learn something on is a success in my book.