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Author Topic: Legends of the Fall bowie  (Read 7774 times)

sarge712

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Legends of the Fall bowie
« on: October 17, 2016, 06:58:45 pm »
I've always liked Brad Pitt's primitive antler handled bowie in LotF. A friend was supposed to make me a blade blank but fell terminally ill. I just ordered a blade blank online and while not the ideal look or steel I wanted, its still workable for me. I was given a free antler and while smallish, it did well enough for my purposes. So far it's coming along well and I'm in the fitting stage. I need a spacer for the smooth transitional fit to the brass guard but I'm pleased so far. I used a Dremel and a drill to cut the tang channel but I'm going to hand shape the antler and final fit from here on by hand with files and sandpaper. Then I need to drill for the pin and soak the antler in sealant etc.. It was a bit drier than I wanted but as a material it's worked surprisingly well. It's my first time working antler and its actually been fun to work it. I'm going to try another as soon as I can find the right piece of antler.

Legends of the Fall bowie movie prop:




And here's the one I'm working on:

« Last Edit: October 17, 2016, 07:13:15 pm by sarge712 »
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    MTK20

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #1 on: October 17, 2016, 07:21:34 pm »
     :thumbup1
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    Quote from: GeorgeHill on September 20, 2015, 08:18:34 pm
    Do we forget that cops were primarily still using 6 Shot Revolvers well through the mid 80's? It wasn't until after 1986 that most departments then relented and went to autos.
    Capacity wasn't really an issue then... and honestly really it's not even an issue now.
    Ray Chapman, used to say that the 125-grain Magnum load’s almost magical stopping power was the only reason to load .357 instead of .38 Special +P ammunition into a fighting revolver chambered for the Magnum round. I agree. - Massad Ayoob

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    JesseL

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #2 on: October 17, 2016, 07:26:02 pm »
    That's a fine looking blade  :thumbup1
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    GeorgeHill

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #3 on: October 17, 2016, 07:34:50 pm »
    That looks very nice... The LOTF Bowie has leather wrapped around the antler?
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    sarge712

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #4 on: October 17, 2016, 11:11:13 pm »
    Quote from: GeorgeHill on October 17, 2016, 07:34:50 pm
    That looks very nice... The LOTF Bowie has leather wrapped around the antler?


    Yes. Here is the actual movie prop




    But here is what I was shooting for when I had a rougher hewn blade in mind




    I think the better choice would be elk or even pronghorn antler but whitetail will have to do.
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    Speak the truth always even if it leads to thy death.
    Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.
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    sarge712

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #5 on: October 17, 2016, 11:25:50 pm »
    I've worked down the tines as much as I dare to and sanded down the desiccated grey outer layer. I think once I apply some clear sealant, it'll look a lot better.





    Here's the exposed weaker, brittle pith that keeps me from working down the tines more than they are




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    Speak the truth always even if it leads to thy death.
    Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.
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    coelacanth

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #6 on: October 18, 2016, 01:04:58 am »
    Nice work .  Just be careful not to breath the dust from the antler - not a good idea.   
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    seanp

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #7 on: October 18, 2016, 02:27:39 pm »
    Brush some cyanoacrylate on the antler. It will penetrate the cracks and pores and stabilize those vexatious pithy areas. Ideally if you can do it under vacuum, that is the recommended method,  and the way I used to do it.
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    sarge712

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #8 on: October 18, 2016, 11:41:46 pm »
    Quote from: seanp on October 18, 2016, 02:27:39 pm
    Brush some cyanoacrylate on the antler. It will penetrate the cracks and pores and stabilize those vexatious pithy areas. Ideally if you can do it under vacuum, that is the recommended method,  and the way I used to do it.

    Thank you!
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    North CarolinaBe without fear in the face of thine enemies.
    Be brave and upright that God may love thee.
    Speak the truth always even if it leads to thy death.
    Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.
    That is thine oath.

    sarge712

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #9 on: October 19, 2016, 09:35:01 am »
    The antler looked quite hopelessly grey and dessicated but the beautiful grain and color popped out once I sanded it and coated it in clear satin polyurethane.

    Before:


    After:


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    North CarolinaBe without fear in the face of thine enemies.
    Be brave and upright that God may love thee.
    Speak the truth always even if it leads to thy death.
    Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.
    That is thine oath.

    sarge712

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #10 on: October 19, 2016, 11:01:33 am »
    Finished except for the sheath. I wrapped the handle in artificial sinew to give it a better grip and hide some imperfections. I added the leather hilt and pommel wraps to help lock in my grip and look a bit more like the movie knife. The tang was secured to the handle with JB Weld clear epoxy and a 5/32" brass pin.





    If I had it to do all over again I'd shorten the handle by 2". Oh well, next time...
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    North CarolinaBe without fear in the face of thine enemies.
    Be brave and upright that God may love thee.
    Speak the truth always even if it leads to thy death.
    Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.
    That is thine oath.

    booksmart

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #11 on: October 19, 2016, 11:57:30 am »
     :thumbup1
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    coelacanth

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #12 on: October 19, 2016, 05:18:42 pm »
    Nice job.   :thumbup1
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    GeorgeHill

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #13 on: October 19, 2016, 08:44:30 pm »
    If you want that worn look on the blade, you could do an Acid Etch on it.
    But really, that knife looks great!
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    MTK20

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    Re: Legends of the Fall bowie
    « Reply #14 on: October 19, 2016, 08:51:40 pm »
    Agreed. Very nice job  :cool.

    I think it's a coin toss either way. Acid etch it or leave it plain, it looks great.
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    Quote from: GeorgeHill on September 20, 2015, 08:18:34 pm
    Do we forget that cops were primarily still using 6 Shot Revolvers well through the mid 80's? It wasn't until after 1986 that most departments then relented and went to autos.
    Capacity wasn't really an issue then... and honestly really it's not even an issue now.
    Ray Chapman, used to say that the 125-grain Magnum load’s almost magical stopping power was the only reason to load .357 instead of .38 Special +P ammunition into a fighting revolver chambered for the Magnum round. I agree. - Massad Ayoob

    Paradoxically it is those who strive for self-reliance, who remain vigilant and ready to help others.
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