Guns, Dogs and Blades QnA

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Here's a cool video about Kim


" I screwed up enough to know what I'm supposed to do" Thanks @dartindanno. Kim is an inspiration and a true craftsman. I did not serve in the military but his story and attitude is what is needed in this world for all people coming out of high stress situations be it military or otherwise.
 
I am trying to do my part on burning powder. Can’t get much done on car till construction is over. So I have been doing all my case prep for the year. I have buckets and buckets to do. Starts with roll sizing the base regardless of caliber.

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I am trying to do my part on burning powder. Can’t get much done on car till construction is over. So I have been doing all my case prep for the year. I have buckets and buckets to do. Starts with roll sizing the base regardless of caliber.

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Smart guy right there! I look at my row of brass buckets every time it snows! Hah!
 
So here is a “matched set” a local craftsman made for me and my boy out of a rasp. He also makes the leather, all hand tooled. Just delivered them this week. Only a two maybe three month wait. That is pretty good! They are not master class by any means but he is learning so I support him.

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So here is a “matched set” a local craftsman made for me and my boy out of a rasp. He also makes the leather, all hand tooled. Just delivered them this week. Only a two maybe three month wait. That is pretty good! They are not master class by any means but he is learning so I support him.

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Interesting. They look cool. The leather work is really cool. I'd be interested to see what he does as far as annealing is concerned. As you know, files are very brittle.
 
Interesting. They look cool. The leather work is really cool. I'd be interested to see what he does as far as annealing is concerned. As you know, files are very brittle.
We talked about that, he explained he has a process he must do on the front end so he can start manipulating the steel then treats them again when done. He has a small propane forge. He does not have a brinell tester so he does not really know where they end up. I have always wanted one for this or that but have never bit the bullet! Pun intended.
 
I like lever guns, might have to look into one of these. MSN
They are super popular right now and were the darling of this years SHOT show. The popularity of them has driven lever action costs up across the board. When I teach RSO classes it never ceases to amaze me how few folks know anything about them. Half ****?
 
Does anyone here know of somebody that forges blades using the alloys from our hobby like 4340 chrome-moly connecting rods or ARP 2000 connecting rod bolts?

A blade made from that stuff, if possible, seems like it would need less sharpening.

Just curious.
 
Does anyone here know of somebody that forges blades using the alloys from our hobby like 4340 chrome-moly connecting rods or ARP 2000 connecting rod bolts?

A blade made from that stuff, if possible, seems like it would need less sharpening.

Just curious.
One of our Teamster mechanics from our truck shop used to hit me up for the remnants of the broken leaf springs that supported the shaker screen on the asphalt plant. He made knives from them. They weren't like A Body leafs, they were flat and about 2" wide and .10" thick, but not your usual sheet metal material.
 

Does anyone here know of somebody that forges blades using the alloys from our hobby like 4340 chrome-moly connecting rods or ARP 2000 connecting rod bolts?

A blade made from that stuff, if possible, seems like it would need less sharpening.

Just curious.
Full disclosure I am still ignorant of all things forging. But the idea has merit…. I think?
 
Full disclosure I am still ignorant of all things forging. But the idea has merit…. I think?
I think it does. Any high carbon steel has potential to be a good blade. They just all have different benefits and concessions for specific applications based on the molecular makeup. Good connecting rods or maybe a good forged steel crank should make for a tough blade that may even give a little, but still hold an edge and not shatter. That's my theory and I'm running with it.
I had to replace the rear leaf springs on my son's 2002 Tacoma because a leaf broke. I've got the old ones on the side of the house with all kinds of projects stewing for the remnants. First will be a brush busting corn knife like my Grandpa in Minnesota used to have on his farm. Can't find anything like them. Those thing would hack through about anything and had a lovely little ring as they went through. Good steel.
 
Alright back to our regular programming!
I have been up in Branson Missouri doing a rifle instructors block. All the instructor candidates passed their shooting quals today. As always the standing unsupported gave them fits at 25 yards. We were talking props a few posts back. Here is a pix of my instructors bag I always take to the range when teaching. Saves the day over and over. I spread it out so the candidates can see most of it. The bag is a twenty plus year evolving kit.

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So I just got home from a whirl wind three week road trip teaching instructor blocks. The last one was in Branson Missouri. The range that hosted us is very nice. Since the ranges inception they have created only thirty challenge coins. Me and my partner have one each. It was a very big deal being presented the coins. We have taught their staff both certified RSO (range etiquette) and Instructors in both rifle and pistol over the years. They felt we had made a very positive impact on their staff and Club, thus the presentation of the coins. We were both honored and surprised. Good day for us. Nice to be genuinely appreciated for what you do. I love my job.

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