Cu mai - The copper streak dagger handle Pt-3

[@Aleeknives]

For exclusive content and one on one coaching opportunities click here www.patreon.com/Aleeknives

[@Aleeknives]

Do you want me to make a sheath video for the dagger?

[@pr0faker]

this needs a scabbard or at least a wooden core sheath. But a leather sheath is good as well.

[@Aleeknives]

Good idea

[@andrejohnson6731]

Definitely a matching Koa scabbard!

[@Aleeknives]

I was thinking matching KOA also!

[@a-sheep-of-christ]

This blade looks like a futuristic version of Tutankhamuns Dagger with its flared out handle. Maybe a squared-off leafblade shaped scabbard made of KOA with a slim white collar would fit.

[@DragonclawMakerStudio]

I was a college student 20 years ago and started a business out of my dorm room and eventually moved off-campus. I sold knives, daggers, and swords on ebay (back when money orders and checks were a thing), and I was always fascinated by learning how to make them based on my own design. I started doing this with my bandsaw and wood material. It's fun to watch your videos - they envigorate me to keep up my practice.

[@Aleeknives]

That's awesome!

[@joeparker6900]

Your segment on finishing knife handles taught me a lot thank you

[@Aleeknives]

That's super!

[@zarasdad100]

Hey man, I just wanted to let you know that your videos are among the best (if not the best) on KZbin. I’ve learned SO MANY things from watching and I just wanted to tell you thank you. I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort you put into your videos just so all of us novice knife makers can learn and get better. That’s exactly what I’ve gained from watching too, I’ve gotten better. I use your tips and tricks for making knives and sheaths on a daily basis. THANK YOU SO MUCH 👊🏼🔪

[@Aleeknives]

That is a real fine compliment my friend thank you very much! I absolutely love to make knives and to teach people. I didn't have anybody to teach me so I had to do a lot of hard work researching to figure out how to do all this stuff. That's why I set out to start making videos was to hopefully help everybody else that wanted to get into the craft. I am glad that you have found enjoyment watching my videos! Cheers

[@nateand3]

Man you've done it again. This thing is gorgeous

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! I was a little annoyed at the top layer of steel, it took on some staining from the coffee etch. This is one of those projects where I was ready to start my next project before I was even done with this one! This forging gave me so many ideas to test out!

[@ridgerunner66]

Very cool build. Love the handle material. Definitely need to video the sheath build. Can't wait to see it. Thanks again for sharing your craftsmanship. Always enjoy learning something new.

[@Aleeknives]

Love it, will do!

[@stevoreeno24]

Looks awesome! It would look even better with a nice sheath! So yes, please do a sheath!

[@Aleeknives]

Will do!

[@edgarrolla6748]

This is a free complete rich course! I'm amazed at the quality of the content. wow 😲😍

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you Edgar

[@Jim-fr3gr]

Yeah go ahead.You sure do a good job showing how you do stuff.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you

[@jojoemcgeejoe457]

That blade is visually stunning. Now I'm fantasizing about a "ceremonial" dagger with the blackened steel cutting edge, flanked by gold and then silver on the outside. Same style with that proud band like the dagger blade.

[@Aleeknives]

That would be beautiful!

[@jojoemcgeejoe457]

@@Aleeknives Ruinously expensive to make, let alone experiment with. But, could it be doable to have a san mai with steel core and Damascus sides with the Damascus made from steel, bits of gold foil, and some silver wire?

[@jumpnjack8686]

Thanks once more for an excellent video. The education and tips are always excellent. I will have to watch this over several times to let the many pro tips soak in. 👍👍💯

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying my videos!

[@andrejohnson6731]

I am now in love with curly Koa 🤩 worth the extra time for a flawless finish!

[@Aleeknives]

This piece wasn't as breathtaking as I had hoped😬 You never really know about wood till it's finished. I have had other KOA that was mind blowing!

[@marknoble843]

Fabulous build. Love all aspects of it. I'd like to see a sheath for the dagger and I'd also like to see the Kydex hybrid you made for the "flawed" blade you made for yourself.

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks Mark! More sheath videos to come soon!

[@shadowx8405]

Your knives are the most beautiful, coolest blades I’ve ever seen. No hyperbole. If I owned one, I’d be extremely conflicted. Should I carry it, or hang it on a wall... LOL. Just amazing work.

[@Aleeknives]

That's an awesome compliment! Thank you!

[@andyc750]

a scabbard would suit it more, leather wrapped, wooden core, and that thing is spectacular

[@Aleeknives]

Ooh good idea!

[@joshyingling]

I would have to say that little step you left in the guard is a great idea, although I would argue the mill itself would save me 90 percent of the work haha. Great dagger.

[@Aleeknives]

Yes I must say the mill is amazing! However, I made many before I owned a milling machine

[@joshyingling]

@@Aleeknives I couldn't imagine ever buying one, but I said the same thing about my table saw, band saw, jointer, welder, plasma cutter... haha maybe if I find a good price I'll find room for one

[@Aleeknives]

I traded in old dirt bike for mine

[@Aleeknives]

It has now proven to be the absolute most valuable piece of equipment that I own!

[@joshyingling]

@@Aleeknives yeah my wife shudders when she sees equipment being brought in with a pallet and fork lift. I think it expands your capabilities quite a bit huh? I think a metal lathe would be awesome too for making tooling

[@Bill-xg1ey]

Yes, I will need a sheath for my new knife. ;)

[@Aleeknives]

Nice!

[@denishuizing4329]

Definitely do a sheath video! This has been great so far

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks Denis! Will do!

[@bearfootknivesgunforge9183]

Came out great Aaron. Thanks for another segment on the Dagger. I'm going to work Koa someday.

[@Aleeknives]

I love curly KOA

[@bearfootknivesgunforge9183]

@@Aleeknives Me also.

[@jeremynedrow7003]

I love your videos I've learned a ton from you.Thanks for all the tips.

[@Aleeknives]

Your welcome! I am glad you found some enjoyment out of my videos!

[@lamproknives]

Really cool video ! I'd love to see the sheath !

[@Aleeknives]

Will do. Thank you!

[@rerawho]

Your series is fascinating and informative. The knife design is very cool. As a wood worker as well as a metal artist, I mix the two materials all the time. I don’t make knives but the concept is the same, wood and metal. You mention filling the grain of the Koa wood. You don’t have to use epoxy. Guitar luthiers use many different materials to fill the grain of many, many species of wood. There are respected luthiers that use simple materials like thinned drywall taping compound tinted with colors to compliment the wood. In your case black would work extremely well for depth. It dries quickly and sands easily. You can then put any finish over it you want. Try it, experiment with it. I’ve done it countless times. Works perfectly.

[@Aleeknives]

Mind blown! I never ever thought of trying that! Will do and thank you!

[@ronamedee2475]

Nice Look. At first I wasn't Trilled yet with the handle materials life started making since. For a sheath a Kydex/leather combo would be fitting 2 contrasting colors to match the theme. Great job Aaron.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you !

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Beautiful handle. Came out so cool. Ya make a sheath👍👍🔥🔥

[@Aleeknives]

I am on it!

[@tinsoldier5621]

I really like the way you take time to explain in detail for the new makers. Yes I'd like to see a sheath. Leather not Kydex. As I primarily make battle blades perhaps a sheath made for concealed carry maybe ever a shoulder rig but no matter the design a fast draw type

[@Aleeknives]

I wish I had someone explain it to me years ago!

[@franotoole2702]

Nice build and tips. Some gorgeous grain in that wood. I use teak oil aswell, bit better than just pure tung oil. Dries faster and less odour. Its also alot thinner so it absorbs easier. I generaly soak the handles over night. Wipe dry, then allow it to hang for a day, letting the oil inside settle a bit and tack up so that when i start wiping the oil it has something to bind to. Then just keep wiping on coats twice a day in a warm environment till the voids are filled. Then allow to cure for a few days, then buff out.

[@Aleeknives]

It is a labor of love!

[@stevehisey389]

Thanks for the tips and tricks. I built a puuko with a brass guard and was amazed how long it took to get a good fit to the blade. I'd be interested in how much time some of these knives take to build. Keep up the great work.

[@Aleeknives]

I started this dagger last Thursday night

[@KA4UPW]

Would be cool to inlay turquoise into that open slot !

[@adelacour]

Looking ghreat Aron, I love that wood. I would love to see a knife sheath with some colour that would match the style of the copper and nikel. Regards Andy

[@Aleeknives]

Good ideas here!

[@Glenfilthie1]

Here's a tip for YOU, Aaron - I'd like to see a few more close-up glamour shots. The camera just doesn't seem to catch the beauty and figure of the wood at any distance. I absolutely loved the build tips, and would call this project incomplete unless you build a proper sheath or scabbard for it. Of, course, the caveat here is that my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it! :) Keep up the great work, you are a gifted maker.

[@Aleeknives]

I will be sure to do some close up in the sheath video!

[@Wengelsworkshop]

This is so crazy like a dagger right out of a video game. Came out really awesome. Also do you have recommendations for 2x72 grinders? I was looking at the ameribrade packages.

[@Aleeknives]

There are a ton of grinders out there these days

[@anglerseawolf9919]

I really like that Cu Mai! Wonder how it would look with bronze? Also appreciate the Koa wood. Reminds me a little of my favorite, desert ironwood. Might want to give it a try if u haven't. And yes I would like to see a simple belt sheath!

[@Aleeknives]

Thats a great idea!

[@tennesseekartgarage]

What about using brass instead of copper? Would that work?

[@Aleeknives]

Brass has an even lower melting point. It can be done but heat treating becomes difficult

[@tennesseekartgarage]

@@Aleeknives that’s good to know. I’m just starting out so that’ll be far off

[@Drew_lininger]

Dang dude! That looks amazing!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@jjppres]

Really well done. It looks great! You took us this far on the build you might as well do the sheath as well.The knife resembles sort of a sgain dubh look to it so how about a sheath for one. Probably a leg mount. I think that would be awesome.

[@Aleeknives]

Neat ideas here!

[@ed.sol.crafts]

Dagger sheath please!

[@Aleeknives]

Consider it done

[@HeavyForge]

Nice and clean! Curious how long did you etch in the coffee?🔥⚒💪🏻

[@Aleeknives]

I usually do the coffee between 12-24 hours. Sometimes if it isn't etching evenly I pull it at 12 and buff it with 0000 steel wool and return for another 12

[@widneyburton1077]

Hey, brother... Did you use JB weld for the glue up? I highly recommend G Flex or the Rogue stuff from red label (or is it combat?) Because that jb weld only holds on so much.it doesn't have any flex to it so just dropping a knife is enough to crack that epoxy hold. Beautiful work though man! You've earned a subscriber out of me!

[@Aleeknives]

I actually tested g flex and and jb weld side by side and I was shocked at how well the job weld held up! I need to get some more G flex and do some submerged testing also. Thanks for the comment I appreciate the feedback!

[@sudo_nym]

That came out fantastic, Airin! I love the contrasts in colours in the blade, and in the handle. Props to you for the whole deal! That’d make a really fancy letter opener; I’d be too scared to spoil it on anything other than paper, after all the effort you’ve gone to! I think it needs a sheath that isn’t going to steal the show, and doesn’t cast a shadow on those glorious colours and contrasts of the blade. When you take the blade out of the sheath, THATs the real star of the show 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻😉 (and check those subs 🚀!!!) 😎

[@Aleeknives]

I am going all in on the sheath! The people have spoken and it looks like a scabbard it is😁

[@sudo_nym]

@@Aleeknives I’m looking forward to seeing it in all its glory! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks Pete!

[@sudo_nym]

@@Aleeknives No worries, mate. I’m always here, you know that! 🤘🏻

[@lancemillward1912]

first tip is that there are 7 tips ;)

[@g3718]

Thank you. I watch with great pleasure. I didn’t find a video about wood stabilization from you. Please remove

[@Aleeknives]

I will do a video this year about stabilizing wood

[@Bill-xg1ey]

Very nice. :)

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@chrisgilbert3305]

Let to the party, but I'm here

[@Aleeknives]

better late than never bro! Wednesday videos are tough on the views man

[@z1berzerker]

Sacrificial Foil 🤔... lol

[@Aleeknives]

😁