Finishing the Shirogami Gyuto: Building a Wa Handle

Sorry for the length of this one. It's a pretty long winded walk-through of how I build my wa handles, using a mill. I learned a few things along the way, so I hope you do as well. Thanks for all your support.
Links for items used in this video:
ANGLE BLOCKS
amzn.to/3JbowtT
JIG SWITCHABLE MAGNETS
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G-FLEX EPOXY
amzn.to/3U3NXnx
3/32" END MILL
amzn.to/3U2ImOf
FACE MILL
amzn.to/4anjpmw
HEIGHT GAUGE PENCIL HOLDER
amzn.to/4cJDvJd
Links to equipment I commonly use in the shop:
Heavy Duty Momentary Power Foot Switch
amzn.to/3rChd66
Wen brand Momentary Power Foot Switch
amzn.to/3uYFxBA
Harbor Freight Maintained Power Foot Switch
www.harborfrei...
Harbor Freight Momentary Power Foot Switch
www.harborfrei...
EVISWIY 30 Bulb/6 Watt with Diffuser (My Choice)
amzn.to/3jDOnOp
Harmiey 36 Bulb/8 Watt
amzn.to/3jUy5Bb
Jen-Ken Vertical Airbath 21:
knifekilns.com...
This is an independent review-these were not gifted or sponsored. The links above contains an affiliate link of some items I use-if you click it and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which helps me continue to churn out helpful (I hope!) content.*
Questions? I am ready to help-comment below and I'll respond as soon as I can. While I have you here, please like and subscribe!
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Stabilized (by me) wood blocks on Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...

[@JH_Forgeworks]

All those milling operations got me feeling like some stone age peasant just setting my work rest to 45 degrees and using a disc grinder. The dowel is definitely a quicker/easier way to go compared to broaching. I left and also came back. It's just too quick and easy to mess around doing it any other way. That handle layup looked slick. Love me some spalted reds in a handle. Enjoying the videos man. Keep'm comin!

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

I truly appreciate you. Thanks a ton for the comment. If I’m being completely honest, I only did a couple handles on the mill before I went back to my original way of doing it, on the grinder. This just took way too long, but I do like how the mill doesn’t generate a lot of heat on the non-ferrous metal like the grinder does, which causes the epoxy to fail if you’re not careful. Options are good though.

[@mountainwolf1]

Very nice wa handle I like the color choices all said Very beautiful gyuto 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Well thank you very much 😁. I appreciate you.

[@davidcoalkey6074]

The dowel technique has been working for me and you've confirmed that I should keep using it. Your process with the scribe lines will improve my process. Thank you.

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Yeah, the dowel technique is great. I’m always happy to know I’ve helped. Thanks a ton!

[@stevoreeno24]

Great video, beautiful knife! Side note, am I alone in fighting off intrusive thoughts every time I’m finish grinding on the 2x72? It could go wrong so fast! Lol

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Much appreciate! Hahaha. You’re not the only one. I used to screw up all the time, when it was the most inopportune time…like the last pass on the grinder, then I catch the edge of the material as I turn around to leave. I’ve gotten much better, just by learning not to get too comfortable. I feel that mistakes are what make us better at what we do, as long as we’re learning from them.

[@martinschroeder8130]

Absolutely gorgeous handle, the figures and colors really work together and really balance out the subtle and beautiful blade.

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Thank you! I truly appreciate that. I definitely got lucky with some of these burls that I stabilized.

[@davidcoalkey6074]

I may have missed it on a previous video, but what temperature and soak time did you use on the Hitachi white steel, oh and what quench medium? Thanks again, great videos.

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

So, I heated to 1475°, soaked for 10 minutes, then quenched in Parks 50. I tempered at 325° and ended up at 63RC. I was hoping for 65RC, but I’m thinking I needed to water quench for that, which I’m not willing to do 😂

[@Little_River_Forge]

Do you do your own wood stabilizing or do you have people you get your supply from?

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

I do my own stabilizing, although I haven’t stabilized in a few years. I had to make space for more important tools, so I’ve put stabilizing on the back burner for now.

[@andyc750]

that is a beautiful knife and as ever some great information shared, thanks

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Thanks a ton, Andy! I always appreciate you.

[@Little_River_Forge]

How do you like that table top milling machine? How hard of a hit on the wallet was it?

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

I actually like it quite a bit. It’s changed the way I do a few things, and it’s definitely opened up more possibilities for me. I think this guy was around $1500, so somewhat affordable. If I was to do it again, which I might, I’d probably go a step up and get a Precision Matthews mill. Something with a little bit larger table and a little more solid. All in all, for smaller work, this thing is great.

[@shauntheknifeguy]

Lot of info there but probably my favorite is the simplicity of the pin prick bottom in the drill press. Great idea

[@shauntheknifeguy]

Oh, and the double vice brazing station👍 I struggle with that set up

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Thank you! Yeah, it works really well for me.

[@kevinlipka4336]

Beautiful knife. Thank you

[@Hathenbrucksteelworks]

Thanks a ton! I appreciate the comment.