Wasn't sure where to introduce myself (new member)...lots of progress pics

[Wiseman501]

Welcome to the family, WValtakis2! Great looking work.

 

[WValtakis2]

One for the wife with her initials...

~Chip

 

[John B.]

Well done, Chip.
Good work and a great gift. I'm sure your wife will wear it with pride.
When you get a chance you might enjoy studying " Art Monograms & Lettering" by
J. M. & V.C Bergling. Gem City Press, ISBN-0-910222-02-9.
You will enjoy seeing their shading of " Graceful Leaf Alphabet" on page 100.

 

[WValtakis2]

Started doing some knotwork on an A.G. Russell Funny Folder last night

. The titanium actually cuts pretty nicely, and I'm looking forward to playing around with the anodizing

 

[WValtakis2]

One side done

 

[WValtakis2]

All done and anodized

 

[John B.]

All done and anodized

Well done Chip, and a great job on the selective anodize.
You might consider posting a tutorial on your anodize methods.
I'm sure it would be of interest to many including myself.

 

[Jonathan.Silas]

Ok that is pretty dang nifty, I've never seen selective anodizing and that's certainly sharp. Well done, I agree a write up on your process would be well received.

 

[WValtakis2]

Thanks guys, I didn't realize the process was so foreign over here. I've been doing selective anodizing for years, here's a link to a thread with a ton of pics by me:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/custom-titanium-anodizing.770502/

The basics are simple, using something as a resist to keep the electrolyte away from areas you don't want to anodize...anything from waterproof tape to enamel will work. On this piece I first masked the silver knot with nail polish then dipped at 12 volts for bronze, masked the second knot then dipped at 26 volts for blue.

 

[RA40]

Very nice! Have seen past works from the old school anodizing by Patricia Walker, Judy Beaver, etc. I don't see these often with the current tactical styles. Some past shots I'd done long ago from Gary Blanchard:

 

[John B.]

That is some amazingly beautiful work, Chip.
Thank you for showing it.

 

[Doc Mark]

Lovely work! How durable is the anodizing? Will it wear badly in someones pocket?

 

[RA40]

Anodizing will wear at the edges or places of constant contact. It is a very thin layer although I am not aware of how thick the anodized layer is. Anodizing is pretty easy to remove with a 600-1000 grit abrasive for a redo when I've messed up.

I've flame colored timascus and surprisingly that has held up to pocket carry with minimal signs of wear.

 

[WValtakis2]

Yeah, the oxide layer from heat coloring is WAY thicker, but you're limited to the low range bronze/purple/blue for the most part.

 

[WValtakis2]

Current project, Carothers Performance Knives Utility Fighter in CPM 3v tool steel




Starting work on the spine now...

 

[WValtakis2]

Made some good progress on the spine...

 

[George Besendorfer]

I like your work! But tell me about how the air gauges in the toolbox. Any issues? I like the idea!
Thanks
George

 

[bpeak82]

This is super cool. Just joined the forum... been reading a ton of the threads... and your work really stands out to me. I'm a huge fan of knotwork and have done a few with rotary. Just now dipping my toe in the pool of air assisted scrollwork. Anyway, thanks for sharing. Really cool!

 

[WValtakis2]

I like your work! But tell me about how the air gauges in the toolbox. Any issues? I like the idea!
Thanks
George

No issues at all, makes my whole setup super portable

Got a bunch of background removed last night

 

[WValtakis2]

Ready for heat treat once Nathan's back from the beach