Picking FWI

Posted by: Chief

Picking FWI - 05/29/19 10:30 PM

I was asked How I pick out FWI for a Knife by another member.
If this is in a bad place Mods please move it.
The picture of the end shows what is crucial to me in picking a piece for a knife.
The smitty in the picture was made from this piece.
FWI is a tusk so the pith in the center will almost always be smaller on one end. the end shown is the larger end.
I find that putting the smallest end to the hilt allows the shop more room to shape the tusk to the hilt without grinding into the pith center.
The thicker the enamel is the better shot you have of shaping the handle, I asked for this to be a single finger grip if possible. Was told by the shop that in their opinion this was not a good choice for this piece.
That a border patrol was a better choice.
As you can see there is plenty of enamel also to put on a butt cap, most times I go with a butt plate if the enamel is thinner.
I also try the piece in my grip if there will be minimal shaping as there is a left & a right tusk and this effects how it feels in your hand.
This is just some of what I look at others here will chime in on things that they use to pick.
Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: Picking FWI - 05/30/19 01:43 AM

Excellent info, chief.
Thanks for posting.
Walker
Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

Re: Picking FWI - 05/30/19 12:34 PM

Chief,
I edited and re-installed your "tapioca photo". Hope this helps everyone.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris
Posted by: Captain Chris Stanaback

Re: Picking FWI - 05/30/19 12:35 PM

What chief is trying to "center" this conversation on is the "center" (vein) and this splendid example of FWI!. Also called "Dentyne" (Dentine-Spelling?) it has a "crystalized-look" to it.
Best, Capt. Chris
Posted by: W Polidori

Re: Picking FWI - 05/30/19 08:51 PM

Sanded correctly looks great. I do agree with Chief, all depends on the piece.
Posted by: pappy19

Re: Picking FWI - 05/30/19 11:54 PM

Beautiful.

Pap
Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: Picking FWI - 05/31/19 01:46 PM

That certainly is!
Walker
Posted by: Chief

Re: Picking FWI - 05/31/19 07:26 PM

One that I had.....just hard for me to get past the enamel being gone.
All in all a beautiful knife.
Posted by: W Polidori

Re: Picking FWI - 05/31/19 10:02 PM

Uploaded for you.
What did the other side look like?
Posted by: Chief

Re: Picking FWI - 05/31/19 11:24 PM

this
Posted by: Chief

Re: Picking FWI - 05/31/19 11:25 PM

butt
Posted by: W Polidori

Re: Picking FWI - 06/01/19 06:24 AM

Uploaded for you.
Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: Picking FWI - 06/01/19 10:42 AM

I do not know about some others but this hurts me. I've got to learn about this stuff (quicker the better). I believe I want to get a knife with this as a handle. Now, what model, etc., etc....!
You guys sure make it tough on a newbie.
I for one appreciate the lessons- please keep them coming.
Thanks
Walker
Posted by: Shoot870p

Re: Picking FWI - 06/01/19 10:44 AM

Chief, please help with the missing enamel. I know you cannot draw it for me or us but try to guide me to it.
Walker
Posted by: Chief

Re: Picking FWI - 06/01/19 03:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Shoot870p
Chief, please help with the missing enamel. I know you cannot draw it for me or us but try to guide me to it.
Walker


All the white. The piece didn't have thick enough enamel around the center or there was a big area of pith to start with.
Lots of times people that sell FWI sell the whole tusk polished so you can see the color. But if it isn't cut you can't see the thickness of the enamel.
The picture that Warren posted is really a better picture for example.