My First Buffalo Adventure

[herbva]

This one is a long story, but I will try to keep it short. I picked up this railsplitter (my favorite Case pattern) quite a few years ago and the yellow celluloid was just starting to go and do its nasty thing. I pried off the scales before any damage was done and it sat in the "on-deck" box for a long time before I decided to try brown canvas micarta on it. I never liked the look and every time I noticed it lurking in the back of the herd it bothered me. I snagged some dark buffalo slabs that were on sale from Culpepper sometime in the past few months, and this weekend decided they might be a good match and went to work on a "do-over". I'm not really crazy about the dark buffalo because there's very little pattern or grain, but I think it is an improvement. I did mill the buffalo slabs down quite a bit, but still left them quite thick to fit the true character of this brute. As you may notice from my other posts, my shield inlaying skills have improved somewhat thanks to all the great advice I have received from Dale, but I still have a quite a ways to go. Not sure if this is a "keeper", but maybe it will grow on me. Best regards to all! Herb

[doglegg]

Herb, some folks have the skill in the hands and do, some of us have only the appreciation in the eye and find that knife very attractive. That buffalo looks super to me and the knife as well. Great job.

[Quick Steel]

I find that a very handsome knife. Well done, sir.

[Doc B]

I like it! It looks good!!!

[Steve Warden]

Don't like it? I'll take it! That's gorgeous!!! Great job

[orvet]

That looks good Herb!
I don't know why water buffalo horn is not nearly as popular here as it is in Europe. I suppose it has to do with the damage that beatles can cause to it.
Water buffalo horn with good streaks of color in it that look really nice. I have used some with red and some golden colored streaks through it. It looks quite lovely but smells like burning hair when you sand it.
The smell is the only draw back in my opinion. I actually like the way they handles look.

Another home run for you Herb!
Nice work!

[DM11]

Looks very good. Excellent!

[Reverand]

Looks great!

[herbva]

Thanks for all the kind words. Dale, I was wondering about that smell when I was sanding it. LOL, I thought maybe my dog had rolled in something offensive! Next time I'll have to look for some buffalo with streaks in it.

[glennbad]

Looks like a good 'un Herb!

[Jeffinn]

It turned out nice!

[Meridian_Mike]

Nice looking knife! Great job!