Backpacking Mandolin

Finished the bridge and nut last night.  It still needs adjustment but it actually sounds okay.  At least it works as designed and will fulfill the requirements.  The strings are a bit high so there is still more to do.

Backpacking Mandolin

More work on the mando last night...

Mandolin - Backpacking

Heading out to the Laurel Highlands this weekend.  I Wanted to have a mandolin that I can carry in my back pack that would be light and pack easily.  Here's my take on it...

Camping Knife

My son and I are going on a four day backpacking trip in a month or so.  I figured I needed a new knife for the trip.  One that could split wood and be more than just a folding pocket knife.  I've seen many knives that are listed as "Survival Knives" but lack practicality.  Some of the big names in camping knives also demand big cash to get.  Here's my version made from stuff laying around the house.

I made a template that I thought fit my hand well.  Then cit out a blank from some sheet steel.

Cut the handle portion from a chunk of Purple Heart wood I had from another project.

Basic shape cut out and ready for pinning and final shaping.

Pinning.

Ready to glue up.

Glued, pinned, and clear coat.

Poor mans heat treating with a torch.

I have ordered some Kydex sheets to make a sheath. They should be here in a week or so.  All in all, I think this will be a great knife for camping.  I like the way it turned out.