Bringing a couple back to life

Seeing a new handle put on the old USMC Bolo here got me motivated to work on an M4 and M3 I had in my stash.

The M4 just needs a new set of handle slabs, but the M3 needed a new guard and pommel as well as grips.

This is the (Carbon steel) guard (1/8") and pommel (3/16") roughed out and fitted to the blade, all laying on the slab of wood I'm using for the grips. (repro leather sheath is from Camillus, had two of them in my parts box)


I used a router bit chucked in my mill to inlet the slabs... first time trying it this way but it turned out great.


They are still way too thick, so I'll take about 3/16" off each side.


Here the slabs have been slimmed, and the guard and pommel are finished. Next is to shape the handle and put it all together.

Looking good

Very cool

I haven't had a lot of time to work on these the past many weeks, just a little here and there, but.....

Progress!

Still a lot of sanding to go, then stain/finish.

I still have a bit more sanding around the pommel on the M3, but now, the question is: To groove, or not to groove?

M4 Example:



My M3 / M4

Well, I finished them like this, satin poly (no grooves), shinier in photos than in the hand.

Nicely done Sir.

Thanks folks, they were a lot of fun to complete.