DSchlagan Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share #101 Posted June 19, 2011 The Finishing Touch... I was able to get together with a longtime friend, who is also a professional leathersmith: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share #102 Posted June 19, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share #103 Posted June 19, 2011 I am not certain but I believe that the "inlay", as my friend described the exotic leather design work, may be an armadillo hide. The full pelt appeared as to what I figure one would look like. When we started discussing that aspect, he reached to a shelf and drew out: that piece, two snakeskins, and a small alligator pelt. Many years ago, he said, a customer gave him those exotics in appreciation of work done; all were very professionally skun and tanned. The colors and textures of the 'armadillo' was perfect. So thanks much to that gentleman. My friend builds his sheaths with a thick leather 'welt' or buffer strip, sewn between front and back, so no rivets are necessary to protect stitching. Because of the width of the guard, he added a couple extra layers of tapered, thick leather for a good fit. He didn't figure I wanted to further 'customize' the rig by grinding off the guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share #104 Posted June 19, 2011 Thanks much to USMF Member, doyler, for his assistance in locating a M1910 wire hook for the project, and also for giving me the idea to design it into the sheath! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted June 19, 2011 Share #105 Posted June 19, 2011 That sheath is a beauty Don and compliments the knife suberbly. Just gorgeous. RD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share #106 Posted June 19, 2011 Thanks, Ron. My friend and I have always enjoyed designing projects together, and his craftsmanship is First Rate! Don. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted June 19, 2011 Share #107 Posted June 19, 2011 Thanks, Ron. My friend and I have always enjoyed designing projects together, and his craftsmanship is First Rate! Don. Don your combined talents are a force to be reconned with RD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Walters Posted July 4, 2011 Share #108 Posted July 4, 2011 Thanks much to USMF Member, doyler, for his assistance in locating a M1910 wire hook for the project, and also for giving me the idea to design it into the sheath! Don, Your work on this knife is that of a true craftsman! Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted July 5, 2011 Author Share #109 Posted July 5, 2011 Bill, Your kindness is most appreciated! Don. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted July 5, 2011 Share #110 Posted July 5, 2011 never get tired of looking at this thread.I think it should be pinned in the edge weapons section RD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted July 5, 2011 Author Share #111 Posted July 5, 2011 Ron, My sincere thanks for your interest! I have also been considering that if anyone were to come across "half-a" M3 knife, one in need of a new hilt assembly, I could add it's reconstruction onto this. I would prefer a blade marked version, so it's 'roots' would be clearly established. Please PM with details. Thanks. Best Regards, Don. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11thcavsniper Posted July 9, 2011 Share #112 Posted July 9, 2011 Don, I have been super busy and just found time to see how your project was coming. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful knife and sheath. I never thought that a 225Q could look like this. L.T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSchlagan Posted July 9, 2011 Author Share #113 Posted July 9, 2011 L.T. I'm glad that you were able to find a few moments to touch base on the Forum! I would like to thank you for the kind comments; and to make you aware, that as one of the early contributors to this thread, you were among those responsible for helping to formulate what this knife became. So to you and all others, and also to the many folks who have been taking the opportunity to view this, my sincere thanks! :thumbsup: Best Regards, Don. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidBliss Posted July 10, 2011 Share #114 Posted July 10, 2011 This was a great thread. Excellent metal work, just excellent. And a stunning final product!!! Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack's Son Posted June 10, 2012 Share #115 Posted June 10, 2012 BTT. I want to put this back in the mix! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V42 Posted November 28, 2013 Share #116 Posted November 28, 2013 Hi, There are plenty of resorces out there where you can obtain leather washers to re-build your knife. Check out eBay or even Manion's Auction House. Try Tandy's Leather or other leather supply houses.. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted April 6, 2014 Share #117 Posted April 6, 2014 Just wanted to bring this back to the top to show Don's excellent work.I have been informed by a member that Don had passed away last year.I hadn't seen him on the forum or been in contact and had wondered what had happened to him. I understand he had a heart attack and did not survive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted April 6, 2014 Share #118 Posted April 6, 2014 This is sad to hear. My thoughts go out to his family. I'm privileged to have had the opportunity of his company here and what he shared with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted April 6, 2014 Share #119 Posted April 6, 2014 Just wanted to bring this back to the top to show Don's excellent work.I have been informed by a member that Don had passed away last year.I hadn't seen him on the forum or been in contact and had wondered what had happened to him. I understand he had a heart attack and did not survive. This is sad to learn. RD, I sent a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted July 10, 2014 Share #120 Posted July 10, 2014 Ron- Thanks for letting us know. His work, and knowledge of metallurgy was excellent. He will be missed. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted July 10, 2014 Share #121 Posted July 10, 2014 Have tried to confirm his passing on several levels but came up blank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka bar Posted July 19, 2014 Share #122 Posted July 19, 2014 WHAT? THE MAN IS DEAD? Oh my goodness...I am so sorry Don that I didn't contribute more to your 225Q conversion topic. I have only been a member for a short while on this forum. But I can imagine you have some very close friends on USMF Sorry to all who knew him He seemed to follow his passions and his hobbies, so he was happier within himself than a lot of others no doubt. Let's not forget him... I hope we can pin some of his contributions to USMF I would love to see some pics of him, if that's OK. You are free now Don... I wish I had of met you sir Regards, Ben. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPhil Posted March 6, 2022 Share #123 Posted March 6, 2022 WOW, Just went through this thread wishing to share my pleasure of his creation. RIP Don My heart felt condolences to his family and friends Semper Fi Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanski Posted March 6, 2022 Share #124 Posted March 6, 2022 This post in memory DSchlagan, Rest In Peace. Though I never communicated with him, I am in awe of the workmanship of his stag handled blade in previous pages. I myself am a fairly handy guy who repaired a few Mk 2's. The challenge for me was the compression of the leather washers prior to securing the pommel. So I made a tool which worked perfectly for this task and would like to share it with you-all. I wish I had more time to post due to work but here goes. I would invite others that have given a second life to historic USGI blades to post your work. Let's keep this post going as DSchlagan would probably have done and enjoyed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martyb Posted October 30, 2023 Share #125 Posted October 30, 2023 To renew this thread, I would like to say DSchlagan (Don) seemed like a great person. He obviously left a mark here with many folks. I came across this thread and it kinda got to me. I too, do a lot of knife repairs and restorations. I only wish I could have known Don here. Haven't been a member all that long. Life is short. Restore that knife so you like it more. I have been in Don's shoes, right down to dying from a heart attack. I was lucky enough to beat the reaper. 3 times actually, all different ways. Thanks Don, I feel like we have met. MartyB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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