A Visit From Miss Karen

We were lucky enough to be able to spend some time with Karen while she was visiting her friend in Melbourne. Alayna enjoyed spending the day with Miss Karen (Not understanding what an Aunt is and preferring to call her "Miss" like she calls all of Mom and Dad's friends.) feeding the birds and turtles and driving around the Ranch.

Karen and Alayna by the Inter-Coastal Waters

Karen and Alayna

Alayna and Paul with a turtle we found in the middle of the road on "The Ranch"

The Jensen Family Alligator Wrestlers

Cutlery

I've been bit by another hobby bug. I was given a knife making kit as a gift. I didn't make the blade, but I built and shaped the handle as well as sewed the sheath. The knife is very simple and the sheath is even more simple, but I enjoyed myself so much that I hope to move on to something more complex.

The knife is somewhat modeled after the Finnish Puukko style of knife. The blade is a traditional Puukko size and style and is made from Swedish steel. The handle is made from two different woods found in the desert in Arizona. I shaped the blade in a modified traditional style using a coping saw, rasp, dremel tool, sand paper, and tung oil.

The sheath is a cross between a western style and a scandinavian style. It is very simple, just a fold down the middle and some leather stitching. I didn't have any leather conditioner, stamps, or dye, so it will probably stay very simple. I just wish the kit came with a belt loop, but I don't know wear I would where such a thing anyway.