Embellishment on customized knife

[Bill DeShivs]

This technique is called "picque."
It's the inlaying of pins to form a design. I used to do this quite a bit on my custom pistol grips, but haven't done it to a knife in a long time.
The process is pretty labor-intensive and time consuming. This particular piece's design is not elaborate. The pins are nickel silver. Sterling or gold pins are commonly used.
The project is for a customer. The button and safety are nickel plated, the liners are coined, bolsters engraved, and I made simple custom finger guards. I'll post more pics as it progresses.

[Vagrant]

Very nice

[Bill DeShivs]

Finished!

IMG_4101.JPG (21.63 KiB) Viewed 5843 times

[Viking45]

That's really cool Bill,very 19th Century.
It must take one tiny drill bit for the pins.
About how deep do you go for the pins? Of course on a knife scale you can't go too deep but a rifle or pistol stock one could go several mm's.

Always liked the Laguiole knives with this design. You definitely cover all grounds Bill.

[Bill DeShivs]

2-3 MM deep, usually. Thanks!

[Viking45]

When you drill the tiny holes what size bit do you use?

[Bill DeShivs]

Not being evasive, but I use whatever bit that is slightly smaller than the wire I'm using. I don't measure either-just trial and error.

[DonC]

Bill:
I would expect with your experience you know how to hold your tongue just right when you're fitting everything together.

DonC

[Razor_54]

Great job as always. Have seen the technique before, but now I know how it's done.

[Rave]

WOW! Looking good!