Beer / BBQ Swap 2022, cowboy hash knife, cashews and beer

I was trying to come up with an idea for this swap when I came across a video by Kent Rollins cowboy/chuckwagon cook talking about his favorite cooking tool, the cowboy hash knife. Wow! So I went on a long search for the proper steel, found a now useless timber saw plate badly rusted, decided to give it a new life since it didn't have a good life as it was. (I don't like mutilating old tools that are still useful, this one wasn't)

So, I joined the swap and was given EarlS as my recipient, cool!

I made a design, transferred it to the plate and ruined a metal bandsaw blade trying to cut it because the spring steel was just too hard, so I cut it out with an angle grinder.

Then shaped it on the grinder.

I tried to drill holes in the plate for riveting the handle on but had to heat the rivet spots with a torch in order to anneal them enough to get a drill bit through, this is some tough steel.

Soaked the blade in vinegar overnight and sanded the rest of the crud off, then wire wheeled it leaving some of the patina, then put a basic bevel on the edge.

Next was making the handle. I used 3/4" by 3/16 " flat steel and forged the ends for the upright part creating an offset bend so the handle would be centered over the blade. And came up with these. (yes, I made more than one as I always do in these swaps)

Next was cold riveting the handle on with 3/16" rod. I hadn't done this before so I did some practice on some scrap.

Someone had given me some resawn mesquite? that I used for the scales. I started out on the wrong foot at first just using blo and mineral spirits which the wood just soaked up. After reaching out to Nathan (Lazyman) and DaveP (thanks guys) I switched to a wiping varnish. This took as long as making the blades and handles.

An old saddle maker made the sheath which I had laser engraved.

I didn't have time for a bonus item, so I sent a previously made backscratcher (no pic) and 2 bags of jalapeno cashews to Earl, which sadly, were confiscated by family. But, he got the beer and a weapon!

Most people I show it to say "cool, how is it used?" so, if anyone is interested, here is a link to Kent Rollins showing the use, care and sharpening of one, starts about 4 1/2 minutes in.

Thank you Kenny for again running a great swap, it was fun!