Monthly Archives: February 2014

Above, I’ve transferred my detailed pattern to the sardines on the lid, ready to begin detailing. I’ve begun detailing by engraving the eye, gill and fin details just like on the shibuichi scalpel scales. Continuing with the detailing by using … Continue reading →

Now it’s time to start carving and engraving the reliquary. I’ve begun using a jeweler’s saw to partially saw out four sardines in a piece of 3/16 inch thick 416 stainless steel.  This will be part of a lid for … Continue reading →

Now it’s time to make some of the accessory items, including rivets and eyes for the scalpel. Above, I’m using my Sherline lathe to turn a small piece of moose antler for the eyes.  This little cylinder will extend through … Continue reading →

Above, I’ve started to shape the shibuichi scales.  I’ll be mainly using a my Foredom flex shaft grinder and small drum sanders.  You can see the central area where I’ve started the grinding.  Note that I’ve superglued the scales into … Continue reading →

Well, here’s another of my crazy reliquaries, this one a tiny dried sardine scalpel, in (and on) a sardine can.  This is loosely based on Japanese netsuke and menuki that I’ve seen, carved as tiny dried fish.  My version is … Continue reading →