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A friend of mine asked me to make a gift box for a custom pocket knife he ordered for his son's wedding gift. Of course I was happy to oblige. The box is approximately 6"X3"X2" and made from Mesquite Burl. It was finished with Shellac using the French Polishing technique and accented with natural edge feet and button top.

I'm fortunate to have a very large and very beautiful Mesquite Burl from Abilene TX, which my dad gave to me. I used my bandsaw to resaw a couple of slices to make the box.




I borrowed the custom knife to make a template for the box and quickly returned it. After a couple of days I had the box roughed out.








After hours of sanding it was time for finishing. I decided to go with Blonde Shellac using the French Polishing technique. I feel like it brings out the beauty of the wood without using stain. I also believe the French Polishing technique provides the best high gloss finish. It's very labor intensive and difficult to learn, but when done properly the overall finish is hard to beat.



Here is a Before and After that shows the depth of the finish developing after only a couple of polishing sessions.





While working on the finish I also started working on some accent feet and button top, all having a natural edge. I like to contract the refined look of the box with natural edge accents.





This is the box Before and After adding the natural edge accents.





Gallery

Comments

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7,192 Posts
Brent, that is absolutely beautiful. What amazing wood. Those corner pieces are a stroke of genius.
 

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Beautiful. I love the accents. Those really make the piece.
 

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44 Posts
Awesome box. Hey, I'll order me a custom knife if you'll build me one. lol
 

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Thanks guys…I really appreciate the nice comments!
 

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Without a doubt a fantastic piece of work….for sure "You Did Yourself Proud"....thanks for sharing the info
 

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119 Posts
What a wonderful build and gift. Great job
 

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Thanks again for the very kind comments!
 

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1,833 Posts
Boy that caught my eye quick, outstanding job and wood. A+++++++++++++++++
 

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4,567 Posts
Gorgeous box!!!!!!!

Jim
 

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920 Posts
It's a Beautiful box and the natural accents make the project whole and don't take away from the beauty of the burl.
 

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I can't thank everyone enough for taking the time to view my project and say such nice things. I appreciate all my fellow LJs!!!
 

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When my parents gave me the box and knife, I was amazed by the detail. The box looked like a type of marble with its grain and finnish. I have a thing for boxes, anything to put stuff in.
Thank you so much for the time and efforts you put in, and allowing me to see the whole process from start to finnish.
 

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1,175 Posts
Really beautiful box. Love the burl.
 

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Well….if you haven't guessed, new LJ member Arowlett is Aaron….the guy I made the box for at the request of his dad. Congratulations on just getting married and I wish you and your bride many years of happiness. And I especially thank you for taking the time to register as a member just to thank me. I'm glad you like your box and I loved every minute I spent with it.

Thanks Aaron!!!!
 

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I love projects like this. Great job and you know that box is going to be handed down over the generations of your friends family. It will outlast you. I love when I realize something I made will be used and treasured long after I'm gone.

Excellent job.
 

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122 Posts
This wood looks realy good. Beautiful details on corners and lock.
 

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perfect!
 
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