This is a follow up to a gift my son received from a mutual friend. My son, who starts high school this year, has become friends with a former Marine, and Viet Nam vet. For my son's 14th birthday, our friend gave him his Ka-Bar that he carried in Viet Nam. My son wants to become a Marine in the future, so the meaning behind this gift is more than I can put into words.

I finally got around to getting a shadowbox, and although it's not finished, it is turning out pretty nice. I've spoken with our friend, and asked for his suggestions. The shadowbox was a pain. I bought it thinking it would be the perfect size, but the depth of the knife handle didn't want to cooperate, so I had to cut the back out around the handle so it would "drop" in place. I used copper wire for some reinforcement, and thought over time, it should (hopefully) age well. Everything is just kind of laying in the box so I can move it around, but once I get everything secured, it will be pretty permanent.

I'll post up another pic when it's completed, I still have a few ideas, but still looking for some small details, mainly E4 chevrons. I can't seem to find mine. And the RVN medal will not be on a white background, I am making a backing so it will hang directly to the felt.

Oooorah!

Well done!

CW

I can help you out with the chevrons. My email is in my profile, all I need is a address to send them.

quote:

I still have a few ideas, but still looking for some small details, mainly E4 chevrons.

Maybe you are already considering, but instead of using the cloth chevrons, instead use the metal collar rank insignia. The box would appear less cluttered that way.

These:


Instead of these:

Definitely using medal chevrons. I just can't find mine, moved around a lot, and things turned up missing. I told my buddy I'd just promote him to Sgt.

I have a pic of when I took out our friend shooting an M1 Garand for the first time. I might add that. He has since been in a Memorial Day service, and he had to use an M1 Garand. You can teach an Old Devil Dog new tricks.

It's a work in progress.

It's very cool, nice work.

That is well on its way to becoming a good looking display, as well as a fine tribute to the man who gifted the Ka-Bar.

Semper Fi!

quote:

Originally posted by SSgt USMC/Vet:
I can help you out with the chevrons. My email is in my profile, all I need is a address to send them.

I have both collar (metal and plastic) and cloth for the sleeves for all.

SSgt, let me look one more time. My kids go through my stuff, LOL.

I'll let you know, but Thank You for the offer.

Semper Fi,
Smith

I think it looks great, and is a wonderful tribute to your friend. My only suggestion is to make it possible to easily remove the knife. I think display is certainly appropriate, but I'd want to take it out and handle it from time to time.

Very nice.

I like it. A lot.

Definitely nurture that relationship! One of my best friends is a 70 year old retired marine. We go to lunch 2x a month, he's helped me with some incredibly difficult times in my life, and I think I'm like a son to him (both his aren't into shooting, and life half the country away)

I remember that thread. Great job so far. I'm sure it weill turn out excellent. That's a real tribute to your friend that your son will be glad to own.

quote:

Originally posted by SSgt USMC/Vet:

quote:

Originally posted by SSgt USMC/Vet:
I can help you out with the chevrons. My email is in my profile, all I need is a address to send them.

I have both collar (metal and plastic) and cloth for the sleeves for all.

PM sent SSgt.

OOHRAH!!!

HonestLou, right now I'm just trying to put it together. If I want it to be a wall mount, I'll probably leave it secured the way it is. If it's a leaning or table display, I will make it so it can be removed.