Making a new knife

[waksupi]

I was digging through my scrap metal pile, and found a likely looking piece of steel. I haven't made a knife in probably over 15 years, but thought I would try doing one again. This still needs some polishing out yet, but it's close.

[plmitch]

very nice job!

[part_timer]

WOW that is real nice, I sure like the file work on the back.

[FrankG]

Good lookin scalper !

[seagiant]

Hi,
Nice bolster and pin work! I know that's not easy!!!

[JudgeBAC]

Wow, I am envious of anyone who can take a piece of steel and make something out of it.

[waksupi]

I used to make a lot better knife, but no longer have the proper equipment to do a real high quality one anymore. I worked with a blacksmith and knife maker for seven years, and learned a little from him.

[sheepdog]

Same here. Used to make some from old files I bought at pawn shops for 50 cents, some from old leaf springs from the junk yards. Files make for very sharp scapel type blades, the leaf springs for nearly unbreakable beat arounds.

[taminsong]

I tried making knives at home, but my main problem is making the bevel. I didn't have a 2inch belt sander, maybe this is what I need to make those nice bevels I saw in knife magazines.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Looking very nice! I used to make knives out of quite a few different types of tool steels. If you really want to understand the meaning of the word "frustration" try using S - 7 steel.Robert

[plmitch]

I have never made a knife before and should give it a try. Any good tips for a first timer?

[Daffy]

I have never made a knife before and should give it a try. Any good tips for a first timer?

http://www.ramanon.com

Could be a overload of information here and envy of others abilities.

http://tidewaterblacksmiths.net/1.html

Good reference for steel uses.


My tips would be:
1. If forging wear a support on your forearm.
2. If grinding wear a face mask, safety glasses aren't enough.
3. Start big it's gonna end up smaller than you originally designed anyway.

[plmitch]

Thanks for the links and tips Daffy

[waksupi]

Here is one I just finished. I found a use for those zinc wheel weights! I cast the bolsters from them.

[idahomike]

Fantastic work there.

[km101]

Great looking knives! Makes me want to get another belt grinder and get back into it. Blut I dont know where I would put all the equipment, as I dont have room in my shop now that I have all my casting stuff!

Too many hobbies! Not enough time!!

[357maximum]

Nice work on the knives Ric.....what did the blades USED to be?

[waksupi]

These ones are lawnmower blades! I've since went to o1 steel.

[MBTcustom]

01 is good stuff. Are you forging them, or just grinding? I should have known you knew your way around a pritchel hole!

[waksupi]

I learned by forging and still do that, although on thin blades stock removal is handier.