My quality knife making project - with pics
Nov 11, 2018 11:44:29 GMT 10
SA Hunter and graynomad like this
Post by spinifex on Nov 11, 2018 11:44:29 GMT 10
1. Acquire a HSS saw blade. Its got both hardness and toughness (ie holds a good edge, with flex rather than snapping off.) Carbide tipped blades are no good ... wrong steel. Spend many, many hours cutting the knife blade from the saw blade using a hacksaw so you don't bugger the qualities of the excellent steel. Or ... i sped this phase up by using a diamond blade to cut it out. Took my time so as not to overhear the steel. If the cut changes colour ... you've cooked it and compromised the steels quality.
2. I was going to use a peice of 1960's ball peen hammer handle to make the handle of the knife. But didn't like the feel. Changed to an old 1080's vintage rasp handle instead. The black poly is a temporary handle. I filed an edge on the blade using a Basterd file: again to avoid heat damage to the steel that a powertool can cause. At's also a method to get a nice edge profile.
3. The blade is finished with 2 types of sharpening stone and polished with 3 types of abrasive paper. The handle is coated in windings of embroidery thread and coated with epoxy between layers. Have previously had a home made knife with this kind of handle ... very strong, durable and mega grippy. Note what is used for the collar. (Face of the handle where it joins the blade.)
Total effort of build - about 8 hours. Total cost: saw blade $2 used. Thread $4. collar literally 50 cents. Marine Epoxy: $5 (had it on hand in larger containers)
