A couple of questions

Kiah

Kiah

Pit Bull Appreciation Society
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I would like to try my hand at making a couple of blades, and I have a couple of questions.

I would like to start with a carbon steel like 1095, but I'd like to focus on learning grinding and such at first, and moving on to HT later. So, does anyone know where I can send carbon blades for heat treat?

If I end up going with stainless or tool steel, what would be the best to start with? Is 440c any easier to grind than say 154cm or A2?

Thanks,
Kiah
 
The more the carbide formers in the steel, especially V, Mo, W, the harder it is to grind. Same with carbon content.
 
You finish 2 1080 or 1095 or say 5160 to the point they are ready to HT and do a decent job and send them to me and I will HT them in my oven and quench properly. Give a one hour temper to 400f then send back. I will help someone who wants to work at it. You pay postage.
 
mete said:
The more the carbide formers in the steel, especially V, Mo, W, the harder it is to grind. Same with carbon content.
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All further answers should be directed to me as if I'm 5.:D I'm a complete noob to this.


I will be grinding on a HF 1x30 (I know, but I can't afford anything bigger right now) with a modified table and jig. I have belts ranging from 36 to 600 and a cork belt. I will mainly be going for a scandi grind on 3"-4" blades. With this setup, would A2, D2, 154cm be a much larger challenge than 440c, which is what I see most recommended for newbies? I would prefer to start with something like 1095 or 5160, but like I said, I can't seem to locate a heat treater.
 
ib2v4u said:
You finish 2 1080 or 1095 or say 5160 to the point they are ready to HT and do a decent job and send them to me and I will HT them in my oven and quench properly. Give a one hour temper to 400f then send back. I will help someone who wants to work at it. You pay postage.
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Awesome.:D
I haven't even ordered the steel yet, so it may be a while. But I'll definately take you up on that offer. I'll contact Mr. Cupples this weekend. Of the steels you listed, which would you recommend for a first timer?
 
All of the steels listed will be great for a first timer. They work relatively easy and since the HT will be done for you then all the better. If you would like an easily heat treatable steel I recommend the 5160. It has a touch of chromium in it but it is not difficult to grind. When you decide to HT yourself it is one of the most forgiving steels out there. It also performs very well as a knife. You can get 20' of 5160 for a very reasonable price and you will have enough steel to play with for a long time.
 
A C Richards said:
All of the steels listed will be great for a first timer. They work relatively easy and since the HT will be done for you then all the better. If you would like an easily heat treatable steel I recommend the 5160. It has a touch of chromium in it but it is not difficult to grind. When you decide to HT yourself it is one of the most forgiving steels out there. It also performs very well as a knife. You can get 20' of 5160 for a very reasonable price and you will have enough steel to play with for a long time.
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I really like 5160. My favorite knife at the moment is a Larson Forge in it. Does anyone know if the 5160 Kelly Cupples sells is annealed? I live in a very rural area and can't get it locally.
 
All the 5160 I have seen from a steel supplier is annealed. When you call him ask just to make sure. The one drawback to 5160 is it normally comes with rounded edges and it has mill scale on it. Just takes a bit more work to get ready. Most people do not live anywhere near a steel supplier that carries knife steels. I have had to order since I began making. I am now close enough to Pacific Machinery and Tool Steel that I can run up and check out what they have. It's like a kid in a candy store only my wallet empties out much faster but it's easier on the waistline.
 
Get ya Large 12" Nicholson Black Diamond File to take that scale right off and finish shaping the steel with. cost ya about 10 bux, It'll indespensible!

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=91631-000000273-21842&lpage=none

037103218421.jpg


And dont Forget this...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=90599-273-21524&lpage=none

037103215246.jpg
 
You might discover the file is faster than the 1x30
Just keep the length of it under 20 Inches and let me know when you are ready. Beter to contact me via IMVIALL@hotmail.com than via Gmail or pm as I forget to check those very often
 
I ordered some other stuff from TKS this weekend, and went ahead and picked up some 1080, 1095, D2, and 154cm. I'll start with the 10XX, and fiddle with the other stuff later.

As for a file being faster. I'll try it both ways. I'm building a jig for the belt-sander. So it may be easier that way, but I should be able to make a guide for a file pretty easy too. What kind of belt-wear can I expect? I may need to order more.
 
ib2v4u, I just got my package from TKS and they left out the 1095, so it'll be a while before I can send them to you.

You might discover the file is faster than the 1x30
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Won a 2x36 on Ebay this morning, so maybe that'll speed things up a bit.
 
good Files are a great investment. A good vise bolted to a solid workbench is a must when filing. Pad the jaws with some scrap plywood or leather when you get close to finished, never file unsupported, that was one of the first lessons I learned working in jewelry repair, it applies to everything

-Page
 
I'm good as far as smaller files. (All are Swiss or US made - Heller, Grobet, AmSwiss, Nicholson, etc.), but I would assume I need some larger ones. What sizes would you guys recommend I pick up?

(I guess I should learn to organize a bit better :))
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In my experience it's best not to pile your files but to properly separate them lest they blunt each other....

Cheers Rody
 
Hey that 1080 will work just fine. Perfect steel for your first knife and I can get it hard for you. Get your grinder and files busy. I expect to see a package from you shortly. I will be out of town the weekend of the 16/17 but, get one done and on its way. You can be cutting with your first blade soon.
 
sunshadow said:
if TKS forgot to send your steel get some from Aldo and Mace, or Kelly Cupples

-Page
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They listed it on the invoice with no price, and didn't charge me, so I assume they were out. I will order from Kelly next time.



Rody said:
In my experience it's best not to pile your files but to properly separate them lest they blunt each other....

Cheers Rody
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I know. I need to improve my organization skills.:)



JTknives said:
i have the best blade grinding jig, its atached to the end of my arms :D
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I may eventually feel the same way. Right now, though, I can't hold a consistent angle to save my life. I'm not angularly inclined I suppose.



ib2v4u said:
Hey that 1080 will work just fine. Perfect steel for your first knife and I can get it hard for you. Get your grinder and files busy. I expect to see a package from you shortly. I will be out of town the weekend of the 16/17 but, get one done and on its way. You can be cutting with your first blade soon.
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I only ordered a 1 foot section of 1080, and it's bent :rolleyes:. How would I go about straightening it?
 
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