A fitting question?

[RobertHankins]

I just did an Archives search on gaurd fitting. There was some info but not exactley what I need at this stage.

I am REALLY trying to get my fit down pat.

I have a large Bowie/camp knife I am working on and plan to Mirror polish it.
It will be getting a single Steel gaurd.
I have a filing jig made from O1 and that helps square up the gaurd.
Problem is it's 5160 (My favorite) and will get an oil quench. I have had problems in the past. After fitting the gaurd before heat treat, and then doing the cleanup afterward will make the gaurd lose the Airtight fit I am looking for!!!!
I am not a big fan of beating it into place since it will be getting a notch and pin (No glue).
Has anybody solved this dilemma?

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[Bruce Evans]

I always do my guard fit up after the heat treat and final clean up that way I get a tight fit and don't have to worry about messing the fit up after I clean and hand rub the blade out.
This is Just my way and not the only way.
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society

 

[L6steel]

Bob, do you mean you are heat treating the guard also??

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!

Cooper Custom Knives
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!

 

[RobertHankins]

No I am not heat treating the gaurd. I will do an oil quench to just below where the gaurd is attached. I am concerned that it may harden that section and make it so I can't file.
Maybe I would be better off doing an edge quench.

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