a little confused

daisy cutter

daisy cutter

Joined
Aug 6, 2012
Messages
872
i read the how to make a knife from a file thread and have a question. ive got my file but im not sure if before i start if im supposed to anneal it by using the torch method or temper it in the oven. any help would be great. the thread is very informative but that part is clear as mud to me
 
Your confusion is because there are a couple ways you can go and end up at the same point

1 If you completely anneal it with the torch it will be soft and easier to grind and you can file on it. When you are finished with this method you will need to harden it again. To harden it you will need to take it to about 1500f and then quench it in something like Canola oil or a proper quench oil. At this point it would be about like it was when you started. Then you would need to temper it to get the brittleness out and reform the martensite that was formed when you hardened it. This will require that you put it in an oven for 2 hours at 450f then cool and repeat. Then it will be around 58-59 rockwell C hold an edge and not chip out.

2 The other method is to start with a hardened file and temper it in an oven to a good knife hardness. Say 450f for 2 hours cool and then another 2 hours at 450 f and it should be around 58-59 rockwell C. A good knife hardness. (you are now where the other process ended on the hardness part) Now you can grind it, but, much more difficultly than an annealed file. You will not be able to file on it without special files as it is to close to file hardness. You also have to be careful grinding it so that you do not get any of it above 450f or you will further soften it beyond use as a knife. The thin edges and tip can heat up very fast so you need to be careful and dip it in water often. Holding it with your bare hands helps as it will become very uncomfortable as it heats up.
 
thank you very much sir. for a first attempt at knive making and heat treating steal would you recomend one over the other?
 
I would recommend buying some inexpensive 1084 from Aldo and stop with the file nonsense.
 
DC, my recommendation depends on your equipment. If you have a belt grinder and pay attention to keep the blade cool, the oven temper then grind is a good option. If you don't have a belt grinder, stick with the full anneal and re-heat treat option. The end point is virtually the same.
 
OP, I wanted to add something. I've seen a few really cool blades made from files. If you really want to do it don't let any of us stop you.
 
My first few knives were made from files. I have since learned to use known steel but occasionally I will still make one from a file and some of my favorites are my file knives. I would recommend you use known steel but I would not dissuade you from making a file knife if that is what you want to do....you will learn a lot either way. If you decide to make a file knife, I recommend you soften it first so its easier to work.
 
Well put. Better than how I said it. Heck, some of is in this thread started out using pattern welded steel against the advice of others. ;)

Of course, he's the same guy who inspired me to put $20 of ivory on a $3 knife, so what do I know? Haha. :)
 
thanks for all the input. i wound up going the tempering route and ended up with what i think is a pretty nice first knife. im waiting for my micarta to come in and just have a para cord rap on it for now. ill post some pics so yall can tell me where i could improve this afternoon. im diggin knife making even if i dont have a clue what im doing lol
 
I'll get a paid membership in a few days and throw some up. Not a fan of web hosted photo galleries
 
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