A pocket kwaiken for Lycosa

LX_Emergency

LX_Emergency

Joined
Jun 28, 2007
Messages
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So Lycosa asked me about making a simple file-pocket-kwaiken. I told him I would. He also asked me if I'd take some pics of the process. Well last saturday I had the house and my workshop all to myself so I got started on it.

Figured I'd do multiple knives at the same time. But here's what the little thing will be ground from:

IMG_20150502_095257_zpsxk7g5ruu.jpg

Both these files have been annealed to the best of my ability. Believe me....grinding a hardened file is no fun. I used my hand to measure more or less how long the handle should be for a decent grip. (I'm hoping Rolf isn't a giant in real life) Marked it out and started cutting with my cutting disc.

Broken steel afterwards
IMG_20150502_100057_zpswarvaxtq.jpg


So now I had a piece to work with:
IMG_20150502_100329_zps4lsjjkdl.jpg


profiling
IMG_20150502_101159_zpsxmomw9t5.jpg


And cutting a small slit where I'll remove some material so that the cordwrap will never be able to move about once tied.
IMG_20150502_101340_zpsd3emlqnu.jpg


These things are not thin stock btw. Here's how thick it is in inches.
IMG_20150502_101816_zpsamkkmglg.jpg


Ground off most of the teeth on the back of the actual blade. Considering this'll be a chisel grind (as per request) you don't want cutting to get bound up by file teeth. As you can see there's still a little bit of them left, but they don't interefere in function....and I think it looks cool.
IMG_20150502_102251_zps1rmfflpk.jpg



And here it is with the grind set.
IMG_20150502_102755_zpsgyg18c9s.jpg


And almost ready for heat treat.
IMG_20150502_102805_zps8oy3tk4f.jpg
 
Looks good Alexander. Thank you for the WIP photos. Always a pleasure to be in on the process.

Pretty exciting Rolf!

Mike
 
Thank you, Gentlemen.
Alexander has the Eye. I know. I have 8 of them.
 
You my friend LOVE Japanese knives, as long as I know you! :D

Congrats on another Kwaiken to your collection!
 
Very cool. I've always been drawn to these too. I'm not a fan of wrapped knives though. Maybe I need to look for some micarta/wood handled ones. Can't wait to see the end result.
 
That is awesome! Rolf, I am quite envious! I think I want one too--maybe a little bigger.
 
Thanks everyone. I'll be able to progress a little on this one this evening after my dayjob. With any luck I'll get up to and through heat treatment right before bedtime.

Aias said:
That is awesome! Rolf, I am quite envious! I think I want one too--maybe a little bigger.
Click to expand...

I've done similar knives in a range of sizes. Some slightly bigger, with the biggest one being quite the beast. It wasn't a file knife though.

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I'll post some updates in a few hours. Just did the heat treat. Might be able to almost finish it today.
 
Ok, in our last pic the shape and grind were done. But the knife was still very rough.
Next up then was the 120 grit belt. For refining the grind and rounding out the corners on the knife.









After that


It's like a thin clay/paint that I coat the knife with (saves a lot of cleanup after heat treat).
First I heat the blade and then apply the compound.




And afterwards it looks all dirty


Not as dirty as after quench though.


Then comes the cleanup, first with a 120 grit belt again.


And then the scotchbrite finish


Cordwrap time, Rolf picked Red.


First I wrap for an approximate length of cord so I know how long to cut it.


And then I give it a quick practise wrap.



Unless Rolf wants to change the setup (stuff isn't glued up yet or anything) we're now ready to do a proper wrap and coat/drench the cord.
 
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