About to make my first knife, could use some advise on metal choice (Now with drawing

A

aperdue

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
107
Hi everybody... Well I finished my Delta 5 kit from Texas Knifemakers Supply (originally from knifekits.com) and I do believe I am officially hooked. I am ready to start making my first knife from a piece of steel and could use a little advice.

Basically what I plan on making is a BK9'ish type knife. There are 3 steel types available locally. My 3 choices are 440c, 5160 and o1 that come in sizes that will work for this knife.

440c and O1 are : 1/4"x2"
5160 is : 1/4"x 1 3/4".

The design I have draw and am really happy with calls for 2", but from what I have been reading on the forum, 5160 should be my choice for this knife if it is to be used as a chopper. Can you guys tell me if I am wrong here?

Now, before numbers jumps in, yes, I have your standard reply, I am just going to have to read it about a hundred more times before I have it all
down. :)

BTW, I will post a pic of my current rough drawing tomorrow when I am actually awake.
 
Last edited:
5160 will make a good chopper. It is also easy to work and fairly forgiving in HT.
 
If you need the 2" width, O1 is also a pretty tough steel. It's a little trickier to HT just right though.
 
I 2nd the 5160 plus it is not real expensive.
 
Most heat treat shops will probably get more out of your O1 than they will out of 5160, and from my experience, the toughness of O1 properly hted is more than adequate, like James said... I find the edges fold before chipping @ RC60, same with 5160 @ rc 58
 
Ok, so here is my current plan. Anybody see any problems with this?

IMG_20110120_152043.jpg


I plan on using black canvas micarta with front bolser to somewhat match the Delta 5 I put together here

IMG_20110113_020350.jpg
 
It seems awfully large to me. There's a lot of steel to remove especially if you're using files.

There area lot of parallel lines with might be contributing to a blocky and less graceful design. To my eye it seems more like a meat cleaver than a knife.

You did a nice job on the Delta 5, especially with the bolsters. Good luck.

- LonePine
AKA Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
Last edited:
I like the look.
1.75" stock on that length will probably balance better in hand when all is done.
that said, O1 or 440 would work well so long as the heat treat was done right.
If you're doing it all yourself, I'd stick with the 5160.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top