Advice needed for a beginner!

[kiwiblade]

Hello all,
Im new to the forum and venturing into the blade making field. I seek advise on getting by with minimal access to power tools, cant afford them!.hacksaw and files I got.
First project is several Oyster Knives for a friend, Im using hand tools only and can manage annealing and tempering of small blades, Ive several large knives on the wish list and ask what sort of result can I hope for if I utililise an angle or Disc grinder for forming and finishing blades over 8inches ,I dont have access to a decent belt sander.
One possible commision is for a set of chef grade knives for fish preparation, that one is way down the priority list,I want those to look good and work even better!
Local supply of correct steels is an unknown but I know what i'll need, I can probaly get commercial heat treatment in the city and will if need be make a forge for annnealing . I dont envision making forged blades,but it could happen.
PS. Im in Vietnam.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Chào mừng to Shop Talk.

The stickys have a lot of info on making knives. Power tools are definitely not needed. A disc or angle grinder is good to help remove metal when doing the basic shaping. Files and sandpaper can do the rest. The sticky "How to Instructions for Making a Knife" has nearly all the info you will need.

Oyster knives are simple and a good starting project. They don't need to be as hard as kitchen knives, so they can be made easily with simple heat treatment. Look at one of your friend's favorite oyster knives to see what style and shape he likes.

 

[kiwiblade]

Thanks Stacey, no doubt Im in for some disappointments but they're gonna be out weighed by the successes.
havent figured out the correct process for contacting forum members, do you know of any others here in Vietnam .