Another question from Futz (with pics)

[Futz Brown]

Ok, well, I have a question. I have the shaping of the blade done (although any recommendations on some changes I might make would be welcome) so I am ready to begin filing tomorrow morning. Here are some pics that would (I feel) help greatly with the question.

Here is my file rig setup. It's not pretty, but I think it'll get the job done. Yes, my garage is a mess. I really should clean it, but I hate cleaning and I love making sparks so I'm just making a knife in a messy garage.

Now my question is this, do I need to adjust where I have the knife clamped down when I file the tip? Do I want it to be about perpendicular to the file or is it ok the way it is? The rod that keeps the file at the angle I want it is about 5 feet long so a little bit of difference won't really matter (I don't think so, people file without a guide and there has to be more wiggle room with that) but the angle is where I am curious. Here is a picture so you know what I'm talking about.

and another

Thanks. Here is a picture of the blade shape, any suggestions as to adjustments to this are welcome, but it's pretty much how I want it. Still want your thoughts though.

Well that's it. I would do a WIP thread but I figure I can just give you folks updates everytime I ask a question, at this rate probably 5 or 6 updates a day.

 

[duffy99]

Make sure you place something like bar stock/ wood/micarta under the blade for support. And remember that as you file you have to support the area's you've filed away like the bevels and tip. Draw filing isn't that bad keep the handle in your left hand if drawing towards you and vice versa for pushing away. Sharpie it all up and scribe your center lines and layout really helps and sharpie it up as use go to keep progress and chalk and constantly clean your files with a wire brush or file card. Search for the draw filing tutorial and this is a great start to finish tutorial I've found http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38358&highlight=knife+build. Hopes that helps. Oh and google knife filing jig for some other examples that might answer your jig questions I've seen some good ones out there but can't remember where.

 

[Futz Brown]

What is file chalk, what is purpose of file chalk, and where do I find file chalk? Does regular chalk work?

Looks like I've got an early morning trip to home depot (early by my standards) so I'll pick up whatever chalky stuff I need. Gonna get a nice nicholson file. They've got em there for a reasonable price and I have stuff to return. Works out good.

 

[wolffbite]

Regular chalk. Basically it stops the file from "gumming" up with metal bits that would otherwise deeply gouge the blade as you file.

I made a file jig very similar to yours when doing my first two. Honestly, I think the angle discrepancy isn't critical in this case since we are dealing with a blade bevel, and not an edge that is being sharpened. I'm sure many will disagree but I they can chime in with a more technical and experienced opinion

I sort of split the difference on mine, centering the blade from plunge to tip in the middle of my jig. That way each time the blade was flipped to work on the other side, the angle change would be apparent over the entire bevel, not just towards the tip. And since I handsanded the entire blade, mild concerned occured where the spine and bevel met; so there is no noticeable angle change.

Great work by the way, that kind of jig is excellent as a grinder alternative.

 

[silver_pilate]

I can't comment on the filing jig, but once you start working, you'll find out what tweaks need to be made.

I like the profile of the knife. From the picture, it looks to be a pretty good size blade, maybe with some chopping in its future. Assuming a 4-5" handle length, that's easily a 8-9" blade. My suggestion is to increase the contours on the bottom of the handle. You'll want a deeper groove for your index finger for positive purchase as well as a slightly deeper groove behind the swell so that your hand "locks" in when you grip the knife. That becomes especially important on a larger knife.

Grab a hold of the knife and swing it around a bit. Keep in mind, it's going to have handle scales attached (I'm assuming) that will quadruple the width of the handle. What feels secure in bar stock might end up being too bulky/blocky to grip well with a handle attached.

Keep us posted.

--nathan

 

[Core Knife Co.]

Futz, I can't tell from the pics, but did you scribe your centerline?

 

[Futz Brown]

I did after I took the pics Hill. I started filing a bit and then I realized I hadn't put a center line in and got it on there straight away. Filing is almost done, I should have pictures and updates in just a couple hours after I finish.

Nate, I probably will keep working the handle, and yeah there is certainly some chopping in this blades future.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Looking great! I agree with Nathan on the handle, maybe slim it a little. Keep up the good work!

 

[Mike Davis]

That would also be my suggestion. Thinning the handle(not too much) will help you keep a better grip on the knife when it is in chop mode. Also it will make it more comfortable. which is a big thing when chopping with a knife. I like the profile, You can get a magnetic angle finder from Lowes or HD or Menards for about $10....Might be worth the investment to keep the bevels even.