Beginner, no tools, trying to make a knife

M

Minibear464

Joined
Jul 14, 2011
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Like the title says. I'm thinking of using 1095 steel from here: http://njsteelbaron.com/index.php?p...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=55&vmcchk=1&Itemid=55

and cutting it with a hacksaw, sanding with a file, to get the knife shape, using the file to further refine my cutting edge, then just placing it in a bonfire, quenching with water, and finishing off tempering in the oven at 400 degrees. I know it sounds really simple, but that's all I have... and I was wondering if it was possible. I think the shape will just take years to make, but it's doable, but I'm worried about my neandertholic way of heat treating. Will the fire be hot enough? Also, is there a better steel to start off with, an easier one for beginners? The most experience I've had with knife making was sharpening my knives...:foot:

Anyways, I need all the help and advice I can get... please? :D
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...minimalist-knife-making?p=9972986#post9972986

The post above will get you to my standard reply, there is lots of info in it, but to answer your question directly, 1095 is not a good beginner steel.

You've got the right seller, now just buy his 1084 instead of the 1095.


Using water will sing, ping, and fling shards of your hard work and efforts to all corners of the earth.


Use a proper formulated quench oil matched to the steel type, failing that - use Canola, or Peanut oil.


You can judge heat with a magnet, then a few shades hotter.
Or salt will melt at the right temp.
 
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So no water... what's the cheapest thing that can quench a blade? And is it that 1095 is too hard to work with?
And roughly how much is shipping to california? Sorry about all these questions, but I'm on a budget...
 
Minibear464 said:
So no water... what's the cheapest thing that can quench a blade? And is it that 1095 is too hard to work with?
And roughly how much is shipping to california? Sorry about all these questions, but I'm on a budget...
Click to expand...

Canola oil is likely the cheapest "budget" quenchant you can(should) use. Water is used, but for certain steel types, and generally by more experienced makers following certain protocols.
Use 1084 from Aldo. The 1095 has more carbon than the 1084.1084 is a eutectoid steel... 1095 is a hypereutectoid steel.... The knife needs a controlled heat source to maintain a constant temperature to get all the carbon into solution.
The link you were given is put together by Count, it's information overload, but, it will help you a bunch! (iIt explains the three steel types,hypoeutectoid, eutectoid,,hypereutectoid....)Read ALL the stickies at the top of the forum. Fill out your profile too. There are knifemakers all over the world, some who might offer their help.
 
mini,

have you considered using a file for a knife blank?? just saying, shipping isn't toooooo expensive but for one piece you may as well buy more..

and if you're on a budget you could simply walk into a pawn store and find an old 'Nicholson' file, anneal it and go to town..

to quench you can even use new or used transmission fluid and motor oil...
 
Listen to these guys--go with the 1084.

Also, start small, especially if all you have to work with are hand tools. Keep the blade under 4 inches in length, 3/4 to an inch in height. I'd use 1/8 or 3/32 inch flat stock--otherwise you'll be filing forever. Keep the design simple--a sheepsfoot or wharncliffe blade is about as simple as you can get, otherwise a classic drop point is good too. Decide up front if you are going to do a convex, flat, or scandi grind and try to stick to the plan.

A hacksaw will work, but it will be slow going. If you have a drill, drill holes around the outline of the blade, then cut off the excess with a cold chisel to "connect the dots." Use your files to clean up the profile.

Read plenty on here, especially the stickies. Think all the steps through before you start, and know what tools you'll need along the way. The KISS principle applies. Keep it simple, take your time, and enjoy the process.

Good luck and keep us posted along the way.
 
Keep making knives and one day you will be surprised at how much equipment you have, it just seems to grow a little at a time.
 
Be sure to get a good solid vise to hold your work so that you can put elbow grease into your work without it coming loose or moving around as you file and sand your bevels. Like the others have stated, before long you will have a big pile of knifemaking equipment.

Mathematically it grows on a curve, a few files + sandpaper,+ power tools + etc= infinity = full blown knifemakers shop.

Enjoy this great craft.
 
Hey Mini, where are you located in CA? There are many makers here on the west coast, one may be close to you. As far as steel goes, there is also a supplier in Washington. Read everything the Count has in his link, then go bck and read it two more times. Bookmark it for future reference, too.


-Xander
 
Fill out your profile with location. There might be someone close to you that has extra material. Or can help you out with local sources.
 
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