Couple quick questions

B

bigern26

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Oct 2, 2009
Messages
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I recieved a piece of ats-34 from a member on here (thanks again joesouth) and I decided now is a good time to try to build my first knife. I was going to order some 1084 but I am going to try the ats-34 first(why not:))

I am building the whole knife without using any power tools except for a drill.

My questions are:

the steel has a few small pits and is not 100% flat on the sides,
how do you guys get the steel flat and remove the pits?
do you do it after you cut out the shape of the knife?

I was thinking about cutting my knife out the just taping a piece of 80 grit sandpaper to my table and sanding until all the pits are out and its flat.
then filing the blade.
would this be a good way?

Also is there a size and shape a certain knife should be close to?
its will be my (adult) knife,
Drop point skinner, I was thinking about a 4 or 5 inch blade, not 100% sure on handle length, its 1 1/2 High.

Thanks for any help
 
I made my first one without power tools as well. It was a grind, but a good learning experience. I profiled the blae and filed the bevels first before flattening because that's a lot of steel to sand that won't even be there later on. I think others do it the way you suggested, so personal preference I think. If I recall, I started with 40 grit paper as it was taking forever at 80 or 100, the downside being that the more coarse the paper, the harder those deep scratches are to get out later.

As far as size/shape/design, that's personal preference and up to you. If you don't know where to start, grab your favorite knife and take some measurements of it and go from there. Starting on the smaller side and using thinner stock will be a huge time saver however, since you are only using hand tools.
 
I start with a piece of paper and draw a line around the steel, now you have a place to start your design. Typically you need at least 4 1/2 inch in length for the handle, 1.5" wide is pretty wide but plenty to work with. You did not give the lengthe but if its at least 10" you have enough. I would grind the bevels before sanding, about 1/2 of the surface will be filed off so no reason to sand, also alot of the knife is under the handle unless the slabs will not sit flat no reason to sand there. Bottom line just sand what is going to show.
 
its 9'' long.
so yeah it is plenty long enough if I do 4'' blade and 4 to 4 1/2 inch long handle.
oh and it 5/32 thick

I hear ya on the only have to sand what shows, I was a little worried about the handle scales not sitting the best around the edges.

thanks so far.

Also is there anywhere to buy good letter punches by the singles? I think I want my mark to be either EES or EESJR not sure yet.
 
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You can try ENCO machinery, not sure if they have them. Get your pattern made and glue it to the steel and cut your shape and then you can plan the next steps, dont need to do any sanding till just before heat treat.
 
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