Design for first knife... recommendations?

B

brooksy51

Joined
Oct 28, 2012
Messages
7
design1jy.jpg

I am new to to this forum, so forgive me if I break any "unwritten codes." (Haha)

I have been reading and researching knives and knife making for several months now, and I just stumbled upon BF. I just created my account today, but please note that I am not a complete Newbie...

I have drawn out a knife that I think I might want to try and make, but I am not sure if my level of expertise will be able to match the difficulty of this blade. (I am sure that this is a very easy knife for most of you guys to make, but I am completely new to actually making knives)

I made this design about a month ago, back when I didn't know as much on steel types, but since my scanner is broken for the time being, this is the only picture I have to upload to BF. (I am also open to any suggestions as far as steel types go)

Thanks for your time! I am open to any and all advice. If you think that my design is horrible, please tell me. I would rather know all the facts before I start to make my knife than start and get in over my head.

Thanks,
Chase
P.S.- I have tried and resized my image 4 times, and everytime when I try to preview the post, a red X appears in place of the image. I have thoroughly read and re-read the thread on "how to upload a photo to BF." Since I can't get the image to upload, and I'm sure there is something that I am missing, I will just post a link to it:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/824/design1jy.jpg/
I apologize in advance for any mistakes I have made in either the design or in this post.
 
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I am very new to knifemaking. I am not able to see the image through the link as it is asking me to sign in to Yahoo and I do not have an account.

I would recommend picking an easy design for the first knife. A small hunter will allow you to practice skills that are essential on all knives without throwing things in that will make those "boring" skills that much more difficult to learn and master.

Good luck and welcome!
 
Thanks for your advice. Jeez! I spent at least 30 minutes trying to get it to upload directly to the post, but it wouldn't work. I am going to have to find a way to post the link outside of flickr then...
Thanks,
Chase
 
I put the link to it up on imageshack... Thanks for that suggestion...

As far as materials go, I am still weighing my options.
I probably need an easily grindable steel (or maybe another metal?), but I haven't finalized my decision yet. I have a 6" bench grinder, and a dremel. I am not sure if those are optimal, so I may just make it by hand completely. (I believe I have all the files and sandpaper needed, but I need to look into that)

Also, I haven't chosen a particular type of wood for the handle yet, any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chase
 
Chase,

First off, welcome to BF! It is a fun thing to make knives.

A few comments and constructive critisism.

First, good choice on the steel. 1080/1084 is not only a good steel for a beginer to start working with but also a very goodand capable steel to use for a knife period.
Second, i like that there is a gentle slope on the spine from the back to the tip. Too often a first knife design has a straight back. I and many others like a gentle curve. It just looks "right"
Third, good for planning 3 equally (more or less) spaced and centered pins. Make the spacing equal and visually pleasing. 1/8" brass pins would be good.

Now for the things I would consider changing
1. Tanto type grinds are cool but may be a bit challenging for a first knife. Do a flat grind on a regular shaped blade and get the process down. It may be a little frustrating to get it right with limited tools.
2. The guard/bolster/gimping. Keep it simple and loose them for a first knife. You don't HAVE to follow this advice but just getting nice grinds and shaping the handle can be enough of a learning curve for your first attempt at a knife.

Send it out to get heat treated. It will ensure a proper job is done for a useable knife. There are lots of details to pay attention to.

Read the stickies and use the search function on the forums or google.

Last but not least, have fun!

Nathan
 
Nathan,
Thanks for all of that advice! As far as what I should change, I completely agree with every thing you have said. I think I definitely need to research a little more before I make my first knife. I can't wait until that day comes!

Thanks for your time,
Chase
 
Research was the key for me. I'm sure I asked a few no brainer questions. I was a lurker for just about a year reading everything possible while I was building my shop and getting the needed tools. Google is also your friend.
 
I agree, lose the guard, jimping and tanto shape. A simple 2-3" blade is a small enough to provide satisfaction quickly, and is a very usable size. A bench grinder is almost useless for knifemaking, but can assist in profiling. A bench vise and just a few files will go far and work fast on 1080/1084. Search youtube for videos on draw filing. A 10" bastard file in flat and half round will do the majority of the work and then follow up with smooth files. Sand to 400 grit before heat treat and leave the edge about half the thickness of a dime (0.020").

Also, maybe consider making a kiridashi, they can be very simple and just challenging enough. Extremely useful and simple. A quick and easy dip into knife making!


-Xander
 
Welcome to Shop Talk.
I really appreciate you properly filling out your profile and the good quality info in your post.

First - This thread will walk you right through the build of that knife. Change/ignore any parts that refer to different features like your pins.
The tools and work space are covered well. A few good metal files and some wet-or-dry paper are all you will need. Your dad will probably enjoy helping you make the work arm mentioned in the tutorial. Clamps and such should be on hand, so there will be few extra costs.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

Second - The knife you drew is an OK knife, but is for knife ten, not number one.
Change the blade shape to a slight drop point. 2-3" blade length. The guard, contrasting bolster, and jimping are not needed and will be a problem. Use a simple handle that covers the whole tang in one scale (leave off the pointed metal projection and lanyard hole).

Third - Re-draw it and post it here. See what suggestions ( if any are needed) are offered. When the shape is decided on, email me the drawing, and I'll cut it out in 1084 for you. Do the filing and construction as a WIP ( you will get lots of advice as you go). I would be willing to bet one of the other great chaps on this forum will offer HT for it when ready. Handle scales seem to appear, too, when a youth shows a willingness to work hard and takes advice well. I have some real nice cocobola that I would send along with the blade profile. It is a good choice, as it needs no finish. Details can be discussed later.
 
I'm in agreement with the majority, lose the tanto, jimping, and guard.

I tried jimping on my first knife and it was a real pain trying to get it all even. I used an angle grinder to to cut the pilot lines, then switched to a chainsaw file to even out the depth and width, the spacing was/is still an issue though. Besides that, they are hard to sand out after HT. The unevenness still bugs me on that knife.

I tried sharpening a tanto edge on my belt grinder and screwed it up pretty quick. After a lot of grinding practice, I managed to make it look semi-decent.

I'm personally relegating guards to the 10th or 20th knife.
 
Thanks so much for all of the advice! Honestly, I think this all would have been a huge headache without this forum.

I have revised the design of my knife, and I believe that it is much simpler and easier to manage for someone of my skill level.

here is the link to the design:
20121029215734.jpg

if that image doesn't show up on this page, here is the direct link:
http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/341/20121029215734.jpg

thanks for your time,
Chase

I apologize for any mistakes as I am typing this on my phone.
 
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I changed you image so it shows
20121029215734.jpg

Looks good. Maybe just a tad of curvature fron tip to but along the spine, but otherwise a good change.

To post an image from a hosting site:
Place the cursor where you want the image
Select the "insert image" icon in the tool bar
Select "from URL"
Copy the url from the image site to the box and click OK
Finish typing as desired and when you are done and submit the post, the image should show up.
 
Make sure to read the stickies a few times.

I read all of them at least once, and I must have read Stacy's Knife making guide about 5 times before making my first knife.
Another thing, don't expect your first knife to be flawless by any means.
It will have mistakes in one place or another, no matter what you do to prevent them.
Bad grinds, Plunge cuts, fit and finish all suffer from a first knife making attempt, but don't let that discourage you.
 
Hi Chase,
What part of Georgia are you from? I am in the Athens area and might be able to teach you a thing or two about making a knife. There are a lot of great knifemakers around here that would be happy to let you come by their shop. We also have guild meetings every few months. I can let you know when our next guild meeting is if you are interested.
 
Jarrett,
That sounds awesome! I am just north of Atlanta. It would be cool to talk to others in person about making knives. Also, you don't go to UGA, do you? (My sister goes to Tech, but we know a lot of people that go to UGA)

If you wouldn't mind, I think that email would be a more effective form of communication. If you would like me to, I'll send you my email address.

Thanks,
Chase
 
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