does anyone use strictly handtools

S

sgtking

Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
44
I see so many posts about various grinders and other machines so it led me to the question. Does anyone use only hand tools (files, rasps, sandpaper, drill) for stock removal and handle shaping?
 
I do 95% of my work with hand tools. I use a 1x30 to refine my blanks and also to refine my handles some. Other then that, all hand tools amigo. And I love every bit of it.

I do use a drill press for my holes. That's all though. And I jam the radio pretty hard in my shop.
 
Thanks viral I was just making sure I'm not the only one. I love using my hands along with hand tools especially to shape steel and create something from a flat bar
 
Do you use a file jig? Or do you free hand? I've tried to free hand but I like knowing that my angles are the same on both sides. I use a variation of Aaron goughs. I had a lot of trouble with my tips and my plunge line. But I'm getting better with both of them.
 
Jig all the way. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist so if I tried free hand and messed something up I'd be pissed
 
Hengelo thanks for the link I just checked out his knives. Its awesome to see what can be made with just hand tools.
 
Sgt. King, how do you get your tang flat with just hand tools? I always have a problem and even draw filing is hard to get them flat. Is there s trick you use?
 
I use an angle finder with my filing jig to make sure I'm staying true. I don't trust my free hand capabilities at all
 
I still make quite a few knives with strictly hand tools. If everything goes right forging, there is very little clean up.
 
Wolfgang Loerchner and his daughter both are some of the best in the world and unless they have changed over do everything by hand. Every piece of their work I've seen in pictures only unfortunately to me is fantastically beautiful.
Frank
 
I have built up what most would call a dream shop over the last 19 years, but every once in awhile I like to leave the tools switched off.

I did this knife a couple years back with only hand tools, other than a drill press to drill for the pin hole. Just a forge, anvil, hammers, files, hacksaw, sandpaper, and most importantly...lots of elbow grease. :)

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Frank hit the nail on the head. The Loerchners do crazy amazing work and it's done by hand. :cool: :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the pics nick. That is a great looking knife. I think when something is made with only hand tools and human power it adds a little to the cool factor
 
I kinda hesitated to say that I use strictly "hand" tools. But I use a hacksaw to cut out the profile, and files to cut bevels (no jigs or guides). I do have a dill press, dremel tool, and 4x36 grinder, and I do use them. So not strictly hand tools, but close!
 
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