File Work - Handle Material

A

aj1985

Joined
Nov 3, 2005
Messages
1,029
Hey guys how are yah

I am trying to put some sort of a plan together on making my first fixed blade. Since this is my first knife i'm in need of a bit of advise.

Damasteel - or 440c

I will be making a copy of another knife which has a strong foothold within my religion. I want my version to be very modern, and truly innovative.

I know exactly what the blade will look like, but i need some help in deciding a few things.

Is there a website that has file work patterns for knife, because i just cannot decide how the spine should look like.

My next question is what would be the best handle material to put on there. I was thinking of Carbon Fiber, but your advise is much appreciated.

Last but not least is it possible to do serrations on your first knife or am i biting of more than i can chew. I would love this knife to have serrations though. Anyways take care and appreciate any help you can offer.

good luck and have a good weekend

aj
 
If that is going to be your first knife, I would not put big bucks in the steel at first. I would start out with something like 1095 or 1084. And on the handes I would go with bone as well. It looks great on all knives. You may get lucky on the grind and be able to save the knife. From reading your title you stated filework on the handles if that is so the bone would be the way to go. I do filework and have done it on bone as well and it comes out great. But it is like all things, it takes time. I hope this was of help to you. Good luck and have a blessed day. -----------------:o
 
My personal suggestions would run something like this:

- Go with 440c and buy enough to do a few blades with. Your first blade is not likely to be exactly up to the standards you're probably hoping for. It's best to do your learning on less expensive materials. It burns less if you screw it up :)

- I've seen some filework tutorials, but only for a few patterns. If you search this forum (use the "advanced search", the regular one doesn't seem to work for most folks) you'll find information and links about fileworking.

- It's hard for us to suggest handle materials without some more knowledge of the design and intended use of the knife. That said I'll stick with my above statement about "expensive materials". Carbon fiber is crazy expensive right now due to a supply/demand issue. If you do decide to go the carbon fiber route. Make sure your respirator cans are rated for organic vapor as well as particulate (oh, and if you don't have a respirator, get one. Grinding on stuff makes for lots of little nasties floating around in the air that want to destroy your body. A respirator is the only smart choice)

- Serrations. Anything is possible! You might find it easier to keep it simple on your first knife or two though.

Remember, your first few knives are going to be less about making an awesome blade and more about becoming familliar with the processes, equipment, and mindset involved.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

-d
 
Much good knife advice here already. On the filework, I rented a dvd from technicalvideorentals.com by Dwayne Dushane that is just a wealth of knowledge. A "must view" so to speak. I ended up just buying the video instead of renting it and still watch it often.
Matt Doyle
 
Barkes Knife Shop said:
If that is going to be your first knife, I would not put big bucks in the steel at first. I would start out with something like 1095 or 1084. And on the handes I would go with bone as well. It looks great on all knives. You may get lucky on the grind and be able to save the knife. From reading your title you stated filework on the handles if that is so the bone would be the way to go. I do filework and have done it on bone as well and it comes out great. But it is like all things, it takes time. I hope this was of help to you. Good luck and have a blessed day. -----------------:o
Click to expand...

Thank you for your advise, and now that i think about it you're probably right about the steel. May i ask do you use just files or a dremel in order to do the file work. take care and your help is much appreciated.

aj
 
deker said:
My personal suggestions would run something like this:

- Go with 440c and buy enough to do a few blades with. Your first blade is not likely to be exactly up to the standards you're probably hoping for. It's best to do your learning on less expensive materials. It burns less if you screw it up :)

- I've seen some filework tutorials, but only for a few patterns. If you search this forum (use the "advanced search", the regular one doesn't seem to work for most folks) you'll find information and links about fileworking.

- It's hard for us to suggest handle materials without some more knowledge of the design and intended use of the knife. That said I'll stick with my above statement about "expensive materials". Carbon fiber is crazy expensive right now due to a supply/demand issue. If you do decide to go the carbon fiber route. Make sure your respirator cans are rated for organic vapor as well as particulate (oh, and if you don't have a respirator, get one. Grinding on stuff makes for lots of little nasties floating around in the air that want to destroy your body. A respirator is the only smart choice)

- Serrations. Anything is possible! You might find it easier to keep it simple on your first knife or two though.

Remember, your first few knives are going to be less about making an awesome blade and more about becoming familliar with the processes, equipment, and mindset involved.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

-d
Click to expand...


I think you're right about the steel, but what can i say i was so excited when i saw the damasteel. I will check out the threads about the file work as well. I think after listening to you i might in the begining do something plain maybe bone like suggested before or cord wrap till i get better. The serations i knew were a bit more than i can chew, but damn i like em :D.

take care bro and thx for the help

aj
 
aj1985 said:
Thank you for your advise, and now that i think about it you're probably right about the steel. May i ask do you use just files or a dremel in order to do the file work. take care and your help is much appreciated.

aj
Click to expand...

Just files and Time -------------------:thumbup:
 
Start with affordable steel, and "splurge" on good name-brand files. Be careful, you may find yourself wondering how filework would look on the kitchen cabinets and whatever-else-not :p
 
GibsonFan said:
Start with affordable steel, and "splurge" on good name-brand files. Be careful, you may find yourself wondering how filework would look on the kitchen cabinets and whatever-else-not :p
Click to expand...

haha il try to limit my filing to my knives. btw what are good brand name files. I have no clue and thanks for the help eh. take care

aj
 
I've had good luck with Nicholson files at work and home. They cut clean and stay sharp a long time. I think Simmons files were also recommended by someone here. Make sure you buy a file card too and brush the file clean often. Little bits of steel caught in the file can leave realy ugly scratches.

Just start in on the simpler patterns and go for it. I started practicing on scrap welding steel, yes I made a mess of it. There are makers posting here who have incredible examples to show, I bet a couple will chime in!

That's the same link I found when I first came here, now look at me, hooked on the whole subject :o
 
GibsonFan said:
I've had good luck with Nicholson files at work and home. They cut clean and stay sharp a long time. I think Simmons files were also recommended by someone here. Make sure you buy a file card too and brush the file clean often. Little bits of steel caught in the file can leave realy ugly scratches.

Just start in on the simpler patterns and go for it. I started practicing on scrap welding steel, yes I made a mess of it. There are makers posting here who have incredible examples to show, I bet a couple will chime in!

That's the same link I found when I first came here, now look at me, hooked on the whole subject :o
Click to expand...

thanks for the info bro. take care im off to crappy tire.
aj
 
aj1985 said:
http://www.homestead.com/beknivessite2/vinefilework.html

How long would it be before i can try something like this because it just look so sick. Has anyone tried this sort of file work before and if so how long did it take.
Click to expand...

AJ,

What I'd suggest for filework practice would be to stop at your local welding supply or steel supplier and buy a few lengths of 1/8"x3/4" mild steel. It's easier to file and dirt cheap. Grab some files and start practicing some of the stuff listed in the links above. Once you're happy with your practice work, just do it on the spine of a knife.

As for files, Nicholson, Simmons, and for chainsaw files, etc check your local Sears. When you wear out a Craftsman file, take it back and they'll exchange it!

Good luck!

-d
 
True, deker, I have a Craftsman 4-in-hand that's holding up very well and they do guarantee their stuff. Also true about the welding steel... $5 or so will get you 3', enough to practice several patterns on. Actually 6' cuz you can practice on both edges! You'll have to square up the edges first but that's part of the practice.

PimpinSquee said:
www.morrowknives.com/gallery.html

you want to see some file work go check out his collection.
Click to expand...

That's a killer pattern he has, thanks for showing us that, PS.
 
GibsonFan said:
True, deker, I have a Craftsman 4-in-hand that's holding up very well and they do guarantee their stuff. Also true about the welding steel... $5 or so will get you 3', enough to practice several patterns on. Actually 6' cuz you can practice on both edges! You'll have to square up the edges first but that's part of the practice.
Click to expand...

Get cold rolled and you don't have to do edge cleanup :D

-d
 
The DVD I mentioned shows exactly how to do all the patterns and exactly which files to use, including part #'s to buy. For the price of the rental it is money well spent.
 
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