- Joined
- May 17, 2012
- Messages
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Hey everyone. I've been a knife collector and user since my dad bought me my first Swiss Army knife when I was 6. I've just moved to a place that I will have the room available for me to start making my own knives and I'm looking for a little advice. Please excuse my newbie questions as I have no background in machining at all. I've drawn up my initial design and it's a pretty simple folder. Very "Emerson like" in its simple materials and grinds. I'm just looking for startup advice on how I should proceed and what tools I will absolutely need to complete this knife. Here's what I plan on using for the major components:
1/8" textured G10 scales
1/16" titanium liners
1/8" 154cm steel for the blade
~.156" Canvas micarta backspacer
I don't know much at all about making knives but I do know that taking on a folder my first try will be a daunting and difficult task. I'm thinking that at a minimum I'd need the following tools to complete my project.
Bench grinder
Dremel tool with a drill press attachment
Belt grinder
Various sizes of drill bits for Ti and steel to include reaming and countersink bits
A tap and die set
Vice
Various small things such as sandpaper, calipers, micrometer, files
The screws and pivot will be purchased from an online knife making supply store
I know that these probably don't even cover the bare minimum but it's my starting point. As far as heat treat I'm looking at sending the blade to a professional to do at first so I won't be needing any of the supplies for that. Here are some questions I have;
1) Would I be able to complete this simple folder with the tools I've listed? If not what else would I need to get?
2) Would the lockbar have to be treated in some way like carburizing?
3) I plan on using a Pete Gray thumbdisk on the blade. Should the threads be tapped prior to heat treat? (I'm assuming yes)
4) What size contact wheel is recommended for the belt grinder and can the wheel size be changed?
Believe me, I fully understand how difficult this will be for someone with no experience like myself. I'm the kind of person that has to do in order to learn. I accept any and all recommendations from those innthe know about this stuff. Thank you for looking
I'll be uploading pics of my design this evening after I get off shift
1/8" textured G10 scales
1/16" titanium liners
1/8" 154cm steel for the blade
~.156" Canvas micarta backspacer
I don't know much at all about making knives but I do know that taking on a folder my first try will be a daunting and difficult task. I'm thinking that at a minimum I'd need the following tools to complete my project.
Bench grinder
Dremel tool with a drill press attachment
Belt grinder
Various sizes of drill bits for Ti and steel to include reaming and countersink bits
A tap and die set
Vice
Various small things such as sandpaper, calipers, micrometer, files
The screws and pivot will be purchased from an online knife making supply store
I know that these probably don't even cover the bare minimum but it's my starting point. As far as heat treat I'm looking at sending the blade to a professional to do at first so I won't be needing any of the supplies for that. Here are some questions I have;
1) Would I be able to complete this simple folder with the tools I've listed? If not what else would I need to get?
2) Would the lockbar have to be treated in some way like carburizing?
3) I plan on using a Pete Gray thumbdisk on the blade. Should the threads be tapped prior to heat treat? (I'm assuming yes)
4) What size contact wheel is recommended for the belt grinder and can the wheel size be changed?
Believe me, I fully understand how difficult this will be for someone with no experience like myself. I'm the kind of person that has to do in order to learn. I accept any and all recommendations from those innthe know about this stuff. Thank you for looking
I'll be uploading pics of my design this evening after I get off shift
