First Knife and Sheath

JoshRG

JoshRG

Joined
Apr 24, 2014
Messages
571
So after quite some time my first knife making attempt is finished. The knife itself was modeled heavily on Murray Carter's neck knives which have always been some of my favorite looking blades and considering I cannot afford one at this present time I decided I would make something similar to suffice. Actual blade shape was designed off of what I desired in an EDC fixed blade with a very slight tapered tang. Steel used was a piece I broke off of an old USA made file and forged in a one brick forge using a propane torch. Liners were made out of purple construction paper epoxied together. Pins were made from nails and the scales are what I believe to be some type of lightly figured mesquite. The project as a whole proved much more difficult than I anticipated and I feel I learned quite a bit by making A LOT of mistakes. From what I can tell the heat treat was adequate, I tested it cutting cardboard and flexed the edge on a small piece of copper tubing. Fit and finish are FAR from perfect but for my first crack at it I'm quite pleased. Anyways, enough rambling on to the pictures. Critique/constructive criticism are welcomed!


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If anyone has any advice on how I can sharpen up my grind lines as well as other things that need addressing that would be greatly appreciated. I'm currently using a 1x30 harbor freight belt sander for the grinds.
 
It looks like a very good job ! And You attention to doing it right sure shows. Well done. Frank
 
I agree with Frank, good job!!

I think sharp grind lines would be difficult with a 1x30. I used mine once and then got a KMG. But if you can get a file guide you could use that to do your plunge and keep it sharp. Just my .02 I am no expert by any means and you did a very great job for your first knife. The sheath looks good too.

From what I can tell in the picture it looks nice and thin like it should for that type knife. How does it cut?
 
Thanks for the kind words guys!
Forge, I don't want to exaggerate and say its a laser beam but for what i use it for it is more than adequate. I think if I decide to make another I may go even thinner.
 
I'm currently working on my first knife and if it turns out half as good as yours I'll be really happy. It looks awesome. Love the Murray Carter look.

Couple questions, did you do the finishing sanding on the blade with the 1x30 or by hand? What grit did you take it up to?
 
Thanks once again for the comments folks!
John-I took it up to 400 grit sanding by hand. I only had 400 grit paper so i went straight from an 80 grit belt to hand sanding with 400 which took forever.
Strig-Haha i agree that leather would be nice but i carry it horizontally either on my belt or the inside of my pants so the kydex functions very well for that.
 
That's awesome for your first. I'm even more impressed knowing that you went from 80 to 400 grit by hand in one shot!

I'm only 2 blades completed myself, so I've got no critiques (other than seconding the leather sheath idea but that's personal preference). Good design, clean grind, even finish, reasonable ht(?), good handle shape and no handle to tang gaps. I think you've got most of first knife pitfalls covered.
 
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