First knife complete, many lessons of what not to do when making a knife...

madpawn

madpawn

Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
36
It took me 6 months to do what you see in the photos. I didn't realize how much stuff I would need for a project like this so it was months just collecting tools/equipment. I kind of want to sue the producers of Forged in Fire for giving false impressions of how long it takes to forge a knife, Lol. All kidding aside, I loved every minute of it. There is enough learning for this to be a lifelong hobby.

Thanks to the folks like Stacy who share their knowledge on this forum and YouTube. Couldn't have done it otherwise.

Anyway, a little about the pictures. Both the knife and the sheath are covered with lessons of what NOT to do when making a knife. It is easy to get carried away when forging (the big curve) and not planning ahead (narrow handle). Also easy to get carried away when grinding trying for blade geometry, distal taper, etc. The blade was thicker when I started. I obviously still didn't get it right cause it developed a bend after quench. Luckily it didn't crack so I was able to straighten it with a propane torch and the "3-point" vise trick. It is hard though. I tested it with a file and it skates. Leatherwork had it's own lessons. My one advice is don't pierce the thread with your needle!

forge.jpg forge2.jpg
forge3.jpg forge4.jpg forge5.jpg forge6.jpg forge7.jpg forge8.jpg forge9.jpg
 
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Looks to me you took the easy way out with going with that curve that can be a natural thing that occurs when forging.Your efforts are commendable in that you did spend the time and found that it could take you years to learn what that forging is all about. It certainly was one of the reasons I have been trying to do the stock removal.
Frank
 
I think it is great that you pushed through all the steps, even making your own sheath.
I like your basic forging setup. I'm tempted to try that myself (and my kids would love it), but I'm afraid then I would be joining your FIF lawsuit...
 
Frank Niro said:
Looks to me you took the easy way out with going with that curve that can be a natural thing that occurs when forging.Your efforts are commendable in that you did spend the time and found that it could take you years to learn what that forging is all about. It certainly was one of the reasons I have been trying to do the stock removal.
Frank[/
Click to expand...

I was vacationing in Taiwan this Summer and was up in the mountains on a tour. Our native Taiwanese guide, Baali, had this knife and said no one makes it anymore (later I found out he was wrong). It looked like the picture here and inspired what I was going for.
 

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211!! I will never be as good as you. I hope your knives were looking pretty good after about a dozen or so...
 
I went "J. Neilson" on some coconuts over the weekend.


no break, chips, or edge deformation (rolls) and it was still sharp. My heat treatment is validated. :)
 
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