First Knife Questions

G

grayisawsm

Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
34
Hey guys! This is my first thread, so yayyy for coming out of the shadows! Anyway, I was planning on taking some pictures of this knife I'm making and starting a WIP for my first handmade knife! But then I got to thinking... the steel I'm using is something I found in my garage covered in some dust. I'm almost 100% sure it doesn't have a high enough carbon content to hold an edge (probably some crappy Home Depot steel). I have the rough shape cut out, and I was wondering if I could continue to make this knife or not.

I've heard 1084 is more favorable for beginners, and I wonder if I should just get some of that and start over on my knife. What's your guys opinion on the whole ordeal? Also, I have a few other questions involving my first build.

1. If I were to purchase some 1084 (which I plan on doing eventually anyway), where do you guys think is the best place to do so?

2. What's a file maker that actually makes some decent files, and where do I purchase these files?

3. What in your opinion are some shop essentials I should have?

4. What blade thickness is favorable for EDC use, possibly food prep, and slight outdoor use?

5. Where can I find quality leather?

6. What are the tools I would need for fabricating some leather sheaths?

Thanks in advance guys! -Jacob
 
1084 is just a great steel that happens to be easy to heat treat, not a beginner's steel. It's good for beginners and Master Smiths alike.
1. NJSteelBaron
2. Nicholson files from industrial supply houses are good, I buy them from MSC
3. Clamps!, a stable work surface, a drill press, I could go on and on. Read the stickies.
4. 3/32 is more than suitable for everything. most use 1/8 though
5. Not qualified to answer this one.
6. See #5
 
For #5 & #6 I'm having a hard time finding good leather myself. I live in the Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA area and I am aware of exactly one shop that's about 1-2 hours away.

I often hear that Tandy has gone downhill and that their products are no longer worth the purchase. I'll probably still buy some tools and materials from tandyleatherfactory.com to start with, and change out as I get more comfortable and knowledgeable about the use.
 
grobet makes good swiss pattern files, order from msc also

i get leather from tandy ordered online

as for the sheathmaking there is a book by ummmmm... al strholman i think

dont use that mystery steel. youll work n work and then just have a knife shaped thing that cant hold an edge. dont risk wasting your time when the 1084 is so cheap and will deliver a proper knife in the end.
 
Thanks guys! And also, JustAFleshWound, I heard Nicholson files arent of the same quality they used to be, with the exception of getting a lucky one every now and again. Are the ones that you buy from industrial warehouses different in some way?
 
grayisawsm said:
Thanks guys! And also, JustAFleshWound, I heard Nicholson files arent of the same quality they used to be, with the exception of getting a lucky one every now and again. Are the ones that you buy from industrial warehouses different in some way?
Click to expand...

Yes, they're not as good as they used to be, but they're close. Don't get the ones at the hardware store, they suck.
 
I can't assist on many of the other questions, well one shop essential is a good respirator. I would go even further and suggest an air filtration unit. I got a Jet one designed for garage/small shops and it really cleans up the dust that lingers in the air.


as far as leather goes, skip Tandy and go to Springfield leather factory. springfieldleather.com

they have herman oak single shoulders for 5.99 sqft. reasonable shipping prices too. their leather tools are generally cheaper than Tandy too, though Tandy has monthly sales that let you build up your tools if you are patient.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top