First knife

[mcook034]

so this is my first attempt at making a knife. I'm a college kid who works part time in a machine shop and I got bored one day and decided to make a blade. I took an old Nicholson file and annealed it to be able to work it easier then I heat treated and tempered to bring it to about 58 on the Rockwell scale. After making this one I caught the bug and want to make many more. I'd like to hear what you guys think and any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Alberta Ed]

You've made a great start. Old files make excellent knives, with the right heat treat. Hope to see many more from you.

 

[Lorien]

that's a pretty good first effort

 

[mcook034]

thanks, both of you.

 

[Burl Source]

I agree with Lorien.
My suggestion would be to spend lots of time here looking at the knives and decide what you like and don't like.
Then go to the Shop talk section and look at the stickies and WIPs. You can learn a lot around here.