First knife

[Bennyv81]

So I am going to make my first knife so And I was hoping for a little direction.
I wanted to start simple so I got some spring steel.
I have done my homework but I was looking for some simple steps for how to do this.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[safetyman]

Not that I'm a knifemaker or anything but it seems that spring steel is not an ideal steel to make a first knife out of. First of all, you don't know exactly what steel it is so how are you going to heat treat it? Second, you're going to need a way to temper it before you work with it or else it'll be a beast to work with. Trust me on this...I made the mistake of making my first knife from spring steel and even with a tempering cycle it was still VERY hard to work with.

 

[Emphasiski]

It's a safe bet that the spring steel is 5160.

 

[r-winter]

i have a knife in the making out of spring steel, bloody hard stuff

 

[Bennyv81]

What steel would be the best steel for a first knife ?

 

[12345678910]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694673


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8507091&postcount=2

 

[Hengelo_77]

Buy one or two books first.
There are many good knife making books out there

 

[Seals]

Tons of info in the stickies above.

 

[Red Green]

Benny,
You don’t say what background or experience you have, a hunk of car or truck leaf spring or coil will need some hot shaping or with a light leaf spring a minimum of flatting and a lot of grinding. If you’re a smith bang it into a knife shape leave a little (how much depends on how well or badly you forge) extra thickness for grinding. By all means read! But don’t forget to have some fun in the shop.
Bob

 

[Bennyv81]

Thanks guys your amazing ! Olive this site it's very helpful

 

[Bennyv81]

I have read alot and have messed around with just simple grinding and shaping. I am by no means a blacksmith but I have a love and passion for knives so I just want to start easy and I feel that doing is the best way if learning. I look to sites like these and people like you to help along the way. I'll post some pics to let you know how it's going. Thanks again and any helpmis very much appreciated. Everyone has for to start somewhere.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Start by filling out your profile.

 

[A C Richards]

Benny, It would help greatly if you fill out your profile to let us know were in the world you are. Many times it might even result in an invite to a shop to play around a bit.

 

[A C Richards]

Bit faster on the button Stacy.

 

[Bennyv81]

I live in grand rapids MI. I'd love a teacher. I have many sketches for knives I would just like to be able make them come to life.