first knife

Just make sure you draw your lines out with a square, no matter how good you think you can eyeball them a square will make them perfect. Start slow with the file to cut the initial pass and make sure they're all of uniform depth.
 
You can find mosaics just about everywhere. Jantz, TKS, USAKnifemaker, eBay, etc. You can even order the rods and make your own (which is usually FAR cheaper than buying them).
 
about how long does it normaly take to get steel from aldo? i just ordered some and im kinda hyped up cant wait to get started. as much as i asked for only the negative i really want to thank all of you for the advise and help. ill post pics as soon as i get working on it but it will most likely take a while because i plan on doing this one by hand with a minimal of power tools. :eek:
 
No matter what skill you want to master, first learn it by hand, then start using machines.
First learn to do something well. Speed comes in time.
That's my experience.
(and I'd also say make your own mosaik pin. It is more personal)
 
my thoughts exactly if i prove to myself that i can do it by hand then im good enough to do it with power tools.

ill keep the thought of doing my own mosaic pin
 
No matter what skill you want to master, first learn it by hand, then start using machines.
First learn to do something well. Speed comes in time.
That's my experience.
(and I'd also say make your own mosaik pin. It is more personal)

my thoughts exactly if i prove to myself that i can do it by hand then im good enough to do it with power tools.

ill keep the thought of doing my own mosaic pin


I don't understand this logic. Sorry. My knives and knifemaking became alot better alot faster with the introduction of a good 2x72 belt grinder. If you want to do everything by hand, I applaud you, but starting out with a good machine is not a bad or dishonorable way to go about it.
 
That is alot nicer than my first 10 knives, looks good, nice simple grind, not alot of material to remove. Now just get to cutting metal. Make sure you drill your pin holes before heat treat, I use 1/8 pins and you can get 1/8 brass at any hobby shop and most hardware stores.
 
1/8'' pins are what i plan on using... although if i use a mosaic pin in the center i was thinking 1/4''

for me i have to do something by hand (at least the first time) before i can really dedicate myself to it.
 
Last edited:
Jimping is extremely easy with a triangular file or a Dremel with a cut off disc. I use the Dremel on the premade blanks because they come HT'd and I don't have diamond files. Before HT, a good triangular file will be perfect for adding some lines.

As far as jimping goes, i had good luck using a dremel with a cylindrical diamond coated piece about 1/8" diameter. Used the router collar to help keep it flat and perpendicular to the spine. Measured each notch off with a sharpie. Low rpm while establishing the divot, then high to dig it in further. I liked the look and feel better than the jimping i did with the dremel cutoff wheel.

I really like the design you're working with. Looking forward to seeing it finished! :-)
 
Recently started making my first knife as well. I ordered my steel from also on a Tuesday and it got to me on the following Monday. Im finding hand filing to be relaxing. Very rythmic . Just wish it would cool off a bit here in savannah. Good luck
 
IMHO Jimping, like a Spanish notch, should be done so that they don't become stress risers. Just how to do that I don't know as I've never "jimped" a blade.

- Paul Meske
 
IMHO Jimping, like a Spanish notch, should be done so that they don't become stress risers. Just how to do that I don't know as I've never "jimped" a blade.

- Paul Meske

On a normal knife that's not going to be used as a pry bar, I don't think that you would have anything to worry about from jimping.
 
As far as jimping goes, i had good luck using a dremel with a cylindrical diamond coated piece about 1/8" diameter. Used the router collar to help keep it flat and perpendicular to the spine. Measured each notch off with a sharpie. Low rpm while establishing the divot, then high to dig it in further. I liked the look and feel better than the jimping i did with the dremel cutoff wheel.

I really like the design you're working with. Looking forward to seeing it finished! :-)


What an awesome idea, thank you for that! I bet a carbide burr could be used as well.
 
Back
Top