First REAL custom knife

T

Tripwire895

Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
341
So I'm in a bit of a situation. I have "made" two knives so far, both of which simply attaching custom wood scales to blanks I buy online. I've decided to step it up and I want to make the entire knife, from start to finish. That is where my confusion starts.

Question 1: Which steel to use? (I've heard really good things about 1080, but more on that later)
I've been attempting research and I just can't find the steel that fits my parameters. I want a steel that isn't too pricey. I'm thinking I can't spend more than about $25 (prior to shipping costs) on the metal itself. I'm open to suggestions either carbon steels or stainless. The second parameter is it has to be relatively easy to work. The plan is to make the blade without the use of power tools per what I've read of tradition. I'd rather not go through 3 hours of work just to cut the bar in half. By the way, I just want a simple knife, not one that I'd be batoning with (if that helps with steel selection).

Question 2: Where would I buy said steel?
My biggest issue here is I'm a 17 year old kid in high school. Most of the places I've seen selling a variety of steels only has them in 2 or 3 foot plus lengths. I am imagining 18 inches being the absolute longest I would feel comfortable buying, simply because who knows if I'm going to love working metal or absolutely hating it?

Question 3: Where would I get this heat treated?
I don't think I'm to the point where I feel comfortable heat treating the blank myself so I've decided to ship it off. Most all of the places I've seen that heat treat, don't do the 10XX series (which is the way I'm leaning). Again, $25 is probably the cap here too.


Any advice you guys can offer is greatly appreciated.
Tripwire
 
Check out jantz supply or USA knife makers supply. Both have a wide variety of steels in many different sizes. Can't go wrong with 1084 or 1095.
 
Russ Andrews, I'm up in the Kansas City area. Robert Carter and LX Emergency- thanks for the input! Do you guys know where I might get it heat treated? I was looking at Texas Knifemaker's Suppy and it looks like they don't heat treat those steels.
 
Try Aldo at newjerseysteelbaron.com for steel

Check the stickies in SHOP TALK for knife making info

Darren Sanders is recomended by many

Ironwood

disclaimer
I am working on my first knife
Take the words of those more experienced than myself before my own
 
I used a file to make my first knife, they're generally 1095 and super easy to get. Makes for a good knife if the heat treat is right.

easy to get started as well; find a name brand file, (Nicholson, Simonds- N. American made is probably most dependable) in around the size you need, make a good fire and when it gets nice and hot, throw your file in there. Keep it nice and warm in the coals and leave it there until all the heat is gone, (next day). You'll now have a hunk of steel which has been softened, (annealed) that you can start cutting at with a hacksaw and files.

Or, use power tools if you have them- a bench grinder or angle grinder to get started and then finish with files and sandpaper, (I didn't use any power tools except a battery operated drill on my first knife).

When you've finished your blade out to 300-400 grit, send it to one of the fine bladesmiths who frequent this forum, (or shoptalk) and they might be willing to heat treat it for you, (ask first, of course!).

When you get it back, you'll want to sand it maybe a grit down from where you finished before heat treat. I'd do the handle next, and save putting the edge on for the very last, just to be safe.

I'm a rank beginner and I've only made a few knives, so take that for what it's worth!
 
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Unless one already has worn files of known quality, making a knife from one with hand tools is rather poor advice. A new good file will cost more than brand new 1084 that is already fully annealed and easy to work with. A beginner is more likely to ruin a perfectly good file than to make a good knife from one.

Without question, 1084 from Aldo, and contact Darrin Sanders for the HT.
 
james terrio said:
Unless one already has worn files of known quality, making a knife from one with hand tools is rather poor advice.
Click to expand...

I should have pointed out 'name brand' file- like Nicholson, etc. In some areas, stuff like this is easy to come by at pawn shops, second hand stores, garage sales etc. So, I fixed my post to reflect that.

Thanks for pointing it out James.
 
Thanks for the advice! I feel like that's the route I'll be taking, working with NJ Steel Baron and Darrin Sanders.
 
Hey Trip

1. 1084 is the thing for home heat treaters or anyone else for that matter. Great stuff, easy to work, easy to HT, great high carbon steel. 1095 is also great if you are going to send it off to be HT'ed.

2. Aldo is da MAN! As you have noticed though, most of his steel is in 48" lengths. If you like, I'll send you a piece of 1095 7"x3/32"x1.25". I just bought a bunch from Aldo :D

3. Darrin Sanders. When your blade is ready, mail it to him and he'll take care of it. Read this page: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/907129-Heat-Treating

If I were you, I'd be looking in the local Craigslist for a used 4x36 belt sander. Get some good belts at USAknifemaker.com, Trugrit, Supergrit, etc. and learn the basics of grinding. You'll still do lots of hand work but it will certainly be a lot easier then files alone.

Bookmark this: http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra
It'll let you search all of the forums for any topic ever posted. LOTS of good info to be found there.
The stickies in Shop Talk are a great read too.

Cheers
 
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