Greetings from NM. Intro and some specific questions. Your patience appreciated.

[Rancho5]

Greetings. After lurking on this forum for a while I thought I'd finally say hello. While lurking, I've come to the conclusion that this is the most helpful and non-judgemental forum I've ever seen. And I've joined many forums... from my former passion of old german sports cars to my current passion of a 96 F-250 7.3, and a Miata, and leatherworking. Anyway, lots of forums and you guys seem the most helpful by far.

I've been collecting knives for years and finally realized I needed to take the next step and make my own. I'm relatively handy and from reading of others experiences think that with a lot of practice I too could turn out a halfway decent knife. With even more time and practice (and lots of critiquing from you guys) I'd like to get good.

For now I've purchased a Craftsman 2x42 (mods underway) and a drill press. Tomorrow I'm getting a buffer. (Gotta love HF coupons) I've got vises, angle grinders, etc, and lots of others tools.

I've also had the pleasure of watching a maker here in the Abq metro area who was kind enough to answer an email and let me watch him work. Fantastic guy. I've also got another maker here who has invited me to his shop next week. I'm stoked. The kindness of both of these artisans is humbling.

So a couple of questions. And yes Count, I've read all your extremely helpful tips for beginners, I just couldn't find my answers. Amazing links and pages though. Maybe my answers are there and I just need to go read again.

The first is what steel to use with my setup if I want to make hunting, camping knives? I'm not going to use junk steel to practice, I'm just going for it and I'll use the screw ups later for backup knives. I'd prefer to heat treat myself so I thinking of either 1084 or 1095. I'll make a coffee can forge or similar. Although A2 intrigues me but I think that needs to get sent out to heat treat? Suggestions welcomed.

The next question is about belts. I know this is VERY subjective but I'm pretty confused. I've read tutorials about the kinds of belts are out there and how they differ (ceramic the best value from what I've read) but I'd really like a suggested list of what belts to order from supergrit, or whomever... and what each is for (profiling, hogging, making your edge, final sharpening, etc). I know that over time I will get my own opinions on this but I need to know which ones, and how many to buy so that I can form my own opinion.

Finally, I plan on using either mesquite wood, or ironwood, for handles (for now) as it's so readily available here, or make my own micarta.

Any help very much appreciated and thanks for having such a great forum. Here's to the beginning of a great relationship.

 

[CWendling]

Welcome to BF. First, Id say save your money on the HF buffer. If i recall correctly its pretty high speed like 3400. The buffer is probably the most dangerous tool in the shop, especially at that speed. 1084 is easier to HT simply than 1095. For grinding Id suggest ceramic 60 and 120, might even start with 36 grit if doing stock removal. Then go to AO or zirconia 220. I would go to hand sanding (however high grit you want to go to for the finish you are after) from there with a full speed sander like the craftsman for the blade. Reason being, without the ability to control belt speed, you will build up a lot of heat with the high grits. For wood I use AO belts for 50, then yellow zirc from there up on the handles, basically doubling grit (ie 50/120/220/400). Not sure what all is available in 2x42, but I use 3M ceramics and Klingspor AO and Zirc.

 

[12345678910]

Tomorrow I'm getting a buffer. (Gotta love HF coupons) I've got vises, angle grinders, etc, and lots of others tools.


So a couple of questions. And yes Count, I've read all your extremely helpful tips for beginners, I just couldn't find my answers. Amazing links and pages though. Maybe my answers are there and I just need to go read again.

The first is what steel to use with my setup if I want to make hunting, camping knives? I'm not going to use junk steel to practice, I'm just going for it and I'll use the screw ups later for backup knives. I'd prefer to heat treat myself so I thinking of either 1084 or 1095. I'll make a coffee can forge or similar. Although A2 intrigues me but I think that needs to get sent out to heat treat? Suggestions welcomed.

The next question is about belts. I know this is VERY subjective but I'm pretty confused. I've read tutorials about the kinds of belts are out there and how they differ (ceramic the best value from what I've read) but I'd really like a suggested list of what belts to order from supergrit, or whomever... and what each is for (profiling, hogging, making your edge, final sharpening, etc). I know that over time I will get my own opinions on this but I need to know which ones, and how many to buy so that I can form my own opinion.

Finally, I plan on using either mesquite wood, or ironwood, for handles (for now) as it's so readily available here, or make my own micarta.

Any help very much appreciated and thanks for having such a great forum. Here's to the beginning of a great relationship.

Welcome to it, it's a lot of fun


It's definitely in my reply - under steel
I thought It was written as clearly as can be


1084 is the way to go for DIY heat treat, 1095 is more complicated

For heat treating yourself with minimal equipment, find Eutectoid steel and quench in Canola oil.
1084FG sold by Aldo Bruno is formulated for Knifemaking, Cheap & made for DIY heat-treat.
http://njsteelbaron.com/

1095 is a bad choice for a beginner with limited equipment to HT themselves

1095 is "Hypereutectioid" and needs precise temperature control and proper fast quench oil Like Parks 50 or Houghton K
Kevin Cashen - 1095 - hypereutectoid steel
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/673173-Working-the-three-steel-types

If you're running a craftsman grinder, the full speed can fool with you

Belts

I would use an angle grinder and 60 grit belts to profile
36 grit is pretty coarse, maybe for some wood rough shaping, but it scratches deep

I found that I like finer belts to bevel with - it acts like slowing down your belt grinder.
I later saw Ed Caffrey mention the same thing
Try going straight to 400 grit on the bevel.

Aluminium oxide is cheap but doesn't last, the ceramics are more expensive and last longer

All you can do it buy and try

Trugrit will make / sell good belts for your grinder.


A big rasp - round or half round can shape handle material - with god control and good removal rates.

 

[Rancho5]

Good to know on that buffer then. I thought 3600rpm seemed really high. And thanks for the info on steel. I'd missed that part of your thread. It looks like Aldo is out of 1084 right now. Is he usually out for a long time?

 

[S.Alexander]

Good to know on that buffer then. I thought 3600rpm seemed really high. And thanks for the info on steel. I'd missed that part of your thread. It looks like Aldo is out of 1084 right now. Is he usually out for a long time?

If I recall, Aldo should have some 1084 in very soon. He usually posts on the forum when the new batch is in, but its best to keep checking in on his site.

Once you have a knife design that you like I suggest shaping it on a piece of wood. This will give you a good idea of how it will look and feel as a knife.

 

[Utican]

I spoke to Aldo few days ago and he stated that the new batch should be in second week of March if I remember correctly. 1084 is good stuff. As soon as you can get a glass platen for your Crafstman. Also if you are going use the workrest check it to maje sure it is square with the platen. Stock platen will wear quick and you will have an uneven platen surface. This makes grind lines look wonky.

Enjoy your knew hobby.

 

[ichor]

Welcome!!

 

[Cactus Kid]

Hey Rancho5,

I'm not really going to add to the equipment specifics that the others have addressed already, other than their advice is good!!! What I did want to comment on was your observation of BF being a nice place. I have found the same things and that's why I picked it as well. The people on here are really nice and very patient with questions. I think it is the nicest forum on the web by far!

Welcome to BF and here's wishing you the very best in your new endeavor!!! Keep us posted of your work, we love seeing other people's ideas and the labor of love they put into it!