hard use knife project help needed!

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hikers-anonyomous

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Okay, so I'm new to this forum and I need some helping making a knife I designed a couple years ago. I'm not sure what materials to use other than for the handles and the sheath. I was wondering about S30v steel? The knife is going to be 6.7 inches long. I need some extra opinions, I can post a pic of what I have drawn up.
 
6.7 inches OAL. . . looks like the handle will be a bit short for most folks (handles are typically 4-4.5 inches). . . but I assume you are okay with that.
 
Yes, I like my handles a tad on the short side. Besides if I do go with s30v I would have to buy the slab in 3ft lengths so if I don't like it I'll have enough for another try at it.
 
Are you making it yourself? If so you may want to look into the heat treating process for S30v, it's not a "I'm new to knife-making" steel... If not, go for it, I'd just make the handle longer... I'd go with G10 scales and a kydex sheath for hard use; alum, stainless, or bass pins will all serve the purpose fine.
 
If this knife is going to be for hard use you need to take into account a few things. How easy will the steel be to sharpen? Edge retention is another factor. If its hard use you'll be using the knife for, then chances are that you'll be in harsh environments. Are you concerned with corrosion? These are some factors to think about when choosing steel.
Personally, based on the size of the blade and the intended use, I would use CPM 3V or CPM M-4. You won't find a steel tougher than 3V. It's edge holding is very good as well. It is amazing how durable this steel is. Most 3V blades do have some coating or finish on them. Try an ferric acid etch.
CPM M-4 is also very tough but excels at edge holding. I guess it really depends on if the hard use will be chopping or cutting. You really can't go wrong with either. Price might decide for you though. CPM specialty tool steels are fairly expensive but will make an excellent knife.
 
M.FREEZE said:
If this knife is going to be for hard use you need to take into account a few things. How easy will the steel be to sharpen? At over 6" it might take awhile. Edge retention is another factor. If its hard use you'll be using the knife for, then chances are that you'll be in harsh environments. Are you concerned with corrosion? These are some factors to think about when choosing steel.
Personally, based on the size of the blade and the intended use, I would use CPM 3V or CPM M-4. You won't find a steel tougher than 3V. It's edge holding is very good as well. It is amazing how durable this steel is. Most 3V blades do have some coating or finish on them. Try an ferric acid etch.
CPM M-4 is also very tough but excels at edge holding. I guess it really depends on if the hard use will be chopping or cutting. You really can't go wrong with either. Price might decide for you though. CPM specialty tool steels are fairly expensive but will make an excellent knife.
Click to expand...

From what I can gather the knife is a tad over 6" long, not the blade. thus the blade should be 3" or below, sharpening shouldn't be a problem.
 
I noticed that after I posted. I edited though... Good eye.
 
To respond to both M.freeze, and Jarrett2K, all I've done so far is draw the knife and look at prices for materials. If there was a person out there willing to make this knife that would make more sense considering the fact I don't know what tools or materials I'll need. By hard use I mean backpacking trips, a couple weeks long. I hope to do a thru hike on the AT and would like to have this knife on the trail.
 
IMAG0007_zps69bf0d88.jpg
 
You could make a knife like this with basic tools if you used a steel like 1095 or something similar. Without a grinder and other knife making tools you probably would spend countless hours working with M-4 or 3V. Same story with S30V. That steel was design especially for cutlery. All three steels would be an expensive and time consuming venture. There are part time guys out there that would make something like your design and you could pick the "ingredients" I personally would choose to have one made for the following reasons:
1- heat treating is a huge factor. You could produce a great knife but without the proper heat treat it won't perform.
2- the time and energy alone would be huge without the efficient tools
3- buying a knife is always way more exciting than making one.
 
yes, for "hard use" cpm 3v is by far a better choice than s30v. if you want to do it all by yourself, including the heat treat, you might want to use a simple low carbon steel, like 1075 for example.
 
In my experience 1095 isn't that bad with 3-1 oil occasionally. The way I see it though is if I'm going to have a custom knife, I want to be of the highest quality. Does that make sense?
 
What type of budget would you be working with? If you don'tind me asking.... I can help you find a maker to fit your needs if that's the route you decide to go
 
Well before I make an ass of myself or before I'm taken advantage of what would you say a knife like this made with 3pm 3v would cost including labor? I'm new to the custom knife market as well.
 
It depends on the maker. The sky is the limit. Plan on at least 225$ minimum. That might sound like a lot, but consider the steel, the belts, the handle material, the labor time etc... Don't worry about looking foolish. Everybody helps everybody here.

You could always go the safe route and get a Bob Dozier knife. Most knives he makes are around 225$ and are designed for use. Some people swear by them. He uses mainly D-2 steel
 
Just thinking here. Try out a Becker 11 / 14. About the same size. 1095 Steel. I doubt you will need more. If you like the size and still want a custom go for it.
 
I normally would go the safe route, purchase a knife I know is going to look the way I want and everything but I just like the aspect of it being a one and only and that it was geared around me not a type of person. As long as this knife doesn't cost more than 350$ I'm golden I won't pay more than that for it.
 
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