Help me please, I'm new!

M

Madmardig0n

Joined
Feb 3, 2003
Messages
10
Hi guys,
I've been lurking awhile and trying to learn, and I've just got a few questions about knifemaking that I'm hoping ya'll can answer.

1) What's the recommended steel for a first knife? I've got a few leaf springs laying around...I heard that they are ok
2) If I do use the springs, how do I straighten them?
3) Where can I find a thorough writeup of the heat treating process? I've only read about some basics of it so far.

Thanks in advance for the help!
Mad
 
Just my 2cents worth, when I started to get serious about knifemaking I got every book I could get my hands on about making. Beleive it or not, check your local library for books. I live in a small town and our city library has a couple of really good books on knifemaking. Also, some of the posts on this forum are really great. Great bunch of folks here, and welcome to the forum, friend! And I still buy a good many books/mags. Know any local makers in your neighborhood? You could perhaps contact them and hopefully get together with them. Also, go to thread Why short handled knives on this Shop Talk Blade Smith Q&A, scroll on down to Graymakers's post, then click on Knife Making Tutorials. Dan has a wealth of info and illustrates it wonderfully.
 
When I first came here, about a year ago - almost a couple months less than that, I asked too except my questions were pretty stupid compared to yours.

I say all that John said except that I emphazise: most of all hang around here. I'll pretty much put a period on that except that you should learn here and else where all you can about heat treat.

BUT, I emphazise hang around here.

Roger
 
Roger, I've seen your work! You have never asked a dumb question in your life. And when it comes to making, I don't think there are any dumb questions,huh? From that great work of yours I'd say you payed close attention to any answers, guy.
 
John,

Except for the fact that you are very kind, the only thing I haven't learned from you guys about knives and the making of them is my undying stubborness.

rlinger
 
Blade magazine June 92 has quite a good artical about heat treating.
I was looking at it today. Lots of pictures to go with it.
If you are new I would sugest buying some annealed steal. If you have a spring maker in your town they will have some for making the springs. ( that is if you are going to use files sand paper and such)

If you are going to forge a blade just get it hot and go to work with the hammer. Try a small blade first if stock removal. Less time to get to the end result. If forging something Like a machette can be left quite rough and be very usefull. You can use the leaf spring and just forge the handle and a bit of edge . Just my opinion. There are a million ways to start.

Good luck.
Reg
 
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