I need just basic general info of marerials and tools

F

foxblade

Joined
Apr 17, 2004
Messages
10
I joined this site not too long ago, hoping that I would be able to gather info on what tools and materials are needed to start making my own blades.
 
Depends on how you want to make them, you can start with nothing but a file, or you can have 3 or 4 72" belt grinders, an anvil and forge, a CNC machine, a mill maching a hydraulic press, a power hammer and about 903820239875 hand tools.

There's two main ways to make knives, forging and stock removal. For stock removal a good 2" x 72" belt sander is the way to go, 1" x 42" is acceptable. For forging you need a forge (fire with a blower of some sort attached) something to work as an anvil, and a hammer to start. When forging you'll want a little bit of stock removal equipment too, though you wouldn't have as pressing need of a good one if you only use it for minor cleanup to remove scale.

p.s. And some people just use the file, along with some sandpaper.
 
You mite want to get this book Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop . Also come over to PalTalk some good old boys there
 
AwP, I think I'll start with the forge idea since I already have most of those materials. The belt sander will have to wait until I can find one. the rest...uhhh, well... let's just leave it at that. Thanks for the info. now all I need are names of materials that I can use to make these.
 
Good steels are the 10XX series, O1, etc - basically any high carbon tool steel. For handles, any hardwood, antler, synthetics like Micarta or G10. Brass, mild steel, 416 stainless steel, nickel silver for guards, pins and bolsters. There are hundreds of sources for this stuff, do a search for supplier list and you'll find a real trove of sources.
 
If you just want a piece of steel to make a stock removal knife as a first. I would sugest that you call into your local automotive spring maker repairer. He will probably give you a small pice of flat spring steel or sell you a small piece.

Spring steal I think is 10?? I buy a length 6metres by 50mm for $55 more steel than you can poke astick at but to get started the annealed spring steel ofcut
will provide a very good blade.

I have all kinds of places I scrounge steel form fee but some times to get started it is just as well to buy a bit.

Good luck and enjoy the making. Let us see a pic when you finish. No one here will sledge you, they are very helpfull with lots of advice to improve.
 
Starting out, invest in a good vise mounted to a sturdy workbench. Start collecting files....you can never have too many files. Pick up a copy of Wayne Goddard's "$50 Knife Shop", it is a very good intro to the craft. A very good knife can be made with a minimum of hand tools.
 
Foxblade

I'm with Sylvester and GHEzell. Buy Wayne Goddard's 50$ Knife Shop. Also, see if you can find a maker in your area to spend some shop time with. The Knives 2004, Knives 2003, etc. books have a pretty good directory of custom makers in the back, listed by state, and they have lists of suppliers for everything you need.

Todd
 
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