I'm going to give this a shot!

TomMarker

TomMarker

Joined
Feb 22, 1999
Messages
828
I'm going to make my first foray into the wonderful world of knifemaking without making a real knife
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I'm interested in making a trainer out of aluminum for a Spyderco Endura (fixed position obviously) I was thinking about using some sort of aluminum for the blade, and dymondwood for the handle, and slap a clip on there. (The trainer would be used in a martial arts class)

Any tips on how to start? I just ordered "How to make a knife" off of Amazon for future projects...

I've been told that i should be able to do it with minimal supplies: sandpaper of various grits, files, clamps, and a dust mask
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I guess my most pressing concern is: where the heck would I purchase the blade materials???
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looks fun so far
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..tm
 
Tom, what size and thickness of aluminum are ya looking for???

If ya email me with your address and requirements I might be able to send ya a peice...I got plenty laying around..

I also have some strips of dymondwood that I would be willing to send ya since I havent used any of it in the last 3 years...
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yuck I hate that stuff!!
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email me if I can help..
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Alan Folts..

alanfolts@sprintmail.com
 
Good deal, Tom. Shouldn't be too tough as aluminum files really easily. YOu are more or less making a kit knife. If you want some tips or just want to see the next step in knifemaking, you may want to look at the long tutorial and set of pictures I posted from my last project. Both can be accessed <a href = "http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/knifehome.html"> right here</a> if you want to take a look. You should also be able to get brass rods for pins at the hardware store, as well as sandpaper (you'll want to have 60 grit, possibly, but definitely 220, 320, 400, and 600. YOu can also get Devcon 2 Ton epoxy there..
 
I'm confused. Why will it have a clip if it's a replica of the knife in the open position?

This is probably your plan already, but make it a slab-tang and just put scales on it. I'd just lay the Endura down on a sheet of 3/16" aluminum and scratch the profile, then (assuming no belt sander or band saw) hacksaw off as much as possible and go after the rest with a 10" machinist's file. I wouldn't worry about the blade hole or bevel, as this thing will need all the forward weight it can get to feel like an Endura while made of aluminum. Start your handle scales in really thin (1/8") dymondwood or micarta, because you don't want to have to thin them with hand tools and an Endura's not very thick. That's it for now and good luck!

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Thanks everyone for the replies... I'm definetely looking forward to getting started on this.

Alan: I'll email you...

Chiro75: I think I went to this page before. Very nice results. I like the maroon handle as well
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Corduroy: my reason for the clip was to make the trainer as realistic feeling as possible. I wasn't planning on clipping it to my person
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The weight is one of my concerns.. I'd like to at least keep the hole, and I was looking forward to doing the bevel (After all, it seems kinda easy without those)

We'll see how it goes.. I'll probably have a few beta copies before I do one I'm happy with
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...tm
 
One other option..
Photocopy the knife and mail it to me.
Don Juvet
po box 802
Somerset CA 95684
I can digitize it and cut it out of ??? (I run a CNC type machine) I don't have any aluminum right now but have plenty of oak, mahogony, birch... It will probably be a little bulkier (not heavier) than the Endura, but, might suit your need. I have done this with a tanto I made for myself and a friend. Fighting knife & practice knife set.
Cost...I like to trade for something
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If you go for it and don't like it send it back, no problems.
Anyone else interested it doesn't have to be a production knife E-mail me
 
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