Fred.Rowe
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- May 2, 2004
- Messages
- 6,848
If you make hidden tang knives, this is one way for you to realize your project, as you planned it.
I purchase filing folders by the box, from the local office supply.
When I get an idea for a new knife, I place a folder atop the work table and draw the blade. The shoulders of the drawn blade are positioned against the "center fold" of the file folder.
Sometimes I forge and finish the blade first, and then place the shoulders against the crease in the folder and draw around it.
Place the blade atop the drawing and draw the profile of the tang on the folder paper.
Now I can design the handle using the completed drawing showing the position of the blade and tang.
Once I am satisfied with the blade/handle combination, I make a small incision, in the folder paper, at the crease and slip the tang of the blade through the slot. Instead of looking at a two dimensional drawing and envisioning the handle that goes best with the blade, I use the actual blade. Personally, I see a lot more when I can look at the actual blade.
It's at this point that I can tweak the handle so as to get it, "just rite"
Over the years I have found that this technique, improves the flow, from tip to butt, of the knives I make.
Another benefit of using folders to lay out your work; when you have completed the knife, you can file the knife folder for future projects.
As you can see on the folder pictured, they are good for mixing epoxy on also.
Fred
I purchase filing folders by the box, from the local office supply.
When I get an idea for a new knife, I place a folder atop the work table and draw the blade. The shoulders of the drawn blade are positioned against the "center fold" of the file folder.
Sometimes I forge and finish the blade first, and then place the shoulders against the crease in the folder and draw around it.
Place the blade atop the drawing and draw the profile of the tang on the folder paper.
Now I can design the handle using the completed drawing showing the position of the blade and tang.
Once I am satisfied with the blade/handle combination, I make a small incision, in the folder paper, at the crease and slip the tang of the blade through the slot. Instead of looking at a two dimensional drawing and envisioning the handle that goes best with the blade, I use the actual blade. Personally, I see a lot more when I can look at the actual blade.
It's at this point that I can tweak the handle so as to get it, "just rite"
Over the years I have found that this technique, improves the flow, from tip to butt, of the knives I make.
Another benefit of using folders to lay out your work; when you have completed the knife, you can file the knife folder for future projects.
As you can see on the folder pictured, they are good for mixing epoxy on also.
Fred
Last edited:
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