Knife stencil material in case of...

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
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I was making a pattern of my latest knife out of cheap cutting board the other day and I suddenly thought that if there was a fire in the shop or some other destructive event, I would loose all my patterns. I think I will make patterns out of steel instead.

What do you guys use and is saving copies an issue for you or you just don't care about that?

Patrice
 
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I have mine stored on the computer to be printed when I need one, but these could be lost as well if there was a fire. Nothing is 100% disaster proof.
 
I don't generally keep patterns, just drawings. I make a copy of the drawing and make a pattern of it as needed.
 
I use clear lexan about 3/16 thick, very easy to bandsaw and very easy to sand.
Plus doesnt rust and you will never be tempted to make a knife out of it like when I was using steel as a template.
Chris
 
I have a couple dozen saved cut from brass and aluminum. They are real handy to use as a template when forging to shape because they dont burn. I think if there was a shop fire I would have more concerns than just templates.
 
I've had good luck going to signmaker shops and getting scrap white plexi/acrylic sheet from them to use. I also keep hand drawings in a folder that I make copies of and use the copies to glue to the plastic. I figure it's nice to have a paper, plastic, and even computer copy. Never really worried too much about a fire, or if I did, it was more like Mr. Bump; I was thinking of my tools!
 
What's wrong with steel? I don't have my basic patterns "perfected" quite yet, but I was thinking once I do, I'll just make one of each, profiled and drilled appropriately, harden and temper them (no need to bevel, etc), and be good.
 
James_Terrio said:
What's wrong with steel? I don't have my basic patterns "perfected" quite yet, but I was thinking once I do, I'll just make one of each, profiled and drilled appropriately, harden and temper them (no need to bevel, etc), and be good.
Click to expand...

Yep that's what I'll do, maybe minus the heat treat though.

Thanks all for your input.

Pat
 
Yeah, on second thought there's really no need to HT a template. Sometimes I type faster than I think :o :foot:
 
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