Looking for the right steel.

[Knifemakersmurf]

ShopTalk is like a 24/7 grind-in, chock full of decades of experience from every style of knifemaking you can think of. We will bend over backwards to help you... if you let us. If not, you'll just get frustrated and fade away like so many others that have come and gone.

It would appear so.

Thank you all for the responses. I think I have what I came for. As I said previously I am merely at the information gathering portion of this project. Plus, it is to cold for me to start knife making anytime soon. But, for the time I think I have the answer I was looking for. It is more than likely going to be months before I get started on this project. But when I do and I have problems I will come back and ask and maybe post a pic of what I make.

-Smurf

 

[Knifemakersmurf]

What is your experience with hiking, hunting, camping, wilderness skills and such outdoor stuff? What sort of country do you intend to use this knife in? How many days do you plan to be out at a time? You say you have other knives to be getting on with, do you have other cutting tools that you carry with you when out?

I just thought I would try and answer some of Chris' questions and I hope it is not taken negatively. I do live in the United States and that is where I intend to use this knife. I really will more than likely not use it anywhere else in the world. I do not do a great deal of traveling. I have not been on a plane in 18ish years. But, from what I have heard having any sort of knife on your person in an Airport is probably going to get me into trouble. I do not know if I can put it into luggage or not. But, it is probably not going to be in any other country. Unless I start selling knives and then ship it overseas. I hike, hunt and camp from time to time. I can't say it is every weekend. I would say a few times a year and I have knives that work well enough for those purposes. Meaning I do not necessarily need any knew knives or bladed items of any sort. Which, is actually why I have set my expectations incredibly high. I actually have plenty of pieces of metal lying around that can do most everything I need. Now ,saying that, I can not say that any of my knives of any real value. I am not what you would call a "knife" collector. They cut and that is pretty much all I can say for them. As far as "other tool" I would carry with me when out. I usually have a Pocket knife of some sort with me. Pretty much all the time. Which is actually one of the good things about that state I live it. I can pretty much carry any knife I would like to carry. By law I allowed a blade 5 inches or less of pretty much any type. Excluding Ballistic Knives. But as long as I have a permit. I can carry anything. I can strap a sword to my back and walk around with it. Not something I would do. Just because it might draw a lot of attention. But, it's legal.


But, basically, This knife is really just something I have been setting my sights on to spend the time. I have set my expectations as high as I can expect. But, making it is really just a way of not being one of those people that just sit on their ass all day and watch tv. If you are one of those people. Do not take offense I have spent many a day sitting on my ass watching TV. I just try and find other things to do.

But, trust me I do not have a stack of lumber in my backyard right now that just has to be chopped with a knife or sword or some other bladed item made by own two hands.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Guys, Smurf isn't really looking for information, he is just having fun on a knife forum. My suggestion is that you all just stop responding.

Smurf,
There is all the info you will need to make a knife in the stickys. The folks who have tried to help you get started have hundreds of years of experience in total. They know what you don't know ( and worse - what you think you know).
If you want to make knives, get a bar of 1084, make a knife with files and sandpaper, HT it at home or send it to someone, and finish the knife. If that gets you going , make more, including a stainless survival knife. I suggest CPM-154 as a good general task stainless blade.
Forget the 45° flex...that is a silly thing that has no use or meaning in a real knife.....especially a survival knife.

If you really want to make a knife, draw some sketches and post them for help in getting a good design and build plan.