Making a small blade for light use, still in "beta".

[Caleb M.]

I'm am currently working on a prototype blade, that I can carry almost anywhere. It about four inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. I am going to Seattle for a school trip soon, so I can't carry my Mini Grip with me. I used a propane torch, chisel, hammer, a file, and a large chunk of steel (used as an anvil). I will call my creation, "The Midge". Tell me what you think, or if you have any design improvements, let me know.

 

[Hesparus]

The picture's not very good, so it's hard to see certain details, like the quality of the finish or exactly where the edge is. What type of steel is it? What did you or do you plan to do for the HT? What types of tasks do you intend to do with this knife? Do you plan to put any kind of handle on it? Look up "kiridashi" and it may give you some ideas about design improvements. Also, if you're going on a school trip that won't allow you to carry a folder, they probably wouldn't like it if you brought a fixed blade, no matter how small.

- Chris

 

[Caleb M.]

The picture's not very good, so it's hard to see certain details, like the quality of the finish or exactly where the edge is. What type of steel is it? What did you or do you plan to do for the HT? What types of tasks do you intend to do with this knife? Do you plan to put any kind of handle on it? Look up "kiridashi" and it may give you some ideas about design improvements. Also, if you're going on a school trip that won't allow you to carry a folder, they probably wouldn't like it if you brought a fixed blade, no matter how small.

- Chris

It is stainless steel, that I got from a buddy. There is no or finish yet, just an outline. I don't know what I will do for the HT. I don't plan on a handle but I may use waxed thread.I plan on using it to open parcels and cutting string. I will definitely look that up. My honors lit. teacher just doesn't want me to have a visible blade or accessory. He is fine with a small key chain size knife.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Is it already hardened? If so, what did you use the torch for?

If it's not already heat treated you're gonna need to send it out for HT, that or start over with a simple to HT steel like 1084. Otherwise you could just put an edge on it and plan on a very light use tool.

This is 1095 and it makes a great neck knife.

It's a very simple kiridashi design that holds an edge, and is handy for what it sounds like you need.

The "handle" is paracord (without the core) that has been epoxy soaked. It's light and doesn't add much thickness, but it's better than no wrap.

 

[Hesparus]

Do you know what kind of stainless steel it is? There are far more types of stainless steel that are not suitable for blades than there are types that are suitable for blades. Assuming it is cutlery grade, it will not be possible to heat treat it properly without knowing what type it is. Since all stainless steels are air hardening, if you got it much past red with a torch and were still able to work it with a file, you don't have cutlery grade steel.

- Chris

P.s. Great kiridashi, Strigamort!

 

[Caleb M.]

Do you know what kind of stainless steel it is? There are far more types of stainless steel that are not suitable for blades than there are types that are suitable for blades. Assuming it is cutlery grade, it will not be possible to heat treat it properly without knowing what type it is. Since all stainless steels are air hardening, if you got it much past red with a torch and were still able to work it with a file, you don't have cutlery grade steel.

- Chris

P.s. Great kiridashi, Strigamort!

Chris, thanks for being helpful. I got it up to almost cherry red, which was hard to work even from that point. I also like the idea of the Kiridashi, that would be perfect for what I would use it for!