Making first knife- Questions

[Pvt.snoballz]

Hi, ive been interested in trying to make my own blade and have seen that some people are able to get ahold of stock sheets (ie. 1095 or 1084 steel). I was wondering if instead of actually forging a knife i would be able to just buy some stock, design the blade/ profile, cut it out then id need help from you guys as to what steps follow that.

Im not sure if i have to try and make and edge on it and THEN send for heat treating somewhere or do the edge afterwards...

Im just trying to find the cheapest method...classes start up again at the end of august and i think itd be a good way to keep myself busy.
Thanks for your wisdom!

also, if anyone can give me an idea as to where i could send it to be heat treated and whatnot and more or less the price that'd be great too!

 

[NWA]

I would start out on some low carbon steel. Make a design you like, you could even grind the profile on it to see how it would really look.

Then, get a pc of...say A-2 ( if you are gonna send it out for HT) trace your mild steel knife on the A-2 steel and work away. This way, if you ever want to make that same design again you will have a steel template to refer back to.

If you want to purchase some A-2, give me a call 1-800-638-7986 I can sell you a pc of A-2 that is 1/8"x1 1/2"x36" for $25.50. I am recomending this steel because you said you were gonna send it out for HT.

Have a good one, and hopefully that helps out a bit.
Nick

 

[TekSec]

Check out this thread
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=607967

Also read the stickies (top posts) at the top of Question and Answers, more information than you can ever take in. Also you can fill out your profile with your location and such so maybe you can find a maker near you that would be willing to do some hands on. Welcome to BladeForums!

 

[Pvt.snoballz]

NWA i called and spoke with your father in law? i think lol
anyways, i reallu appreciate the offer and will take you up on it soon but i wanted to ask you a few questions to clarify a couple of things, that and i need to wait for my next paycheck lol.

Thank you guys for the help!