milesofalaska
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2010
- Messages
- 514
Meteorite blades sell well. However, I have trouble making a blade just to look at. Meteorite is not a good metal for a functional knife. I decided to experiment by putting good steel on a meteorite edge. The meteorite would just be for looks and part of the knife story. One advantage is to use less of the expensive meteorites and have a use for odd shapes. I'm still learning what works and what does not. However feel I have come a long way. Off in my own direction into unchartered waters.
Below is my latest. Meterotie, 1095 edge, Lost wax cast Indian face guard (from Yukon river barge propeller) Local fire killed birch burl with copper inlay (to match the copper in the blade)
Below is a beginning concept, insert a meteorite shard into a blade. Welding was suggested. However, only one type of meteorite welds ok. Ok did not seem good enough and I was not satisfied. I'm also not a great welder. I found brazing was stronger, using a lower temperature and bonding with the nickel in the meteorite chemically better. Did not stress the metals as bad in preparation for heat treat.
Below are two blades using this concept
I acid etched the carbon steel with designs in a separate step. Torch harden the edge I(difficult without melting the brass and copper, but possible. ) I used Damascus steel instead of 1095 and the patterns look good with the meteorite below
I end up with a rough rustic look, which is ok, and sells, but trying to practice enough to get a more refined look. More of an art form than a science. trying to go by color to the nearest 10 degrees. I did learn something useful to pass along. Etching meteorites can be frustrating. Using alcohol and nitic acid (about a thimble full of acid per cup of alcohol) I find is the only way to go, no use even fooling with any other idea. Mystery to me why the acid and acetone or water do not work. I etch the carbon steel in a separate step with nitic and muriatic mix. Yea Radio Shack Curcuit Boaed etchant works I guess ok, but geez strong acids are so much more fun. And if we are not having fun, why are we making knives? Um, there's a lot of magic spells, potions and stuff involved.
I have a web site with more pictures, links to how to video, and 'all that.' My web site links to more pics and how to video etcwww.mileofalaska.com
Below is my latest. Meterotie, 1095 edge, Lost wax cast Indian face guard (from Yukon river barge propeller) Local fire killed birch burl with copper inlay (to match the copper in the blade)
Below is a beginning concept, insert a meteorite shard into a blade. Welding was suggested. However, only one type of meteorite welds ok. Ok did not seem good enough and I was not satisfied. I'm also not a great welder. I found brazing was stronger, using a lower temperature and bonding with the nickel in the meteorite chemically better. Did not stress the metals as bad in preparation for heat treat.
Below are two blades using this concept
I acid etched the carbon steel with designs in a separate step. Torch harden the edge I(difficult without melting the brass and copper, but possible. ) I used Damascus steel instead of 1095 and the patterns look good with the meteorite below
I end up with a rough rustic look, which is ok, and sells, but trying to practice enough to get a more refined look. More of an art form than a science. trying to go by color to the nearest 10 degrees. I did learn something useful to pass along. Etching meteorites can be frustrating. Using alcohol and nitic acid (about a thimble full of acid per cup of alcohol) I find is the only way to go, no use even fooling with any other idea. Mystery to me why the acid and acetone or water do not work. I etch the carbon steel in a separate step with nitic and muriatic mix. Yea Radio Shack Curcuit Boaed etchant works I guess ok, but geez strong acids are so much more fun. And if we are not having fun, why are we making knives? Um, there's a lot of magic spells, potions and stuff involved.
I have a web site with more pictures, links to how to video, and 'all that.' My web site links to more pics and how to video etcwww.mileofalaska.com