My first knife WIP

[Luke DeBee]

I cut out a knife blank from a circular saw blade. I know this is not the best way to make a knife because the steel is unknown. As I ground it out with a Dremel the sparks seemed to indicate that it had enough carbon in it to take a shot in the dark.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_testing

Here is the blank, a basic shape - nothing to fancy for my first try.

Because of the encouragement over at BushcraftUSA and the help from a friend who hardened the steel, I decided to actually keep on with making my first knife.

Today I started working on the scales. I used some of the oak scraps I have around. I want to do the best I can, but my overall expectation is to learn as I go. I like the process of making something for yourself, using your hands, and learning from the experience; rather than just buying what I need.

Here is a pic of cutting the oak in half for the scales. I used a scroll saw with a fence, although the fence is not in the pic.

I traced the blank...

Put some more lines in to help me stay focused on keeping the scroll saw blade on the outside of the line.

This shows the scales after I drilled the holes for the pins on a neighbor's drill press.

The 3/16" hole will be for a lanyard if I want it. The pin holes are both 1/4". The shot also shows the brass rod I'll use in the next step.

That's all for now. I welcome comments I value the knowledge and advice of others.

Luke DeBee

 

[Robert Dark]

Luke,

Be aware that a 1/4" pin won't go into a 1/4" hole.

Try an "F" sized bit (.2570) and for the 3/16", maybe a number "12" (.1890).

Other than that, at this point..... good luck.

Robert

 

[Shawn fu]

First off Welcome to BF-And secondly welcome to your new addiction
It seems that you are off to a great start-I truly admire the learn as you go mentality-It's what works for me too!
Thanks for taking the time to share and keep us posted on your progress:thumbup::thumbup:

Shawn

 

[Darrin Sanders]

Don't forget to shape the front of your scales before you epoxy them on.

 

[Luke DeBee]

Don't forget to shape the front of your scales before you epoxy them on.

Ok Thanks

 

[Luke DeBee]

Luke,

Be aware that a 1/4" pin won't go into a 1/4" hole.

Try an "F" sized bit (.2570) and for the 3/16", maybe a number "12" (.1890).

Other than that, at this point..... good luck.

Robert

Robert,

Here's what I did...After I drilled the 1/4 " holes in the blank. I used my hand drill with the same bit and the wiggled the bit around in the hole to open it up a little more. Now the brass fits through nice and snug.

Thanks

LDB

 

[tedinatl]

It's also not very clear from the pics you posted, but you want to make sure the blade is completely finished (minus the final edge) before you glue the scales on. It's very difficult to finish a blade with scales already attached.

 

[Luke DeBee]

It's also not very clear from the pics you posted, but you want to make sure the blade is completely finished (minus the final edge) before you glue the scales on. It's very difficult to finish a blade with scales already attached.

Thanks

 

[Luke DeBee]

It's also not very clear from the pics you posted, but you want to make sure the blade is completely finished (minus the final edge) before you glue the scales on. It's very difficult to finish a blade with scales already attached.

Thanks

 

[Maaso]

sparks seemed to indicate that it had enough carbon in it to take a shot in the dark.

I watched the 30-day long How Its Made marathon, and they said most saw blades are made from L6 high-carbon steel. Then mentioned something about how it's the same kind of steel used to make modern day swords with. So I think you should be in good shape with that steel.

Anywho, I'm just wondering how worn out that blade is? One would imagine a well used and worn out saw blade has undergone hundreds of tempering cycles and would make a good knife blade.

 

[Darrin Sanders]

If it is L-6 it will make a very tough usable knife. The only drawback to L-6 is that it will rust by just looking at it crosseyed. Just take a little time to clean it regularly and it will give many years of service even if it don't stay nice and shiny.

 

[godspeed]

Oak looks really good if you scorch it with a propane torch before you start sanding. Try a test piece and see if you like it.

 

[Luke DeBee]

If it is L-6 it will make a very tough usable knife. The only drawback to L-6 is that it will rust by just looking at it crosseyed. Just take a little time to clean it regularly and it will give many years of service even if it don't stay nice and shiny.

I appreciate all the ideas. Please keep them coming. I'm learning as I go.

Luke deBee

 

[RyanW]

It might be easier for you to drill out the lanyard Hole like you did the 1/4" for brass rods, and use 1/4" Tubing as your Lanyard. will add strength and wear better than just holes in the Scales... Looks like you are well on your way!