Hi all, This Is my first attempt at knife building with steel that I actually know what it is composed of. I took the advice of many and went with 0-1 Tool Steel for my first try. I used 3/16" x 1 3/4" and did a full flat grind
I dont have a temperature gauge and only used a magnet but there was a huge difference in hardness (as tested with file) after quenching which made me think I did that part right. I tempered the steel the best I could with what I had but im not so sure about that part of the process. I put some black linen micarta handle scales on and some brass in between. Pinned and peened with 1/8" and 3/16" brass rod with epoxy and finished with 600 grit.
Overall Im pleased with the form and function of the knife so far, but the way the edge stays razor sharp after A LOT of abuse leads me to believe that I did something wrong during tempering and its going to be too brittle and will break over time. But live and learn. I will use it for light work.
I dont have a temperature gauge and only used a magnet but there was a huge difference in hardness (as tested with file) after quenching which made me think I did that part right. I tempered the steel the best I could with what I had but im not so sure about that part of the process. I put some black linen micarta handle scales on and some brass in between. Pinned and peened with 1/8" and 3/16" brass rod with epoxy and finished with 600 grit.
Overall Im pleased with the form and function of the knife so far, but the way the edge stays razor sharp after A LOT of abuse leads me to believe that I did something wrong during tempering and its going to be too brittle and will break over time. But live and learn. I will use it for light work.
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