My first knife.

G

gibs

Joined
Jun 24, 2013
Messages
4
I started looking into knife making over the summer. At the time I was obsessed with Peter Carey's folding knives. To be honest, I still am... The problem was that they are way out of my price range for something I'd be afraid to actually carry and use. So, I decided to put money into buying tools and building my own knives instead. :)

I have no machining experience, but I've always been handy and have had other hobbies that lend themselves to this sort of work. I purchased a belt grinder (LB1000), and already had other necessities like a drill press, spindle sander, etc...

Below is the result. I had to go through two rough drafts before completing one that I'm pleased with. And, I will freely admit, I'm very happy with the results. It opens buttery smooth, locks up tight, and stays closed securely. It's CPM154 hardened to RC 61, .066 TI liners, AKS 3/16 pivot, G10 scales, and a clip I had from another project.

I hope you like it as much as I do. :)

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very nice, going straight to folders takes some confidence, and to make one that slick takes skill. congrats. how did you hold your blade while grinding?
 
Great Job!

I started making knives for the same reason. I couldn't justify the cost of a knife with high end blade steel. I think my first knife cost me about $2K after purchasing a grinder. :)

Keep up the good work. You've got the eye for smooth lines and smooth handle edges.

Mike L.
 
That knife would be great as a #10 or #20 let alone it being your first. Congrats on a fine job!!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Jay
 
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I'll follow up with others as I go. If I'm lucky, things will slow down a bit at work and I'll have some more time to work on a few more progressions.

mike-E said:
very nice, going straight to folders takes some confidence, and to make one that slick takes skill. congrats. how did you hold your blade while grinding?
Click to expand...

I made a jig from an aluminum bar to assist with keeping even angles. I'm working on freehand grinding, but I think it will be a long while before I'd be happy with the outcome. I'm way too anal to deal with things not being exact. I've actually done some more cleaning up of the brush lines on the blade after taking these photos, as well as polishing up the pivot area on the blade and liners, for a smoother action.

I'm actually really excited for versions 2 and 3 of this knife since I know some techniques I'll adjust to make things easier or better.
 
that is a good looking folder, and even more impressive that it is your first
 
Looks super nice.
Any reason you decided to go for hidden backspaces/standoff construction?
 
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