My first tries with mild steel

Stromberg Knives

Stromberg Knives

strombergknives.com
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Jan 3, 2015
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Hi! Just wanted to show you my first staggering steps at making knives. These are just of mild steel and wood I had laying around the shop. I really love the process, there are so many ways to improve and hopefully (eventually) develop some decent knife making skills.

I just got myself a gas forge, so my next step will involve heat treating. Very exciting!

Have a nice weekend!

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Those are good looking knife shaped objects! Bummer you didn't use good steel, you cold have heat treated them and had awesome knives instead of decorations! Get some knife steel and keep it up!
 
Thank you, but you're right. I'm just going through all steps of the process. I'm trying to get the hang of the most basic bolster techniques now. But I've got some good steel now and will be trying my first heat treat this weekend.
 
Nice work! I really like the lines on all of hem and well done on the execution.
 
As has been said, too bad it wasn't with a steel that could be hardened.
But I say try them out a bit anyway. :)

Many people's kitchen knives are quite soft anyway, and our distant ancestors cut wood with copper, bronze, and iron...mild steel will cut something. ;)

Looking good. :thumbup:
 
Great work !
Stay with it and show us some in knife making steel. You work on those will certainly be seen in the new ones.
Frank
 
Looking really good.

I hate it that some makers advise people to practice with mild steel first. Basic knife steel is not expensive, and even if the product looks like garbage, at least you have something that can then be used to cut stuff. What else are you going to trim the edges of your sanding discs with? Then when someone has real talent, like you clearly do, it is a real shame.

At any rate, you're off to an excellent start, and based on these I'm sure you will be making beautiful knives in no time.
 
Very impressive for a beginner. I agree with the others. It is time to make some real knives. You have a good eye for line and proportion which will serve you well. The only thing I would mention for your consideration would be to either continue a swedge like the one you have in the last picture upwards and off the top of the blade or to make the plunge where it begins much more gentle in the curve. The abrupt curve of the one you have now can be a sticking point or hinder penetrating thrusts.
 
Yeah, those look pretty decent. If you'd used good steel you might have sold them to fund more materials. :thumbup:
 
Thanks for all feedback. It really inspires me to continue this new and exciting hobby.

Good point about the swedge. I will try it on my next knife.

Thanks again. Now it's time to get in the workshop and practice. It's 09.00 here in Sweden and it's a lovely day.
 
Nice grinder. You know everything in that room is going to get covered with metal dust, right?
 
Allow me to take an opposing view on use of mild steel - when the mild steel can be picked up as free scrap it's good to learn the early stages of grinding. I'd never thought about actually making a finished "knife shaped object" with the practice steel. Those knifes look good enough there was no need to use practice steel. They are good looking knives for sure.

On the swedge on the bottom knife - I like the looks of the bump. I use it on folders a good bit and have received many complements on the appearance. Now, for a fighting knife - yes, you want a smooth transition for better penetration.

That's an interesting grinder you've got - since it looks portable, I'd guess you carry it outside for serious grinding? How about a photo of other side?

Ken H>
 
Ken H> said:
Allow me to take an opposing view on use of mild steel - when the mild steel can be picked up as free scrap it's good to learn the early stages of grinding.
Click to expand...

I agree Ken. I've often encouraged new makers to practice some different grinds and techniques on mild steel, because it can be picked up, either for free, or next to nothing from a scrap yard or fabricating shop.
Not only that, but when you're done, you have a pattern to repeat it on a known knife grade steel, and the pattern will give you a much closer representation of the final feel of the knife than using some other lighter material.

Definitely looks like the OP is ready to start using some 1084 or similar though... Keep up the good work!
 
Ken H> said:
Allow me to take an opposing view on use of mild steel - when the mild steel can be picked up as free scrap it's good to learn the early stages of grinding. I'd never thought about actually making a finished "knife shaped object" with the practice steel. Those knifes look good enough there was no need to use practice steel. They are good looking knives for sure.

On the swedge on the bottom knife - I like the looks of the bump. I use it on folders a good bit and have received many complements on the appearance. Now, for a fighting knife - yes, you want a smooth transition for better penetration.

That's an interesting grinder you've got - since it looks portable, I'd guess you carry it outside for serious grinding? How about a photo of other side?

Ken H>
Click to expand...

Yes, I tried to build it so it could be carried outside when the weather is getting better.

Here's a pic from the other side.

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Dude...... That's some sweet work you've done there!!! Really you've got a good eye for your first few knives. Get yourself some good steel and keep At it. You'll be one to watch.

Jay
 
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