My first true attempt at knife making (WIP)

[Grease]

About a month ago I decided to try my hand at knife making. I'd modified the shapes of a couple cheap blades before, but this is the first time I've started with a blank chunk of steel and shaped it into a knife. I started with a piece of ATS34, 12 inches long by 1 & 1/2 inches wide and 1/8th inch thick. Drew out a rough shape I liked, then started grinding away.

After a few changes and a lot of grinding & sanding, I sent it off to get it heat treated. I got it back a couple days ago, and after some sanding and sharpening, this is how far I've gotten;

The blade is about 7 inches - I left the steel the same length and width. The edge I put on it isn't exactly pretty, and probably won't be even after I polish it up, but it's functional and tough. It's almost like a convex saber grind.

 

[jakeyjake4528]

Looks like it would get the job done. Whats the handle material?

 

[Grease]

Looks like it would get the job done. Whats the handle material?

1/4 thick Micarta scales, shaped by hand with a grinder and sandpaper. (That stuff tastes nasty, btw. Don't breath the dust that comes off when sanding it )

 

[ConBon]

You got more balls than me right now! I want to make something, and will probably go with a small wharncliff shape chisel grind. I just need a good chunk of change for grinding wheels, sanding belts, a belt sander from harbour freight, some super fine psa sandpaper (a nice finish will make people overlook the other more crude features), steel, money for a ht, scales, screws, liners... I don't even want to start making knives at this point.

Keep at it!
Connor

 

[RATlover]

That looks like it would kill a few zombies. Every knife you do will only get better. I learn something new every time im at the bench.

 

[Grease]

I've definitely learned a few things off this one. Like, how useful a clamp would be to hold the blade while I grind the edge.