My first two knives

[ClosetotheEdge]

I recently attempted to make a couple knives from old files. I had zero knowledge about knife making and minimal tools but it was a fun challenge.

What do you think? any advice for a new guy?

This was the first one.

Here is number 2. It needs to be cleaned up...still some tung oil on the guard.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Welcome to Shop Talk.
Filling out your profile can help us help you.

Those are good first knives.

The only thing that might be a problem is the short tang length on the riveted handle knife. It could split the handle if any pressure was exerted when cutting hard. A full tang that goes all the way up the handle is much better.
The second blade is a hidden tang ( AKA - Stick Tang), and if the tang goes 1/2 way up the handle, it should be fine. Is the mosaic rivet in the actual tang, or just decorative?

 

[Shawn Hatcher]

Congrats on finishing your first (and second!). :thumbup:

 

[ClosetotheEdge]

Welcome to Shop Talk.
Filling out your profile can help us help you.

Those are good first knives.

The only thing that might be a problem is the short tang length on the riveted handle knife. It could split the handle if any pressure was exerted when cutting hard. A full tang that goes all the way up the handle is much better.
The second blade is a hidden tang ( AKA - Stick Tang), and if the tang goes 1/2 way up the handle, it should be fine. Is the mosaic rivet in the actual tang, or just decorative?

Thanks . I appreciate the advice. The tang on the first knife does actually run the length of the handle. Because of the taper in the file I used, I was not able to do a full tang the entire length(had to work with what was available). On the second knife the tang runs about 3/4 of the length and stops right before the mosaic pin. I made the pin myself so I wanted to see how fitting in a handle worked.

I started editing my profile and will finish it up later this afternoon. Thanks again.

 

[Varga Knives]

Great job! I especially like the second one .

 

[Roadracer_Al]

I started making knives by grinding hard files. That's a tough row to hoe. Just wait until you start working on new stock that comes annealed -- it's really a pleasure. Unless you have some way to heat the knife and maintain a temperature, sending out for heat treating is a good way to move your craft forward without getting discouraged and bogged down with technical troubles.

 

[ClosetotheEdge]

Thanks guys for the positive feedback.

Roadracer, I am planning on ordering some steel and sending those out for heat treat. Any suggestions in PA?

I also started working on this neck knife and was thinking about wrapping the handle in wax thread. Yay or Nay? I still need to clean up the blade and attempt a charcoal forge, heat treat.... but I was just testing the wrap idea.