New here....My first attempt...comments welcomed

allwayzfishin

allwayzfishin

Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
30
Hello Everyone,

I recently decided to try and make a knife out of an old Nicholson file that lost it's swagger. I had a vise, a hacksaw, cordless drill, some other files that still could cut, some sandpaper and a mousepad. I made a little coffee can forge with a propane torch and ashes from the fire place. The handle is virgin maple from a hardwood floor I recently installed. I read a little about the annealing process and heat treating 1095. So, I annealed the file and got to work. After many hours of filing I had what looked like a knife. I then took the file knife to some sand paper on the mosepad and started to get a convex going. When I got close to a sharp edge, I fired up that little forge and heated up the blade to non-magnetic, let it soak for about 5 min, and quenched it immediatly into some veggie oil for a 1..2..3..4..5...pull...1..2..3..4..5..back in for another 5 seconds and did this until cool to the touch. I then sanded the blade to get it semi polished and stuck it in the oven at 400 for one hr and let it air cool, then back in for another hr at 425. When cool, I polished the blade again and honed the edge to razor sharp. Then I used some 2 ton epoxy and aluminum nails to attach the scales. I then proceeded to sand that little handle all night long till it was down to 1000 grit. After that I let it soak in linseed oil overnight. I awoke that next morning to find that this file knife looked pretty darn cool for my first attempt with basic tools. The edge retention is surprisingly pretty good. I batoned thru some oak, made some fuzzy sticks and it throws sparks with the ferro rod. No rolls in the edge and still shaving hairs. I got some praise from my family and friends, and then was asked to make one for my brother, one for my fishing buddy, one for my backpacking group i hang with. Now my Dad wants one. Now, I am not the person to say no, BUT, this was a long process. I actually quite enjoyed making it. I am now in the process of trying to find a grinder to speed things up. So I was on Cleveland Craigslist and found a Blademaster 2x72 for sale, but was sold to a member here just a few days ago:(...Anyways, I found a older 3 wheel craftsman 2x42 for 90 bucks and bought it. So now I think I have a opened up a can of worms. Today I went online and ordered some belts, kydex, ferro rods, more files and Aldo sent me some steel. Thanks again Aldo!!! Well, I think I will be busy for awhile. Hey, couple questions for you all...

I dont see the "go advanced" to upload pics, anyway to remedy that? I would like to share some photos...

Any comments or tips on grinding freehand with a old 3 wheel craftsman?

Any makers close to Mentor, Ohio?

Thanks, and by the way, this forum is very informative. Keep up the good work fellas. Ill post some more pics of future work when in progress.

Take Care and god bless,
Adam

http://s1169.photobucket.com/albums/r520/all4corbs/
 
Last edited:
Ha! The knife making bug got you! There is no known cure, but welcome to the fold and congratulations on your first knife.

Paul
 
Paul-

Ive been thinking about doing a leather sheath for my father. Im not sure a good source of tooling leather. Any recommendations? I have some leather sewing needles and waxed thread somewhere in a box around the basement. Never made a sheath before, but I learn quickly. Yup, I think I have been bit by the bug.

Chris-

Thanks for the kind words. It was alot of filing and sanding, but in the end, quite satisfying.

Im going to upgraded to a paid member sometime this week so I can post pics easier. I feel the info on this site is worth every penny.

Thanks Guys,
Adam
 
Congrats on your first knife,it turned out nice!Like Paul said,your hooked now,no turning back!Go to Blade Magazines website and order the 2012 Knives Annual.Not only will it give you a case of knife overload,it has a knifemakers by state directory in the back.You should be able to find a maker within driving distance from you that will invite you to visit and help you along.Sure is easier than going it alone.Good luck and hang in there!Also Tandy is a good source of leather,then when your skills improve try Wickett and Craig.
 
that's good info john. i am new to this site and learning a ton. i have tried google to search for knifemakers in VT, but only got one hit. i will get that Knife Annual.

adam, your subject drew me to this thread, as i am also new to this site. very cool post. funny....i was just talking to a buddy of mine this morning....told him i was thinking about getting a custom knife. and, his response was, "wanna make one?" i told him i didn't have the tools to do it. and he promptly replied that his dad did and has made a couple knives himself and that he loves to be able to show people his interests. who knew? i might take him up on it though...especially, after reading your story.

congrats on your new knife.
 
Thanks for taking interest in this thread TPVT...

That file knife just released some talent I didnt know if even had. Well, I have a 01 little bird and trout ground up and in the oven tempering as I type this. Looks to be like a nice functional design. Ill post some pics when complete. I need some sheathing material tho. These knives are gonna pile up quick. Its all i think about. Design sketches on everything at work now too, lol....Anyways, just go for it. I wish I had someone close that wanted to make knives together, let alone use their tools to boot. Im sure your knife will come out great. Just pay attention, safety first....Good luck Bud!!!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top