new to blade making. grind or forge?

T

tpende

Joined
Dec 25, 2010
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Hello everyone! Im a machinist/ fabricator and naturally I've wanted to make my own knife for several years. Well I didn't want stainless, because as a machinist im obligated to hate it, and Im guessing I can get better edge and toughness out of carbon steel. So lastnight I ordered up a 1/4X2X36 chunk of 5160. Well im thinking I shoul have done more homework because its sounding like 5160 is more for forging. I was hoping I could cut the shape grind the edge on the surface grinder, whip up whatever handle I fancy and good to go. Can I do this or does 5160 need to be heat treated? Btw im shooting for a 4" drop point survival knife.
 
First.. Welcome!

Head on over to the maker's section and you'll find out more than you can think of on how to make a knife.
All steel needs heat treating to hold an edge.
 
I second everything Stuart said - thr maker's section is an invaluable source of how-to info. Welcome again to the forums.

Roger
 
5160 is not a bad steel to start with. You don't need to forge it to get a great knife. Stock removal will do just as well.

Really, the heat treat is where it becomes a knife.

Lots and lots of great makers make both forged and stock removal 5160 knives.
 
I use 5160, and only do stock removal. It's a good choice.
 
Can I do this or does 5160 need to be heat treated?
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Yes, and it will need to be heat treated, any steel you choose will need it.

Welcome and like said, head over to the maker's section.
 
Take lots of pictures so we can see the method you create and follow. Yes lots of good advice and "how to" threads over in the makers section!
 
Thanks guys! Oops sorry about posting in the wrong section. Anyone know a good heat treater in the minneapolis area? Is it something I could do myself?
 
With a bunch of researching and some money invested (if you plan to make knives as a hobby) yes you can definetly heat treat at home. All the best, and post back when your working on your knife. Everyone loves pictures.
 
Wow im slow. I can just send it out to be treated anywhere. What's it cost? 30-40 bucks?
 
tpende said:
Wow im slow. I can just send it out to be treated anywhere. What's it cost? 30-40 bucks?
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If your machine shop has a HT furnace and you can use it, it would be very easy for you to do it yourself. There are several stickies that will describe the process for you.

BTW welcome to the forums.
 
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