Evening sirs and madam's, I am new to knife making although I have made one out of a rebar piece about 10 years ago. I am starting a new hobby of knife making and need some advice.
I would like to make a laminate blade. I got the idea of using the metal straps they use to secure lumber at lumber stores. I am unaware of what type of metal they use for these straps, or if it would even work for making/forming a knife blade. Anyways I figured I would layer about 3 or 4 pieces, fold it over like a n, heat it to cherry, then hammer them together and continue this. Will this work? I am a newb to this as I don't know the physics for lack of a better term of knife making, or even proper metals to use, but any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
I would like to make a laminate blade. I got the idea of using the metal straps they use to secure lumber at lumber stores. I am unaware of what type of metal they use for these straps, or if it would even work for making/forming a knife blade. Anyways I figured I would layer about 3 or 4 pieces, fold it over like a n, heat it to cherry, then hammer them together and continue this. Will this work? I am a newb to this as I don't know the physics for lack of a better term of knife making, or even proper metals to use, but any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
All metals have different temperature ranges and times to soak at that range in order to achieve proper hardness. Then there is tempering to consider as well. There is no satisfaction in making a knife only to find out that the material you used will not hold any type of edge. What I'd suggest it start with a known steel, whether you go the forging route or stock removal from there is up to you. If you're planning on forging you'll need a forge that will get up to the temps you need to heat the steel enough to start banging on it. After you get the blade ready for heat treat then you can decide whether or not you think it's something you can properly do on your own. If not there are several places you can send it out to and have them do it. The best thing you can do it full out your profile and with a little luck you might find someone who's nearby who would be willing to help you out in person. If you're looking for a carbon steel to work with forging 1084 is a great steel to start out with and can be heat treated fairly easily on your own. If you choose a stainless chances are you're going to have to send it out.
