Newbie questions...

[yulee boy]

I'm just getting started in knife making, I have a few knives done. But I've got a few questions. Where can I get an "oven" hot enough to heat treat O1 tool steel? And on full-tang knives, what do you use to secure the handle? Right now I'm using gorilla glue, but I wanna do it the right way. Thanks in advance.

 

[Fiddleback]

I use devcon epoxy products to secure the handle because they're available cheaply at Walmart.

You'll have to find someone else to give you help with the "oven" I use a charcoal forge to heat treat my 01.

 

[Jared Stenoien]

If you've got the dough, can't go wrong with a paragon.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Before you buy an oven you should buy several knife making books. Check the stickies at the top of this forum for newbie info.
Welcome to the BF
Stacy

 

[Knifemaker87]

hey!
being a recent newbie, i hope i can help.
the first knives i made that were full tang i just glued the scales on. however becasue it is metal the glue doesnt always "stick" so i would drill at least one hole for a pin in the handle. if you are working with non hardened steel this is alot easier. i used nails as pins for a long time but you can buy brass rods at the hardware store.

let me know if you need more info on heat treating.
have fun! and i look forward to pictures
~Chris

 

[psycho78]

If I were you, I'd save up some money and buy yourself a propane forge. You could get plans from someone on here and make yourself one too. After getting your steel non-magnetic and quenching it in oil to harden it, you can temper your steel in a regular or toaster oven.

I suggest buying Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop book.

 

[warrior24]

Yeah get a propane forge parts to make one
http://www.elliscustomknifeworks.com/

pyrometer, and thermocouple to see what temp you at. http://www.axner.com/axner/equipment/ultimax-digital-pyrometer.php

And temper in oven.

 

[J.McDonald Knives]

http://www.indiangeorgesknives.com/building_a_forge.html

great tutorial. i used it to build my forge.

 

[TJ Smith]

Thers is a ton of "How to articles" all over the forum . Try some of Dan Greys.
There is no quick answer. Spend some time an research the answers for yourself. Best way to learn
Take Care
TJ
If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish
you got one more SOB to beat to the best spots.

 

[delbert ealy]

I would look into getting a paragon or evenheat if you are planning on making seriously, but if you are just going do be doing a few blades, I'll heat treat O-1 baldes for $5 each plus shipping.
www.ealyknives.com
Thanks,
Del

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Read all you can about knife making. Check out my Knife Tour on my website. You can see the kind I use in my shop. I heat treat all kinds of steel here. 1095-1084 - 52100 - 01- 5160 and more. It work great for me. Hope this was of help to you. Also, on my site I have a area for knife supplies. God bless and have a great day in what ever you do. ----------:thumbup:

 

[Bufford]

1) For heat treat; like others have said 'send out'. Alternatively, you could try using cutting torches and experiment abit. That is how I started out and had some good success with 01 and even 440C, before buying a Paragon furnace.

2) Drill out the holes for the guard, pommel and for the rivets that will hold the handle scales together prior to HT. Think of a full tang knife handle as a 'sandwich of metal and wood' that is held together by rivets, pins and adhesives. Simply match the drill size to your pin sizes (diameters). Drill out, then pin together along with the glue.

If you search around the forum you will find loads of info on how to build handles, heat treat, blade finishing, and sheathing. Basically everything you need to know. If you don't find it here, just keep asking the membership questions and we will try to help you out.

Knifemaking is a satisfying and sometimes addicting hobby. A great way to let your creativity flow.