How To Old Machete (?) blade to make first knife?

B

Buck Knife Freddy

Joined
Aug 23, 2019
Messages
8
Hi There,

Brand new to the forum and I am looking and starting out in knife making. I hope to forge later as time and budget allow however, for now, I was looking to just knock up my first attempt at making a small, simple and useful knife.

Rummaging through my latest inheritance from my Dads old workshop I found an old (what looks like) machete that had been hammered badly at some stage on the back edge . The blade is sharp but badly damaged and it looks rough!
It has ‘1194’ stamped in a ring on the blade which, I assume is a reference to the type of steel but I can’t find anything matching that on the internet as yet. So any ideas on that would be great.
The blade is 2”x8” and the Tang is high and appears very thin 6” long. Once off the blade it tapers from 1/2” down to an 1/8” with the last 1/2” bent back and in toward the length which looks like a method used to capture the handle? But I’m guessing?

So, I have umpteen questions but I guess my first one is:
Is this item appropriate to use for my first project or at all?

Depending on the answer to that depends on what questions I ask next. As not to complicate the post or the thread I will leave it there and hopefully it will develop if I get some feedback.

Can’t work out how to upload photo yet so have given the best description I can.

Any advice (about the post) appreciated
 
Definitely check out the makers forum but I'd start with some blade stock or even a kit knife. This way you know how to appropriately heat treat what you have and can work with it in the annealed state instead of already hardened.
 
FiveToes said:
Definitely check out the makers forum but I'd start with some blade stock or even a kit knife. This way you know how to appropriately heat treat what you have and can work with it in the annealed state instead of already hardened.
Click to expand...
That makes great sense, certainly need to walk a while before trying to run!
Appreciated.
 
Check out estate sales. There’s usually some old files and warn out saws you can do something with if you’re unsure of using that machete. Go on Sunday when most sales are half off.
 
Buck Knife Freddy said:
Hi There,

Brand new to the forum and I am looking and starting out in knife making. I hope to forge later as time and budget allow however, for now, I was looking to just knock up my first attempt at making a small, simple and useful knife.

Rummaging through my latest inheritance from my Dads old workshop I found an old (what looks like) machete that had been hammered badly at some stage on the back edge . The blade is sharp but badly damaged and it looks rough!
It has ‘1194’ stamped in a ring on the blade which, I assume is a reference to the type of steel but I can’t find anything matching that on the internet as yet. So any ideas on that would be great.
The blade is 2”x8” and the Tang is high and appears very thin 6” long. Once off the blade it tapers from 1/2” down to an 1/8” with the last 1/2” bent back and in toward the length which looks like a method used to capture the handle? But I’m guessing?

So, I have umpteen questions but I guess my first one is:
Is this item appropriate to use for my first project or at all?

Depending on the answer to that depends on what questions I ask next. As not to complicate the post or the thread I will leave it there and hopefully it will develop if I get some feedback.

Can’t work out how to upload photo yet so have given the best description I can.

Any advice (about the post) appreciated
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum , Freddy
Machete blades usually have a lower Rockwell hardness, they need to be tougher and easy to sharpen to do the type of work they are meant to do. Knives meant for EDC normally have a higher hardness to aid in edge retention. That being said, It would work, just don't expect it to hold a edge like a blade with higher hardness.
There is also the issue of cutting the hardened steel of the machete blade without ruining the temper by getting it too hot.
I wish you the best of luck with your knife making.
 
If you are starting out it is best a best to work with known materials. Perhaps one of our makers can help you to source a bar length of 01, 1095 or similar.

N2s
 
Tha
flatblackcapo said:
Welcome to the forum , Freddy
Machete blades usually have a lower Rockwell hardness, they need to be tougher and easy to sharpen to do the type of work they are meant to do. Knives meant for EDC normally have a higher hardness to aid in edge retention. That being said, It would work, just don't expect it to hold a edge like a blade with higher hardness.
There is also the issue of cutting the hardened steel of the machete blade without ruining the temper by getting it too hot.
I wish you the best of luck with your knife making.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your comments and support, it is greatly appreciated. Looks like I need to get my head round some of the lingo too! Lol! I have decided not to go ahead with my original idea given the useful feedback received.
As a complete newbie I really need to find a complete knife making 101 for numpties like me. This forum has been so helpful but I really need to get my head round the basics!

Thanks again n2s.
 
Buck Knife Freddy said:
Tha


Thank you for your comments and support, it is greatly appreciated. Looks like I need to get my head round some of the lingo too! Lol! I have decided not to go ahead with my original idea given the useful feedback received.
As a complete newbie I really need to find a complete knife making 101 for numpties like me. This forum has been so helpful but I really need to get my head round the basics!

Thanks again n2s.
Click to expand...
The most important thing in knife making is to have fun doing it.
Here is a link to the Shop Talk thread. There is lots of good info in the stickies ( threads at the top in yellow ) .
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/shop-talk-bladesmith-questions-and-answers.741/
 
Yes, start with a known piece of annealed steel. Any of the knife suppliers or places like Workshop Heaven ( in the UK) can sell you a piece.

The numbers on the old machete are probably a style number or something. It isn't the steel type.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Yes, start with a known piece of annealed steel. Any of the knife suppliers or places like Workshop Heaven ( in the UK) can sell you a piece.

The numbers on the old machete are probably a style number or something. It isn't the steel type.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. Off to check workshop Heaven now.
I am fairly new to forums and somewhat overwhelmed with the support. It’s greatly appreciated.
 
flatblackcapo said:
Welcome to the forum , Freddy
Machete blades usually have a lower Rockwell hardness, they need to be tougher and easy to sharpen to do the type of work they are meant to do. Knives meant for EDC normally have a higher hardness to aid in edge retention. That being said, It would work, just don't expect it to hold a edge like a blade with higher hardness.
There is also the issue of cutting the hardened steel of the machete blade without ruining the temper by getting it too hot.
I wish you the best of luck with your knife making.
Click to expand...

Didn’t realise what a journey I am about to embark on. Thanks for the support.
 
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