On the Bench - Lots of Fun!

Daniel Fairly Knives

Daniel Fairly Knives

Full Time Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Jan 9, 2011
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What do you guys have going on in the shop this month?

As usual I have all sorts of random and wild projects going on. I haven't shared many projects in Shop Talk lately but thought my unusual use of materials would be interesting to other knifemakers. I'm going to throw in some tips or info on the way I work too, please ask any questions you have! I love talking knives.

Enjoy! I look forward to what you have going on as well!





.25 Titanium! I just did the cord wrap and got a quick pic, the wrap still needs some work and an epoxy soak.

Lycosa Design!

This thick Ti can wear you out grinding it, I like slow speeds and ceramic belts.

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Here's a Jerry Hossom and Shop Talk inspired Knife! We were discussing fun grinds like this and I thought I'd try a recurve. Thanks Jerry for the inspiration!

S7 Steel - Not your normal steel choice for a .125" thick slicer but I am a huge fan of S7.

S7 is easy to field sharpen, as tough as can be, comes clean and free of impurities. I feel if I really need something reliable S7 always works great.

Heat treated and rough ground to 600 grit, this one has a ways to go...

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More wild stuff!

Yeah, these are .3145 thick! 5/16" A2 steel tantos! I just profiled them, more cleanup then heat treating is next. I'll grind the bevels post heat treat. :eek:

I'll use a new 40 grit ceramic belt to rough in my grind post heat treat, it goes well that way.

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More in a second, I have a lot going on this month! Last month I made almost 40 knives so I have plenty of fun in store.
 
Massive Fikes Inspired Chopper! The recent thread over at Customs & Handmade inspired me to make this large clipped chopper.

18" of .262" 5160 :eek:

I double quenched this one from about 1540 and 1520 F to keep the grain small. I have to say after extensive testing including repeated plunges through 3/8" plywood and chopping frozen oak I am very impressed with the edge holding and toughness. It also withstood repeated bends with all my strength behind it as well as lot of tip twisting in seasoned pine. I left the RC high at about 60 and the edge is somewhat thin. Fun stuff!

Right out of heat treat! I do a 10 second quench in 11 second oil then to the plates for straightness. This one won't even rock on my surface plate is came out so straight!
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.
Testing...

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TIP - I screwed up the swedge while doing the grinding :eek: I used a file and sandpaper to fix it.

I took it from a hollow to flat grind with a Nicholson Magi-Cut and then all the way to 600 grit. For sanding I use a piece of 5160 steel with rounded edges to back the paper. Don't stress if a grind isn't perfect, just bust out the files and paper... it goes a bit slower but is harder to screw up! :D
 
I'm just finishing up these in .23" Damascus,. I held out for a while looking for a thick billet, it was massive!

I took them up to 1000 grit before the etch and did a quick etch in dilute ferric chloride. I use three parts reverse osmosis water to one part Ferric Chloride solution.

These are my best etch yet, once again I have to thank the people who post here in Shoptalk. I was sure to remove any possible decarb post heat treat and I think it made the etch much deeper with more contrast.

I was probably overly cautious with my decarb (post heat treat "skin") removal and started at 80 grit after heat treat. I still took them to 400 before heat treat as usual.

The etch has more going on than appears as far as layers and tones go, I'll get better pics later. They are oil soaked in the pics. I like to hold them a bit to make sure the etchant is fully neutralized.


That's not a broken tip on the kiridashi, it is stabbing the box!

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Lycosa Design Tanto in the middle. Thanks again Rolf, it is the best!

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theHobbyist said:
I can see a few of those in my future! too early for an "I'll take it" lol
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Thanks for the kind words! Per the rules I have to keep any sales talk out of this thread. It is really nice to hear that you like them though! :D

These have been a lot of fun, look out for more pics soon.
 
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fast14riot said:
I'm still drooling over that chopper dude!


-X :cool:
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:D I should have it glued up soon!

Shawn Hatcher said:
I love the look of this knife, Daniel. Did you grind it edge down like Jerry was talking about?
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Thanks! Edge up.

I realized I already somewhat knew the technique as I do it all the time but usually with flat grinds. Most of my grinds are thicker at the tip so I have to it I want the tip grind to appear taller.

If I am doing a zero bevel I'll grind it edge down especially in the later stages.

Thanks Shawn, those Bowies you just made are stellar!
 
Daniel Fairly Knives said:
If I am doing a zero bevel I'll grind it edge down especially in the later stages.
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Do you grind edge down so the zero edge doesn't catch the belt? I'm very curious about this grinding style and I've never tried it before. Thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions! And thanks for the compliment. :)
 
Shawn Hatcher said:
Do you grind edge down so the zero edge doesn't catch the belt? I'm very curious about this grinding style and I've never tried it before. Thanks for taking the time to answer all of my questions! And thanks for the compliment. :)
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I grind edge down with a zero edge as to keep the burr going the right way. They can catch the belt too especially with a high grit, scotchbrite or leather belt. I do this with a platen, wheel or slack belt.

It is tricky at first but can help with finishing and keeping that super sharp zero or even convex/flat edge.
 
Fantastic looking blades. One of these days I'd love to get out there and buy you a beer. Bayfield is a bit out of the way for me, but not too bad, if I visit some friends in Durango.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Fantastic looking blades. One of these days I'd love to get out there and buy you a beer. Bayfield is a bit out of the way for me, but not too bad, if I visit some friends in Durango.
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Hey sounds good! :D Cheers!

Durango is pretty much home too, we used to live there and I went to Ft.Lewis. It's just right down the road... I'm between Bayfield and Lake Vallecito.
 
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