Opinions:best starter thickness of steel to start knife making

S

Spartanwarrior

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Oct 24, 2013
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I am trying to start knife making I have been shaping wood in the place of steel and I want to step up to the next level. The blades I would make would mainly be used for general utility/small scale bushcraft, I thought a thinner steel would be cheaper and easier (quicker) to make in to a cool shape but I also want my creatations to last and be functional so I don't know any opinion would help greatly thank you for your time -Calvin p.s I would be using only hand tools for making knives (A hacksaw and some files) so thanks
 
Your approach is sound. :thumbup:

1/8" or 5/32" max stock will provide plenty of strength for a knife like that, and be easy to file a nice keen bevel on. 3/32" would not be too thin for a really keen slicer. Order your steel surface-ground if possible, to save time. It's no fun trying to remove mill scale with hand tools.
 
james terrio said:
Your approach is sound. :thumbup:

1/8" or 5/32" max stock will provide plenty of strength for a knife like that, and be easy to file a nice keen bevel on. 3/32" would not be too thin for a really keen slicer. Order your steel surface-ground if possible, to save time. It's no fun trying to remove mill scale with hand tools.
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I absolutely agree.

Stan
 
I don't know about filing, but grinding thicker steel always seemed easier when I was first starting. The larger bevel angle of the thicker steel is harder to mess up on and grind into the flats. Unless you're doing a full flat grind.
 
Thanks for all your help I think I am going to start off with a little of 1/8 and 5/32 and see which I like more -Calvin
 
I am in Goleta/SB. If you like, contact me to get a free chunk of Aldo 1084 1/8x1.5 (I'll cut to length for 1 knife). Excellent steel and it's much better than std 1084.
 
That's a First Class Offer.bluntcut is most generous to do that.He states Aldo 1084,which would be New Jersey Steel Baron.It is really good stuff to work with.
Eddie
 
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