OT: Project "Po' Boy Puukko"

Note the notches in the tangs of the KJ Erikson blades. If the tangs don't already have notches I usually grind a couple in to give the epoxy a better grip.

There are some very good Skandanavian stainless steel blades also, also very inexpensive. A good selection of these blades is available from http://www.ragweedforge.com/BladeCatalog.html . Some of them come blister packed on cards, with the little hole in the top for hanging the card on a peg. They create images in my mind of a kind of local hardware store where it might not be unusual for someone to come in and buy a knife blade for hafting.
 
Originally posted by Sylvrfalcn
My whole deal with the files and cheap bench grinders is to encourage folks to try their hand at making a knife without having to plunk down big money on expensive equipment. If they enjoy it, they can always upgrade. If they don't enjoy it, then they haven't wasted much more than their time.
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This is how I started out.

Of course, by now, there's no turning back...;)

Ever seen a guy step into a sinkhole with a smile on his face?!?

:D :eek: :D


[edited to add:]

I have put together a number of the nordic knives (not as many as Sarge, of course) and really like them.

I used to get them from Gary Harjus for $3-$15 (same group shown in Sarge's pic for up to $29).

Unfortunately for me (and not surprisingly) Gary wasn't turning much of a profit and "lost the love" and my once secret source dried up.

Having been spoiled, I've yet to get any blades from Ragnar... :(
 
I already had these projects for spring:

- Tiling the bathroom
- Reshaping the garden
- The new baby room

And now I want to make a knife as well. Thanks Sarge :)

I am still curious about losing the hardness after grinding. Did you cold grind the blade as to not lose the hardness? Or am I missing something?

-Emile
 
Did you cold grind the blade as to not lose the hardness?
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Absolutely right Emile. The whole point of starting with a full hardness file is to accomodate folks who don't have access to a forge or other means to harden a blade. Sounds like a lot of work grinding a hard piece of steel like a file, but I wasn't fibbing when I said I ground the project puukko blade in one hour. Start with a small, useful, blade between 3-4", it'll be the easiest to make. And, a six inch file is just the right size and thickness for one.:D

Sarge
 
Sarge, thanks for clarifying my post:)

BTW, the four Eriksson blades pictured have the grind extending onto the tang, instead of a plunge cut into a flat ricasso. This makes fitting a guard plate a real PITA. Other than that, they are great blades for the money. The Karasuando blades have a regular ricasso and are about the same price. Lots of the made-up knives complete with sheaths are surprisingly good deals too.

Note the shape of these partial tang blades by Roselli of Finland:

blades-1.jpg


Some seem designed to attach a rat-tail, and some to provide secure gluing of the partial tang.
 
Whoa Sarge nice picture, that shows the tempering colors for the blade and tang really well. Great job!
Regards,
Greg
 
Excellent picture!

What do you do to 'cold grind' the blade? Just keeping it wet between grinds? Slow rotation of the grinder? The Anza factory talks about a 'ceramic cold grind', but is not very specific. I could not find a reference to the technique of cold grinding on a quick search.

Very nice project!
-Emile
 
Sarge,

I have heard that some modern files are case hardened. Do you do anything to distinguish case hardened files from other ones. Case hardened files would be much easier to grind but they might not hold a very good edge.

Thanks.

Matt and Yvsa,

Thanks for the advice. I'm still in the dreaming stage now. Some interesting ideas.
 
Why, yes indeedy Bruise. Actually, I got to digging around the garage and found a nice scrap of African Ebony, beautiful jet black with brown streaks running through it. Used that, the strip of brass, and a piece of antler to come up with this;



Sarge
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Here's a better picture taken outdoors, shows the lovely brown streaks in that ebony wood (no cracks about ebony and ivory, okay guys):D
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Not too shabby of a little knife for less than ten bucks;)

Sarge
 

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Sarge, that is just awesome!!! :eek: You've really gotten some gears turning in my brain. I've gotta start saving for a grinder.
--Josh
 
Thanks guys. Tonight's project, a traditional deep pouch dangler sheath. Those are so easy to make I can do it while watching television.:D

Sarge
 
Sarge that is sweet looking package you have put together there.
Outstanding job and thanks for sharing the process with us. I put a link to this thread over on the Shop Talk forum. A lot of guys go there wanting to learn about making knives and are advised to start with kit knives. That's not bad advice, but I think your method offers an excellent alternative with ( at least to me) more rewarding results.
Regards,
Greg
 
Josh if there are any Menards stores in your area I got my grinder from em for $20. Mmmm Ebony. Dont you just love the way it takes a shine. Sarge have you tried buffing the ebony with a buffing wheel and a little red rouge($4 at menards and fits you standard grinder)? If you havent I think youd be surprised by the results. For any other material Id say hand rubbed goodness, but for ebony try the buffer.
 
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