Patterns

K

KFU

Part Time Knifemaker, Moderator
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
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So what does everyone use to make their patterns? I don't normally use patterns but have a few designs now that I really like and would like to do some. Metal is the obvious choice but I would like something that can get wet. I was thinking thin Micarta or kydex might be the way to go.
 
Plexiglass is what I use. You can probably get scrap pieces for free.
 
I use Formica or a similar material that is used for the top of counters and on cupboard doors. You probably can get scraps for free from a cabinet shop. It's easy to work but very strong on the edge. Frank
 
MDF with crazy glue brushed on around the edges - I like Frank's idea better though.
 
I just use some stiff see through plastic that I got from a fabric store. It is meant for making patterns for cloth, but it is more than suitable for steel. What is nice about it is that if, like myself, you do stock removal you can line it up over your steel and see the texture underneath.

Patterns for me are just a rough guide and what I end up making is only resembles the pattern:o
 
I get scrap pieces of lexan form my work I then just place directly over my sketch pad and trace the design onto the lexan. then I take it back to work and have the pattern cut out. I would be able to cut it out myself but I dont have a saw other than my hacksaw.
 
I use plexi or wood. With the wood I sometimes do a full mock up of the whole knife including handle. The plexi is nice though, you can see through it.
Dan
 
Paper sketch
then
cereal box cardboard
then
steel

I tried aluminium first, but I like steel better it smears as it grinds.
 
Glue drawing to aluminum flashing, cut out with snips, quick tune up with sandpaper. Done.
 
Patterns for what?

Are we talking about making a reusable template of the outline of a knife that you then transfer to the blank of steel you are going to make your knife from?

If so, I'm confused as to all the complex uses of plywood, plexiglass, masonite, lexan and such, (why not just draw your knife design right onto the steel, or use simple cardboard?).... so I'm thinking maybe I have no idea what you guys are reffering to when you say "patterns"???
 
Something to trace, BryFry. You have a drawing, or maybe just a knife you want to copy, so you need to transfer that to steel each time.
Right now I'm just using paper, really need to transfer some to plexi since I have a few designs I'm using regularly. I never stick to them exactly but the initial profiles are consistent.
 
Remyrw said:
Something to trace, BryFry. You have a drawing, or maybe just a knife you want to copy, so you need to transfer that to steel each time.
Right now I'm just using paper, really need to transfer some to plexi since I have a few designs I'm using regularly. I never stick to them exactly but the initial profiles are consistent.
Click to expand...

So mostly we are talking about knife templates that will be used and reused to make many copies of the same design. So you need to make it from a material that will last over time. .....am I understanding correctly?

I'm just starting out, so I've just been drawing right onto the steel, unless I want to get an in hand feel of my design first, in which case I will make a mock up from cardboard first...... But I'm guessing cardboard may not hold up if it needed to be used many many times?
 
You got it. The key is just longevity and ease of use. The reason plexi is popular is that you can lay it over your drawing and trace easily, it forms easily with tools we already use, and it's not that expensive.
 
I just use cereal box cardboard that I glue the drawing to and cut out with scissors.

When I draw a design I scan it into my computer and hocus-pocus, eventually I end up with a black and white line drawing/outline of the knife. The trick then is to print it so that it is the size you want.

I insert the picture into a word-processing document (MS Word) and I can then duplicate it and enlarge and/or reduce it in size. There is even a ruler at the top of the screen to tell me how large the picture will be after it's printed. I can end up with a page or several, full of the same design in sizes for large hands to small hands. Long designs may have to be printed on legal paper in landscape mode.

- Paul Meske
 
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