Powerlessness. . . .

O

Oregon Duck

Joined
Sep 21, 1999
Messages
137
Once upon a time, knives and other metal implements were made without the aid of electricity, steam power, or even water wheel power assistance. Thinking carefully, what would be the minimal shop requirements for making knives without grinders, belt sanders and other gee whiz tools of the modern age?

Who knows, one day we all might have to make them that way again. . . .

------------------
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant; it is the creed of slaves.

William Pitt, 1783

 
Files OD, lots and lots of different files.
Check out Bob Loveless's book on knifemaking. It has a chapter devoted to this method of knifemaking.

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


 
Check out the Himalayan Imports home page or the Gurkha House home page. There are lots of pics of knives being made under very primitive conditions. Damn good knives, too.


--Mike L.

------------------
Real men ride Moto Guzzis!
 
A file, a vise, a drill and some sandpaper. Please post in 2001 and let us know how your first knife came out!
smile.gif


RJ Martin http://www.martinsite.com
 
Seems like the answers so far are skewing toward files for stock removal. Wouldn't forging be a faster way towards the proper dimensions of the blade desired? After some forging wouldn't files and some different "grit" foot powered wheels be the way to go?

I have never seen an old fashioned blacksmithy or armorer's shoppe and do not have the money to travel to replicated shops to see what would be required. I am really only curious, not serious. What are in those shops by way of equipment?

------------------
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of the tyrant; it is the creed of slaves.

William Pitt, 1783

 
There is a group called The Neo-trible Metal Smiths, that try not to use power tools at all. Their work stresses the old ways and they will make a lot of nice knives before 2001! (Primitive does NOT mean crude!)
They stress forging to shape, heat treat and sharpin. A forge can be made in a hole in the ground if you are really on a budgit or up from there. Rail road irons make a serviceable anvil. And you WILL learm to forge if you don't already know! I have seen people forge with a claw hammer! File it down or forge to shape, or both, your choice just let us know how your doing!! Blade mag has been running "The $50.00 Knife Shop" by Wayne Goddard. Lotza good info!!!

Doug
 
I forgot somthing while I was blathering!

Tie Goo challenged me to make a grinderless knife! I thought I was a pritty good smith and it would be easy! I have that knife! It's horrable, is serviceable, it's 52100, it's not for sale and I am very fond of it! I have made several grinderless knives now and I am getting much better, and my forge and finished knives have improved also. And I am having more fun!! It's faster to forge closer to shape than grind a "forged lump" to shape and I think it makes a better knife.
I encourage any one to take the "Tie Goo challenge!"

Doug
 
Doug I did the forging to finish when I first joined the ABS.IT is certainly a diffrent way.It sure saves on grinder belts a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top