Preparing for first knife, handtools only

P

panzerman

Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
12
Hey yall,

I'm going to try a knife with handtools before I invest $500 in a grinder. Im plan to start with a Greenriver blank-

5426-030-450_250x250.jpg
coco512.jpg


and use cocobolo scales from www.knifekits.com. I really wanted to use a small sort of guard and pommel, but without a grinder I dont think thats possible. Anyways, the total is about $30, so no problem there. What yall think?
 
Anything is possible to make. It is just how much time will it take.

I go back and make full knives with only hand tools all the time just to remind myself of that. Plus I need the practice.

A set of good files, rasps, and a Drill can do wonders.
 
use a bit of round brass stock to make the guard..start at the top cut down thru it with a double wide hack saw blade...the rest will be easy with files...once the slot is done you will see the guard almost shapes itself..mike
 
Yeah, I think I could do a guard, but how to do a pommel? I dont think it would look right with a guard but no pommel. Is pommel the right word or is it end cap?

EDIT:

Common sense kicked in. If its not a hidden tang handle, it would be bolsters (I think) on the bottom. I think I could do that with round brass stock and files....
 
I don't know about guards and pommels, but making a pre-made knife like this with handtools will be a cinch. "Grind: your first blade from raw steel with handtools and then we're talking about a different story altogether! :D
 
im only on my third knife but from what you posted I dont thing you need anything really.
just get some brass or nickel silver rod the size of the holes in the tang.
trace out tang on each scale and drill holes.
glue it all up and let dry.
after it cures sand the scales(handle) the the shape you want.
wrap the blade and or any area you do not want to scratch with sandpaper.
use masking tape to wrap blade.
you can have that thing doen in no time.
the blade you bought is already ground you dont need a grinder.
I will post a link on here to help guide you in making the handle
just pay attention to this thread and use for guide.
start where they do after she takes knife out of oven
http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_skinner_hearn.shtml
 
Go ahead and make that Green River like neckringer said. It'll be a good, useful knife.

Soon, you'll be hooked...
 
I suggest you make this knife as it is. Just add the scales and shape it to your liking. Then go to Knifekits or one of the suppliers and order a kit knife that has a guard or bolsters. Texas Knife Supply has several,too. While at those places order some books on knife making.
Here are some links to information on making knives,suppliers,kit building, etc.
http://www.knifehow.com/
her is Knifekits link
http://knifekits.com/

Hope this helps
Stacy
 
I got some books on order right now. I was asking about the bolsters 'cause it seems like its gonna be too easy the way it is. Either way, the knife is for my uncle, he is into the whole cowboy/western shooting scene, and since Im already a leather worker I figured I could make him a nice frontier style blade.

PS: Two other questions, anyone know a tutorial for stag handles and how do you 'antique' steel?
 
Nothing wrong with "too easy". A simple design, executed very well, can be downright elegant. I think that GR will look best with the "plain" scales on it. Especially if it's for a cowboy/western minded guy.

Use the search function here and type in "patina". You'll find lots of very easy ways to antique carbon steel.
 
if you need some advice on what to give a cowboy/western guy feel free to email me. i can answer those questions rather easily. HEHEHEHE!! good luck with that knife and be sure to post pics of it finished along with the sheath.
 
Thanks fopr the offer Jacob, Ill shoot ya a PM with my idea. The stag hadle question was for something else Im thinking. A plain stag tip with a pacific paring knife blade. Do I just file down the tang and epoxy it in there? How do I creat the hole in the stag tip?

PEACE
 
im almost always available to answer your questions panzerman. it might help you to know that i also live in the cowboy capital of the world. HEHEHE!! message me anytime you have a question like that. id be more than happy to answer it for you.
 
Back to the original question of adding bolsters to a pre-made blade. It will be difficult to drill the holes needed in the hardened steel.
For that antique look, use a French's Mustard patina.
Stacy
 
Not to hi jack the thread but for the French's Mustard patina, do you just coat the blade in it and let it sit or what?

Thanks
 
Not a hijack, since he asked how to antique the steel.
Clean the blade real well.Dab the mustard on with your fingers. Let it sit a while, rinse off.Repeat. You can create a 100 year old splotchy look in an afternoon of playing.
Stacy
 
Yep, what bldsmth said. I just redid my MasterHunter that way last week. Three applications of mustard spots. I felt it was a bit too splotchy looking so I hit it with cold-blue, per the directions, to even it out. Now it looks like case-hardened steel, sort of... I like it.

It gets a mite stinky when the acids react with the steel, don't be alarmed.

If you try this and hate it, don't worry, it will scrub off with fine sandpaper or steel wool and a little elbow grease, no harm to the steel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top