Prototypes?

[Needle Mouse]

So I've been working on some of my own original designs but Im making a prototype just to make sure and experienment, so I got some regualar flat bar from tractor supply store, BUT ITS KICKING MY ASS just shaping the blade, a friend of mine told me he makes his prototypes out of G10 just to get a feel for it. SO what do you guys use when you make your unoffical/offical blade? Any Ideas?

 

[Stark Knives]

I use cardboard.

 

[Needle Mouse]

when I did do one from cardstock but I dont know wanted to also work on the grinds on it too

 

[Joe Watson]

Cereal box cardboard, then plexiglass

 

[nivejuncky]

Paper to plexiglass. Cut out the paper drawing with an exacto than I use spray adhesive to stick it to the plexiglass.

 

[tim37a]

I do the dwg. on Fade-Out Design & Sketch vellum. Use white-out to modify the dwg. until you get what you want. Photocopy to get 2 or 3 extra copies to make permanent patterns. Glue a pattern to 1/8" plywood and cut out with a scroll saw. Glue a 3/8" thick soft wood scale on each side and shape. If it's what you want, glue a pattern to plexiglass or G-10 to make permanent pattern.

Tim

 

[drlozier]

I draw it on paper, then transfer to card stock. Then I transfer it to steel and profile the blade. After I grind a blade I am happy with and would like to reproduce later, I trace it onto cardboard and file it away for future reference

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

I use the 1/4th oak board from Lowes. Works great and is really cheap and obviously easy to shape. I like that you can practice the grind you want on it as well.

 

[jonnymac44]

Cereal box cardboard, then plexiglass

We don't eat much cereal in my house, but I like your method.:thumbup:

I use beer 12 pack cardboard and then 1/8" inch plexiglass.

 

[Wapiti]

I use 1/8" thick Masonite for my prototyping and for patterns.

Basically I do all my drawing on paper, then transfer it using a needle-dot technique to the Masonite. I connect the dots with a pencil and cut out the pattern with a bandsaw and use my sanders to profile it.
I find it really helps me get a feel for the design before I got to steel.
It is very inexpensive and the ones I don’t like; into the stove.

I tried plastic, but it didn't work for me.

A detailed description of the steps I go through to can be read here
http://www.stoneandsteel.net/how-to-make-a-knife-step-by-step/

Brome

 

[ibdavidson]

I start with paper, then paint stir sticks or Masonite.

 

[Doyle]

I use g-10 scraps from a local plastics supply house. Scrap pieces of kydex work well too.