Questions About Blade Blanks

J

jemelby

Joined
Feb 20, 2005
Messages
280
I'd like to make a fixed blade.

I attended blade for the first time this year. While I was mostly focused on completed custom and production knives, I also dallied around the knife maker supply tables a bit as well. (I didn't five-finger and desert iron wood, honest). Though I didn't realize it at the time, this planted the notion in my mind that I'd like to make one.

I've since browsed around the internet for several days. I've been looking at pre-ground blades that are just waiting for scales and sheaths. There are dozens of folks that offer a plethra of different stuff. There is also a bunch of stuff that keeps turning up again and again. I have a fully equiped wood working shop, but very limited metal working capability.

My questions are as follows:

1) What is the 6A steel I see used so much? Is it the same as AUS6?

2) Most vendors don't state wether their blades are heat treated and tempered. If a blade is already ground and drilled, would it still be sold un-treated?

3) Alot of vendors have different/same stuff. Is there a vendor that has a reputation for good stockage of almost everything?

I also have a few questions about screw, bolts and rivets, but I will make that a seperate post.

Thanks all.
 
1) Yes, probably. AUS6A is the full name often used. It's not very good steel in most people's opinion. AUS8A is typically the minimum (Cold Steel uses this mostly, but also CRKT) for a "good" knife.

2. I'm not sure about this. Probably most of them are heat-treated already as they're fairly finished products that just need a handle. But email the company just to make sure, as heat-treatment's just another bunch of $$$ under your belt.

3. Texas Knifemaker's supply is pretty good, but knifekits.com is another good one to check out for pre-made blades.


I caught the knife-making bug myself, but put in the cash to get my own belt grinder. That, sandpaper, files, and a well-stocked Dremel tool will get you on your way pretty well (I had these already except the sandpaper which I kinda needed anyway).

Good luck

_z
 
The blades are heat treated, at least the ones that I've seen. Try going to www.kitknives.com They have really nice blades for both fixed and folding knives. If you have woodworking tools you can do it. It would help if you have some kind of belt sander for finishing the handles but you can probably do without. Feel free to email me if you have questions.
-Ray
 
Texas knifemaker's supply has a good assortment and stocks most everything.They offer cryo treated blades,too.
 
watch what you get
most of what I've seen that are polished are buffed way too much.
they are not acceptable to me..the grind lines are buffed off.. :eek:
I'm not saying all of them but what I've seen were...

and the edges where the guards meet are buffed off.
 
Another thing you can try, and you'll meet with mixed results with this, is to contact custom makers whose knives you like and see aboout the possibility of getting a "kit knife" from one of them. My intro to knifemaking came from Rob Simonich's Cetan Tanto kit ($40 for an ATS-34 Cetan Tanto, maroon micarta scales, brass pins and Kydex for a sheath!) and I also convinced Mel "Madpoet" Sorg to make me two blade blanks that I could finish. Also got three from AT Barr! I was pretty lucky, but sometimes people have stuff lying around or wouldn't mind sending an unfinished blade, so it never hurts to ask (and before you ask, no, I don't have anything I would sell you as a kit knife. Sorry!)
 
To continue on Chiro's theme... maybe contact Kim Breed or Dan Prentice there at FCKY. I bet those guys will help you out.
 
good Idea
the last one I did like that went to Denmark, (it was not cheap).. I wish I had more time to do more..it's fun knowing someone wants to do that with your blade.. :)
 
If per chance a maker does decide to offer some blades, Please do not be stupid enough to try and sell them later under the guise of them being a collaborative effort with the maker. I read where some moron did that. Cant remember who it was.
 
Whit,

Thanks for putting my name out to James. He came by and spent some time with me and Johnny Walker while we were making some HC Damascus. Always a good time having fun around knifemakers and those interested in knifemaking.

Have a good one all!!!!!!!!

Daniel
 
Glad it worked out. I know I shouldn't have volunteered you! If you're ever at Ft Benning, let me know.
 
Well good buddy... I may be going back to Bragg by the end of the year..... depends on if the Army will not change their mind or not.. you know how that is....LOL...

My shop is always open to anyone to watch and ask questions... I will put a hammer in their hands too. I just remember how much of a PIA it was to start and will help anyone get the best start I can give them. It is all about enjoying friendship and forging... Money to me just supports my habit (metal-junkie)....

Daniel
 
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