Questions about my First Knife

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phil927

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May 7, 2013
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So I started my first knife with a 01 Tool steel sheet 18 in.x 2 in.x 1/8in. I cut out the knife with a power hack saw, and center punched where the holes for the handle will go. Then, I filed the edge and I will finish doing that to get a good bevel. My question was, what are your thoughts about what I have done and how I should move forward with making the knife? Anyone with past experience with this steel or handle material? I plan to use 2 goncalo alves wood knife scales for it. Could you explain how to easily heat-treat a first knife with 01 steel? I have a gas forge, if that helps. Also, I just bought some sandpaper with grits, 60, 100, 150, 220, 500, 1000, 1200, and I was wondering if I should use that or how you have finished a knife.
Thanks in advance, I know I have a lot of questions. I am pretty new to knife-making.:)
Phil
 
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If you right-click on them and then select "view in second window" it should work. Let me know if you still cant see them and i will try to re-upload them
Thanks
 
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The answers to all the questions you asked are in two places, the stickies at the top of this sub forum, and in that little blank box called "Search"


-Xander
 
Sorry about the pics, I used Photo Shack and that didn't work very well.:) Switched to PhotoBucket and looks okay.
Thanks
 
fast14riot said:
The answers to all the questions you asked are in two places, the stickies at the top of this sub forum, and in that little blank box called "Search"


-Xander
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I know most of this information is somewhere on the web, I just wondered if some people could review my knife design and plans for it.
 
You are on the right track. Nice simple design, O1 makes a great knife but it can be tricky to heat treat properly in a forge. Many people do it but if you want, get it finished up and send it to me for heat treat. As stated before read the stickies, lots of info here. Your sand paper selection is fine as long as it is made for steel and not wood.
 
rocketmann said:
You are on the right track. Nice simple design, O1 makes a great knife but it can be tricky to heat treat properly in a forge. Many people do it but if you want, get it finished up and send it to me for heat treat. As stated before read the stickies, lots of info here. Your sand paper selection is fine as long as it is made for steel and not wood.
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Thanks, I think I will try heat treating it on this knife. If it doesn't work i might send it in. Could you explain heat treating? I will read the stickies as well, just looking for a second opinion. What do you charge for heat treating?
 
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Your bevels are way too small. They should go up at least half way, and for a first knife I'd say they should go all the way (full flat grind).
 
For the heat treatment I will charge 2.6 million US dollars. If you can't afford that I will do it for free, just cover the shipping..
 
Wanted to say thanks for all the helpful tips. I checked out the stickies and they told me a lot. I might have a few more questions later, but for now thanks!
 
My input is probably more artistic than fundamental, but the above statement about your grind being way too shallow is spot on.
I would prefer to not see gentle curves interrupted by flat lines (I.e. handle to blade transition) but that's just me. What I do have is experience using knives... for wilderness pursuits and defensive duties. Rarely is a grip that is as wide near the pinky as the index finger comfortable or functional in more than one grip situation.
Just my $.02.. take it or leave it.
 
Just make it for yourself first off. Read all you can and watch all you can but ultimately make it for yourself the best you can. When it's finished I promise it will be critiqued to death. Right now have fun with it and just finish it. You'll learn a lot just by going thru the process and your next one will be better than the last usually. Good luck!
 
Taterhill said:
Just make it for yourself first off. Read all you can and watch all you can but ultimately make it for yourself the best you can. When it's finished I promise it will be critiqued to death. Right now have fun with it and just finish it. You'll learn a lot just by going thru the process and your next one will be better than the last usually. Good luck!
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Well said.
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
My input is probably more artistic than fundamental, but the above statement about your grind being way too shallow is spot on.
I would prefer to not see gentle curves interrupted by flat lines (I.e. handle to blade transition) but that's just me. What I do have is experience using knives... for wilderness pursuits and defensive duties. Rarely is a grip that is as wide near the pinky as the index finger comfortable or functional in more than one grip situation.
Just my $.02.. take it or leave it.
Click to expand...

Today, I finished filing the other side after about an hour. How do you or other knifemakers make a flat grind that doesn't take ages with a file? And when you say too shalow grind, do you mean on the handle or bevel? I am considering a one inch belt sander from Harbor Freight, can you use that for creating deeper, longer bevels? Also, what would you recommend for a handle shape?

Thanks for your input.
 
Most of the knives I have made were made using files and sandpaper. Yes, it takes time, but as a beginner you need to spend some time on it so you don't mess things up too much. Removing metal fast seems like a good idea... until you've removed too much in one spot and not enough in another and you are forever trying to "even it out" until the knife blank has been reduced to a toothpick. Doing this with a file gives you a chance to learn key lessons... like not spending all your time in one area... use longer even strokes that cover the entire bevel. What you learn with a file will help you when you graduate to a grinder.

Start slow... use files... take your time. Being in a hurry is how you mess things up.

- Greg
 
Well said Greg!

Yes a grinder will remove metal faster, but it can makes mistakes faster too.

ric
 
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