Radius Behind Ricaso?

bobbywett · Jan 20, 2009

Hey Folks,

What file or files do you recommend for filing the radius immediately behind the ricaso and where the guard fits on through or hidden tang knives. I understand that the radius is there to prevent cold shunts, cracks and possible failure of some sort. According to what I've read rounded is better that squared off.

Thanks For Your Indulgence,

Bob,

Hershey, PA

birdog4 · Jan 20, 2009

I use a chainsaw file

Burton Harruff · Jan 20, 2009

I use a chainsaw file also.

Barkes Knife Shop · Jan 20, 2009

chainsaw file as well

bobbywett · Jan 20, 2009

I think I'll give a chainsaw file a shot.

Thanks Guys

Fred.Rowe · Jan 20, 2009

Files are good but getting the heat treating correct at the junction as far more important than the radius you file.

Getting it to hard is more of a problem in my Opinion.

Fred

bobbywett · Jan 20, 2009

When edge quenching your through/hidden tangs, how do you attempt to harden the area behind the ricasso? Does it have to harden at all? If so, how would you go about it, with edge quenching as the objective?

Thanks,

Bob

Bill Burke · Jan 20, 2009

only harden part way through the riccasso like this.

bobbywett · Jan 20, 2009

When hardening part way through the ricasso, will the knife acquire a sufficient rigidity and flex? Do you use a limiter plate in your quench?

Thanks,

Bob

Tommegow · Jan 20, 2009

I have no clue about the HT but chainsaw files
Are 1/8th, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32 & 1/4 most folks
Use the 1/8. I do have 3/16ths sawblade on my
Bowsaw

Bill Burke · Jan 20, 2009

bobbywett said:
When hardening part way through the ricasso, will the knife acquire a sufficient rigidity and flex? Do you use a limiter plate in your quench?

Thanks,

Bob

Bob, since the ricasso is the thickest area on my knives i have never had one bend in the ricasso area so I guess they are ridgid enough. by leaving the rear part of the ricasso soft the radius can be very small which makes fitting the guard easier. I use a large three sided file that has about a 1/16 inch radius corners on it.

Yes I use a limiter plat in my quench tank.

bobbywett · Jan 21, 2009

Is the file you mentioned a common one? What is the style and or name of such a file? Did you fabricate it yourself?

Bob

Bill Burke · Jan 21, 2009

bobbywett said:
Is the file you mentioned a common one? What is the style and or name of such a file? Did you fabricate it yourself?

Bob

It is just a large 10 inch triangle file. It is a black diamond. I looked at a few before I found one with the corner radius I wanted.

bobbywett · Jan 21, 2009

I'll look into getting one of those soon.