Rasp/File question.

Knife freaky

Knife freaky

Joined
Dec 1, 2016
Messages
474
Hello all.

Well family all got me money for Christmas so I'm going to use that to dive into knife making. I'm going to start with a knife blank so I can get the hang of shaping the handle and I'll also make my own sheath but anyways back to my question. I've searched the forum and haven't found anything so I figured I'd ask what kind of files and rasps do I need for shaping the handle and filing down the pins? The handle will be a fairly soft wood. Also what sand paper grits do you work through to get a polish?

Daniel.


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I've done a bit of wood working but no handles (scales), so take what I say with a "grain of salt).

I'd do my basic profiling of the handle using a bandsaw or, if by hand, coping saw. I'd use a regular rasp to rough out (pun intended) the general shape of the handle, the move on to files. (Rawls, like large grit sandpaper will remove lots of material at once. Be conservative / cautious starting out.)

Once you have achieved a decent rough shape using rasp then files, move on to your sandpaper. Start with something like 40 grit. You are always moving from large grain / low grit number to smaller grained, higher grit number.

You WILL make mistakes but everyone does and this is your first attempt. In fact, I'd start out using pine or some scrap wood you have laying around to develop some basic skills, remembering that not all woods are created equal (same in hardness).

In the end, take it slow and easy, not aggressive, starting out. You'll do fine.

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get a larger coars half round file and some free paint stirring sticks as backer for sandpaper on flat parts.
Maybe a round one and a smaller flat one depending on your budget and handle shape.
Sandpaper:
120 - 180- 240 - 400 - 600
That will get a good handle, maybe add 1000 - 1500 - 2000

Buy good sandpaper, cheap sandpaper doesn;t work and is a waste of money/time
Enjoy
 
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