Re-use old Butcher Knife??

[LarryE]

I'm new to knife making and to the forum. I have an old butcher knife that I would like to remake into a cowboy knife. Similar to the Marbles Cowboy Knife. Can I anneal the old knife and reshape it and then heat treat it? I know someone who has the capabilities to do the heat treatment. How would something like this be done? Thanks everyone. Larry

 

[Sword and Shield]

I'm new to knife making and to the forum. I have an old butcher knife that I would like to remake into a cowboy knife. Similar to the Marbles Cowboy Knife. Can I anneal the old knife and reshape it and then heat treat it? I know someone who has the capabilities to do the heat treatment. How would something like this be done? Thanks everyone. Larry

If you go slowly enough, you could preserve the original heat treat and save you the trouble of redoing it. Keep it cool, and work slowly.

 

[LarryE]

Thanks, Sword and Shield, I have read where someone ground on their blade with their bare hands and when it got to hot to hold they stopped and let it cool then started again. I guess this is a good way to go about it.

 

[cj65]

Larry,
Welcome to BF! I would bet you would get much more response if this thread was in Maintenance, Tinkering and Embellishment. It may be moved by a moderator for just that reason. My only advice is, work safe, and have fun!

 

[Sword and Shield]

Thanks, Sword and Shield, I have read where someone ground on their blade with their bare hands and when it got to hot to hold they stopped and let it cool then started again. I guess this is a good way to go about it.

Heck, lots of us here have done just that. There are more than a few kitchen knives I've modified that way, with careful Dremel and sander work. They all retain their original heat treats.

Just a matter of being infinitely careful. Take your time, work slowly, and you can get some nice results.

An hour of careful grinding made the above out of a standard butcher knife- much nicer cutting piece now.

 

[DennisStrickland]

if you use a grinder or belt sander , keep a bucket of h2o near & dip blade often to keep from drawing the temper ;[ undoing the heat treat] you should have no problems.

 

[LarryE]

Thanks, cj65, that would be great if the moderator would move it. I accidently posted this in Service and Support Board also.

Thanks, Sword and Shield, I feel a lot better about taking it on now. I'm going to take before and after pics too.

 

[LarryE]

Thanks, Dennis, I'll keep you guys posted on how I do. Thanks again for the help and support.