Second Knife

M

mocaba

Joined
Oct 13, 2012
Messages
87
8in. OL
4in. Handle
4in. Blade Length
1084 Steel
1.5 Width
.125 Thick
ZY1sH.jpg

We1cn.jpg

FE3xl.jpg

nPmzl.jpg

lLGvf.jpg
 
Well, at least you are consistent.

I would really try and read the tutorials and follow the normal procedures, including HT.
 
I tried doing it different this time, I used a angle grinder. I am still trying to figure out how to make the plunge lines right. Hopefully Christmas I will be getting a belt grinder.
 
Good for you on using a good piece of steel.



Does that knife match the picture you had in your mind?


If yes, I'd say look at some really good knives and see what's possible.
Internet photos, videos, real knives, whatever you can get.


If it does not match the picture you had in your mind, then what do you have to do differently to get that knife to match the picture you had in your mind. ?

Try reading all the links in that standard reply, it will help you so much.

It's not about "making a knife" in one day.

It's not about a new machine or tool,

It is about having a clear idea of what you want
, a plan to get there one step at a time, as well as the patience and perseverance to keep at it until you are done.

Have you seen the movie The Karate Kid? This is a wax on - wax off moment for you.


I can see by your Youtube channel you're old enough to grasp the concepts and develop the skills.
Seriously I'm trying to find something good to say about your first and second.
Usually there is a huge improvement between a new maker's first and second as they apply what they learned.

So you finish a knife at record speed and then ask what we think?
I think you should be able to do better.



Notes for you to consider

Your wooden sheath looks like a 2x4
the flame colouring can be interesting, but the shape is - shapeless.
Carve it down, the soft wood you used will probably cave in by the time you get to a decent slender form that matches and complements the knife.
Try hardwood next time - real hardwood maple flooring samples or scraps work


Your blade bevel
I understand Scandi grinds are popular, but look at any American tanto


http://www.rationalselfdefense.com/...n Pictures/Cold-Steel-Tanto-San-Mai-iii-3.jpg
http://www.canadaknives.com/images/sanmeil.jpg
http://pages.123-reg.co.uk/winchester-774595/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/110.jpg

The grinds go at least half way up the blade, thin edges and thin wedges cut

Your blade, is a flat piece of steel that you skipped putting a bevel on and jumped straight to an edge.


You're blade is perfectly straight.
Look at the 3 photos above in the style you are trying for.
They're not straight, the visual appeal comes from curves - think of a woman - curves.

Try making an exact copy of a knife you have, so you can compare one to another side by side.


And heat treat, i have a question How are you heating the blade?
 
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To be honest i think you are rushing things way too much. I would advise that you slow down and focus on each step before moving to the next, without skipping any steps, like putting bevels on a blade, or giving the handle a smooth contour. Like i said before i am not a master by any means, and im not trying to be harsh, but right now it looks somewhat like the blade i took off my lawnmower when my girlfriend ran over the curb with it. Ditch the bench grinder and angle grinder and, and remember three words, files, files, files. And like Stacy said, read the stickies here. there is an insane amount of information. Quite honestly i think that the blade shape on your first knife was a more functional blade also. Like i said just slow down, take a look through the custom knife sub forum and the knifemakers for sale area and just think about the time involved in some of those knives. I am willing to be that very few of them were finished in a day.
 
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As hard as it may be to read the count's message, I have to say he echoed what I wanted to say. I always want to say something uplifting... but it's hard.

You can tell by the comments others are making they feel the same. We want to be helpful, but you seem to be in too much of a hurry to read what is here and heed the good advice being given.

I'll speak plainly here. You're trying to rush through a process that should be moving slowly enough for you to learn something along the way. Don't wish for a grinder for Christmas. Wish instead for some time to work on a knife. The more time the better. Learn how to grind using files. That will teach you how to move the abrasives against the metal to achieve a certain look... like a defined plunge line. Learn to use sandpaper in a way that preserves the crisp lines you struggle to grind. Learn to make handles that look like handles. Learn to make sheaths that can actually be used to carry a knife.

Above all, learn patience... before you hurt yourself.
 
All good advice above.....but the same advice you have been given since you came here. It is yours to take and use or not. So far you have chosen not to take it. Look at these two knives and the war club sheath, and be honest.....Would you rather they look better? If so, stop working on knives, go and read what you have been recommended to read, and then make a knife slowly and properly.

As moderator, I have been asked if you are old enough to be on this forum.You state you are, and the video seems to back that up. I'm guessing 14. However, it would be a good thing if one of your parents posts on this thread ( they can use your login), or sends me an email - sapelt@cox.net . Some here believe you may be doing this without your parents knowledge, which we can't condone.
 
My apologies, I looked at the other kid in the video links. I now see the beard and all. Those who were concerned about an underage member should now have their worries ended.

That said, at 20 you should be able to sit down and work a project slowly and follow simple instructions. If you can't do that, knifemaking isn't for you. Some projects take month, even years, to complete.
 
Mocaba,

I know it hard for some to slow down and work on something and just try to get to the end. What is happening is you start out to make a knife and you end up making a shank. :)

Watch the Greenpete video in the link I put up. He uses the same tools you probably have to make a knife from an angle grinder and file.

I watched your videos and you do not mention "Heat treating" but only "Tempering". How did you heat treat the 1084 before you tempered it?

You can do it, just plan on it taking 5 times longer then you expect for you first few knives.

Good luck
 
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