Starting First (and maybe last) Large Knife

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DanF

DanF

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I've had some leaf spring steel squirreled away for over a decade, waiting for inspiration ( or insanity) to decide what to do with it. I,ve read all the warning that go along with leaf spring steel so haven't been in a hurry to mess about with it but I'm waiting for a shipment of 10xx to come in so, here's what a piece of leaf is becoming. 13.75" x 2" OA.
This is a huge departure from my typical comfort zone of knives under 8". Let you know how it goes...,.IMG_20170521_121338.jpg
 
Well, as I have said before, you asked.
I suggest you put it away again but for say 60 years.
With respect for your efforts.
Frank
 
Oh, you think that's a finished knife I guess? Is everyone on here a smartass or are you the resident in charge of THAT department?
And no, I didn't ask a question.
From your posts, you've been here a long time, but ya ain't too humble are you? Have a good one.
 
DanF said:
Oh, you think that's a finished knife I guess? Is everyone on here a smartass or are you the resident in charge of THAT department?
And no, I didn't ask a question.
From your posts, you've been here a long time, but ya ain't too humble are you? Have a good one.
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Wow. That's always a really great way to get advise. Being a dick isn't going to get you very far here man. Perhaps ask yourself why Frank might have said what he said?

I know you say you understand all the problems that go along with leaf steel. The way I look at it, abrasives and my time are too expensive to screw around with stuff that won't yield the best knife I can make with my knowledge and tools.

The profile of the blade portion isn't bad, but the handle profile needs some work. How are you planning on removing all the pitting? Do you know if the steel underneath is decent steel or is it going to have stress problems and pitting all the way through? That's why we recommend starting with good steel.

Also, Frank won't stick up for himself, but I will. Maybe I don't need to, but I still will. Google search Frank Niro knives. Take a look at his stuff. Maybe there is a damn good reason the man can give advise like "put it away again for say 60 years."
 
And the pile on starts. Not a surprise. And I noticed that Frank likes that phrase, "well since you asked", before he starts. Well I didn't ask. Making very nice knives is no excuse for him, or for your defense of rudeness, well intended or not.
Abetter 'smith than either of you checked out, and used much of the stash I have. We know what's there, you don't.

Just another example of cyberbullies trying to justify their assanine behavior. Life's too short, you guys pat yourselves on the back now, you won, I'm outa here.
 
Wow, amazing. Always interesting how some just explode with no basis.
 
To be fair, he didn't ask for advice or critique and I can see how Frank's statement could be viewed as an insult to his knife instead of the material.
Cool off and come back DanF- I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding.
 
Brian.Evans said:
Also, Frank won't stick up for himself, but I will. Maybe I don't need to, but I still will. Google search Frank Niro knives. Take a look at his stuff. Maybe there is a damn good reason the man can give advise like "put it away again for say 60 years."
Click to expand...

To be totally fair, I think the vast majority of people would consider "put it away again but for say 60 years" as an insult rather than useful advice... I could see this as joking around between two good friends but that's apparently not the case here.

To the OP, DanF, did you try spark testing it as well as trying to heat treat a small cut off coupon of the leaf spring? It's probably best to figure out the best plan for heat treating before investing too much more time?
 
Sorry I didn't get back here earlier today. And right off I apologize Dan. My wish and efforts are to help people in knife making even if you are just starting out especially those who ask me for help on liner locks but whose work I recognize as already being better than mine.
I did believe that was supposed to be the finished thing and was you first. I thought I saw another someone looking to get approval for a very disappointing effort.
Please hang in here! Aside for a few members who may read too quickly or be some on the dumb side, there are hundreds of kind people here full of information to help.
Frank
 
OK, everyone chill!
Sorry I missed this thread after the original post. I would have tried to get it back on track sooner.

Dan,
You just started making knives, and got your forge two weeks ago. You posted your first build thread and while you didn't ask for advice, it is generally understood that posting a first knife build will get advice. There may be many things you don't know yet. There are folks here with years of experience and who are well known knifemakers. Frank makes unbelievable folders and shares his knowledge and skills here freely. I am sorry his post came off wrong.

The photo appears to be a heavily pitted profiled blank with a slight edge ground on it. Because of that edge, I think Frank took it as your somewhat finished knife. His comment could have been gentler, and I really doubt he meant it as an insult. I feel he was saying to set it aside until your skills improve.
I am not sure what you meant by "My typical comfort zone of under 8" knives". Are you saying you have been building 8" and smaller knives before now?

Finish up your knife and show us the progress as you go. Sorry there was a misunderstanding, but it is best to let it go and get back to why you came here - to learn how to make great knives.

Frank,
I think you got his post wrong. Lets all take a break and let him finish the knife, then we will see what level his skills are at.

Everyone,
Let's let Dan finish his knife and post photos of it either as he goes or when it is done.

If there are any more flare-ups, I will close the thread.
 
I sent a message to Dan and encouraged him to let this go and finish his knife. Lets all give him a chance to get started. We were all new once, too.

Thread closed.Dan can start a new one when he has progress to show.
 
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