Steel file to dagger, help.

B

Blackfeather

Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Messages
543
So, I know a steel file isn't the best for a dagger or fighting knife, well, I don't think it is. It is however all I had available and I am extremely new to this. Stock removal of course and I am doing most of the work by file.

My problem is that I am both unsure about what quenchant to use along with the tempering. Any help is appreciated.

I am doing this with nearly no tools or even a real forge deal, just my little tricks with an old barbecue. My last attempt went relatively well aside from the brine water doing a bit too much and the edge has a few cracks, very small but this new project is worth more to me as the last one had a few problems in grinding. My mistakes. I also attempted a hamon which worked slightly...

I understand a double edged knife should be quenched tip first vertically. I have done much research but I haven't found anything as specific for me as I had hoped.
 
Have you read the stickies (obviously not if you are contemplating using files and quenching them in ATF)

Read the "Good Info Here" stickies, and the "Working with the 3 steel types" then start a new thread asking informed questions

-Page
 
As I said, I have read what I can but I only have what I have. good information, yes, but I am looking for the suggestion of what is the best out of the low budget ideas... I guess I will just use what is available and not bother asking for opinions from the "masters"... -_-
 
low budget ideas, put a piece of 1084 from Aldo
http://njsteelbaron.com/

you will spend around 20 or so dollars for a piece you can get several knives out of, it's known steel, and much easier to work with than a file
-Page
 
Your questions are not specific enough. Its hard to offer up information, when the steel being used is unknown.

If you are going to grind a dagger on your second try; you do not lack confidence. Thats a good thing.

I would also suggest reading the stickies to ingest a bit of the collective information that is offered there. You will find it most useful. There are no masters here, just people that try hard.

I also suggest getting the 1084. Its quite forgiving and since you know what it is you will be able to do the heat treat with confidence.

Fred
 
Thanks, I do eventually plan to buy better steels and I have been wanting 1084 for this project but I haven't had the money and got the old file from a friend to see what I could do with it...
 
Blackfeather said:
Thanks, I do eventually plan to buy better steels and I have been wanting 1084 for this project but I haven't had the money and got the old file from a friend to see what I could do with it...
Click to expand...

spend the money on a stick of 1084 from Aldo, or waste it on abrasives trying to chew up a file, your choice (I know where my money would (did) go)

-Page
 
You could quench in canola oil, olive oil, motor oil, atf, but the bottom line is that none of these are likely to get the most out of the steel, even if it is only a file. As long as you are aware of that, there is no harm in dabbling a little. Several of my early knives were from files, and they work.
Some makers will even recommend that you practice on grinding on mild steel so you have some practice when you start using blade steel.
Whatever you use, do not be ignorant of flammability, vapor points, flash points, and all the other hazards associated with combining oil with 1500 degree steel.
 
I started on a very limited budget, here's what I've been buying as the money comes in (just to give you an idea of what kind of prices are out there).

I went out and spent approximately $65 at Lowes, and bought parts for a file bevel jig that I designed, which I will use for the majority of my stock removal. I also got a thing of mixed grit 3M sand paper from Walmart for about $5, it included 60,80 and 100 or 120 I think. I also went to Texas Knife supply and bought thong hole tubing ($3), 250, 320, 600, 800, 1200, 1500, 2000, 4000, 8000 wet/dry paper for $23 including shipping. I bought 1 foot of 3/32" pin stock for $0.40. I also found a box of random files, bastard cut, double and single, big, small, long, short. I think I got a total of 13 files for $10, off craigslist, also bought a Lowes brand file for $8.99, just like craftsman, when it dulls I can have it replaced.

I also just found a grizzly scroll saw on Craigslist for $35, a full size craftsman band saw for $100. I just ordered the 2x42 craftsman belt sander from Sears, $120, and for that I ordered (all aluminum oxide, cause it was cheapest) belts for about $3 for 2, 2ea 40grit, 2ea 80g, 2ea 150, 2ea 320 and a 50 grit zirconium belt all for $23 including shipping.

I personally went through Kelly Cupples for my steal, and got 4' of 3/16" x 1 1/2" 1080 for 28.50 including shipping.

I also just picked up the Harbor Freight 10" 12 speed drill press for $120, a very nice set of milwaukie drill bits (steel/wood) from Home Depot for $14, and a good sized vise for $25.

I also spent $167 (including shipping) on inswool, satanite, ITC-100, propane hose, 0-60psi regulator with gauge, and a hard firebrick from elliscustomknifeworks.com for my forge.

As for wood, there's a woodcraft near buy, and I can buy basic scales and pen blank sized wood there for pretty cheap.

Just a couple other little odds and ends and I'm 100% done.

Oh, and I'll also be using canola oil on my 1080 for quenching...it seems to be the poor man's quench.
 
Blackfeather, If you pm me your address, I will send you a 1' Piece of 1/4 x 1.5 (maybe 1 1/4 I can't remember) " of Aldo's 1084.

I do however suggest you NOT attempt a dagger for your first knife.
 
Well it appears I have spoken too soon, I cannot receive pm's, and I don't think you can send them sooooo..

Edited to remove my email as he has contacted me.
 
Last edited:
Airborne Steel said:
Well it appears I have spoken too soon, I cannot receive pm's, and I don't think you can send them sooooo..

Shoot me an email at marty (at) blakesblades (dot) com and we'll figure the rest out.
Click to expand...


And this is why I love this site! Someone comes and asks a question with some limited knowledge but a desire to make knives and is met with some valuable knowledge and an offer of help in the ofrm of a piece of proper blade steel. Gotta love it :thumbup:
 
As much as I have learned from this site, and as much kindness I have seen here, it's the least I could do.

Blackfeather, I have received your email. I'll get the steel out this weekend. I'll tuck in a few other things as well to make things go smoother.

I look forward to seeing what you do with it. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top