Sunday project. Fathers day knife

S

syvmn

Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
169
Well after figuring out a few thing I think I am ready to start my first "finished" knife. Up to this point I have made 5 different knives, each with the purpose of learning something new and adding it. This will (hopefully) be the culmination of what I've learned so far. Hopefully Dad will like his fathers day gift.

I want to get to heat treating today so keep an eye out and I'll add pictures throughout the day as I progress.

1080, SS pins, Black/Orange Micarta

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Finished the plunges. I decided to go all the way to the top. I have to break out the sandpaper now and clean things up a bit, then drill my holes in the tang, then I should be ready for HT

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SYVMN ---- If you put a decent sized bolster on that knife, I'll engrave it free as it's gift for your father. If interested, call me at 910-221-5288. ken
 
Hey Ken. Honestly I'm not really sure what you mean by bolster. I think that means pieces of additional metal in front and back of the scales. If that is what you mean then I don't think I have the skill and know how to put them on, nor the material. I was planning on just using micarta for a handle and leave it at that with the rear portion of the knife just the tang. I wish I had someway to take you up on your offer.

I think that I will be looking for someone to make me a leather sheath once I am done with this (hopefully Monday or Tuesday). If anyone knows someone that would be able to do that it would be very helpful. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something functional. After all it will be a hunting knife.

I went at the blade and just a bit of the tang that will be exposed with 150 grit sandpaper. Do you think this is enough before heat treatment or should i polish it up a bit more?

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Don't underestimate yourself, The blade looks great so far, and I'm sure if you set your mind to it, you'd do just fine tackling a set of simple bolsters. I'm certain whatever you decide to go with handle-wise is going to be a success, and much appreciated!

TA
 
Well, just a thought. I felt since you were making the knife for your father, I'd help you out making it a little special. Best regards, ken
 
I've made 4 knives before this, but none with the intent of anything other than learning what I'm doing. This is the first actual project.

Ken- I think I'm just going to stick with my plan. I have to have this done in 2 weeks and adding bolsters might put me over that. I greatly appreciate the offer. If I had something to use for them I might have tried it.
 
Looking good. I'm sure your father will be very pleased. As for your last question, I'd take it up to at least 220 grit before HT. If you plan on going for a higher finish, it's A LOT easier to get the scratches out before it is hardened so keep that in mind.
 
I sanded the blade up to 350 grit and the front part of the handle up to 150 grit. I figure I will mess with the back part of the handle once heat treatment is done. This part shouldn't harden so I can do it after. Went to Menard's to get some good 1/8" drill bits and forgot to get a bigger one for the whole at the end of the tang. I'll do that tomorrow maybe. Once I heat treat I think I will call it a night. Hopefully I will finish it up tomorrow.

The plan is heat to non-magnetic and then quench in 150F canola oil. Then give it 2 hours at 400F in the toaster oven. Sadly I can only do one cycle, maybe I'll do another one tomorrow.

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That knife definately looks ready for HT. Nice progress since you started this thread earlier today. I'm currently hand sanding a 5" hunter trying to get it ready for HT tonight too. Keep it up and good luck on the quench!
 
Sadly HT isn't going to work tonight. I ended up running out of propane. So, I guess I'll have to get some propane on my way home from work tomorrow and do the heat treat then.
 
That looks absolutely wonderful. You are very skilled and have a great eye for knife design. Keep this up and you'll go far.
 
That is looking good so far. You are on your way to being a greak knifemaker.
 
syvmn said:
Its in the oven tempering now.

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Click to expand...

It's going to be a great knife for sure, nice work for now... Only one suggestion: I would do it spine down / edge-up, as far as I can see the portion of the edge near the plunge is over heating..
 
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