uh oh, I think I caught a new bug

SpartanSaint

SpartanSaint

Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
970
K, so I was grinding some c clamps to shape as the bed cover for my truck was being stubborn and the clamps that came with didn't fit, neither did anything a truck shop sold.

As I stood there, showered in sparks, I began thinking. This isn't all that hard and boy! It sure is fun. Of course my mind wandered around a bit and it didn't take very long till I was thinking about that bark river I've been obsessing over, and the sebenza in my pocket which quickly struck me with a pang of guilt as to the negative balance in my checking account...

Never said I was sane

Anywho from the guilt I quickly found myself smiling that smile of joy I get from using the seb, and that joyous smile turned to one of madness behind my spark illuminated goggles as my mind lit up in excitement recalling a sign I saw at the junkyard advertising prices for truck leaf springs, which I remember being mentioned here as being 5160 spring steel.

Light bulb time.

I wanna make knives. Dunno how long it'll take to get this ball rolling but It's fun to think about
 
I had much the same idea, though I don't have access to a workshop, I'm sure the furnace and quenching media alone will cost big bucks, and a rule of thumb would be to assume zero profits from the endeavor.
 
Yeah I wasn't thinking I'd even attempt to sell them, not for a while anyways. Just thought it'd be kinda fun to mess around with. I'll find myself in the knife makers forums more as I get closer to breaking ground etc etc etc

It's just fun to think about right now
 
I say go for it! I've been bitten by the knife making bug a few times in the past as well. You don't need much to get started. The main thing you need is desire. That will fuel all your future endeavors.:)
 
Learn as much as you can, before you start buying tools, metals, etc.. A big curved leaf spring will need more than some grinding to become a useable knife.
 
You can buy straight 5160 stock new online before it's been made into a leaf spring.You can even choose different thickness options.There's lots of ways to heat treat a blade.I've made a few from worn out hoof files over the years.It's a fun project and in the end you'll really appreciate how much you're getting for you're money when you buy a knife.Just be sure to remember SAFETY FIRST!
 
idk, the harder it is the more fun it'll end up being. i like a good challenge and i sure do enjoy putting these hands to work.

useable? maybe. pretty? probably not. sellable? haha i doubt it.

but man its fun thinking out
 
I suggest buying bar stock in whatever steel you want, don't use mystery steels in which you can't find the exact grade. When you're done shaping and finishing the blade, send it to a proper heat treater. After you make a bunch of blades and want to further continue as a knife maker (all while learning as much as possible), only then you should consider doing your own heat treating.

Another skill you'll need is handle making. There are companies that sell finished blades so you can put your own handle on them. You could practice handle making and sell the finished knives (so you don't lose too much money).

Good luck.
 
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