What is this called............?

G

Graycliff

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
9
I just ordered my first fixed skinner kit (first kit in general, for that matter). I've been surfing around the net to get basic information and keep coming across this really cool, fine grind/file work that is done to the tops of blades. I'm sure it's probably an advanced task, but i'm just interested in what it's called and hows it's done.

If anybody could provide a link explaining the procedure, I would appreciate it.

Here's an example.......

kk70001.jpg
 
You named what you saw correctly- it's simply called "filework". Anyone can do it, but it takes practice and patience to do it properly. You take the needle files that you've accumulated, and cut in grooves into the spine (at an angle) in a manner that creates what you want. It's fun to do- but I'd reccomend keeping to scrap steel at first.

Here's a simple example of it.

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All that it is a circular needle file put to the spine in commone intervals.

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There's a diamond pattern created by using a triangular needle file in the same way. *Just fyi, every "(" and "<" is a file cut

For the really nice patterns, line vine, lightening, or what you see there, it takes a combination of files (people also use dremels).

Hope this helps

Edit- here's a link to Bruce Evan's tutorial on vine filework- explore the site for more filework stuff: http://www.homestead.com/beknivessite2/vinefilework.html
 
Here is a tutorial for one of the patterns:
http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_vine_evans.shtml

There is another tutorial available at that site for "arrowhead".

There is an excellent DVD available http://ccinstructionalvideos.com/dushane_fileworking.htm

There are many knifemaking tutorial links at www.knifehow.com and an abundance of information linked at this thread here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387503

There will be a quiz Monday......;)

Welcome to BF Shoptalk!
 
WOW, that was quick. I guess this is not one of the forums that you have to wait a week for a response.

back to the "vine" work... It does seem like one of those things that you have to practice to become proficient and comfortable with, especially doing it to a completed blade. Thanks to the both of you for your replys.

Now back to reading.
 
Graycliff...a couple things:

Those files you pictured are very small and somewhat pricey. You can get a cheap set of slightly larger "needle files" at a bigbox like Lowes or Home Despot for $10-12 which will get you started. Get a cheap handle, too, or drill a hole in a dowel.

A kit knife will come with a hard blade. Filing hard steel can be daunting. Most filework on custom knives is done before hardening or on the slightly softer springs/backs on folders.

You're welcome for the info. You'll never wait a week for a response here....
 
Mike,

The price of those files did look to be a little on the high side. If and when I choose to "tackle" vine work I'll definitely stop by Lowe's or Casa Depot first.

The blade I ordered is said to be made with Cyro-treated AUS 8 steel, and from what I could find on AUS, it looks to be pretty hard. It may auctually not be the best idea to try vine work on this blade considering the steel AND it's my first kit.

Thanks for the tips/heads-up.
 
That vine filework is not as hard as it looks. I thought it would be really difficult until I tried it the first time years ago and found it was pretty easy. Those tutorals will help you a lot. Don't do it on a hardened blade though.
 
One of the links that fitzo pointed you towards http://members.cox.net/ddushane/ is the undisputed master of Filework ,Dwayne Dushane . You can acomplish every pattern that one might come up with using three files needle files , the marking , the round , and the three square . I do quite a bit of filework and I buy the best files I can find , Grobet & Nicholson have been my favorites. I would highly recommend the Dushane video if you want to shorten your learning curve. If you dont want to purchase it you can rent it here http://smartflix.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=9da7e83b5035585d9c0aaf92d59f7748 Sorry to bombard you with links but here is one more , an "example of Filework patterns" by many different makers put together by our resident "expert in photography" Coop http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/f...groupid={B5FDC671-EA36-4431-8850-C441A333DFA5} That should keep you busy for about a year or so :)
 
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