what should i ask for at the metal supply shop?

[razar6swords]

I am interested in making a small dagger and would like to know what type of metal, thickness, and grade to ask for. Any help would be great.

 

[Kohai999]

I am interested in making a small dagger and would like to know what type of metal, thickness, and grade to ask for. Any help would be great.

Do you want stainless or carbon steel?

What kind of equipment do you have for cutting the pattern, grinding the blade and finish work?

Do you have a heat treater in mind?

How long will the blade be?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Lorien]

O1 I hear is good starter material, pretty machinable from what I've read.
Maybe get yourself a piece of bar stock 1 1/4" wide or so by about 10" long, and I wouldn't go more than 3/16" thick personally, 5/32" is pretty easy to come by. Precision ground will make your life easier if you're a perfectionist.
Let me qualify that I'm a total newb to knife making and have very little actual knife making experience.
I do think about them all the time though

 

[razar6swords]

Carbon, hack saw, griders (hand and table) saws all, band saw, Large propane torch that works with a 20lb. tank and produces 3000btu, blade will only be about 10" and i did go to my local steel shop and asked for some 0-1 but all they could show me was some thick small pieces. thanks for all the help.

 

[Kohai999]

Carbon, hack saw, griders (hand and table) saws all, band saw, Large propane torch that works with a 20lb. tank and produces 3000btu, blade will only be about 10" and i did go to my local steel shop and asked for some 0-1 but all they could show me was some thick small pieces. thanks for all the help.

1. You have the basic makings for knifework....hope you have a good sized vise, and a sturdy bench?

2. 10" blade is not a small dagger, it is a rather large one, but I suppose it is a matter of perspective.

3. Contact Alpha Knife Supply, your steel costs will be fairly inexpensive:http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/bladesteel.htm

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[DesRosiers]

You should probably do a search here on the forums. Kevin Cashen did an amazing thread on "beginner" steels. He talks about selection, function, heat treating, etc...

 

[razar6swords]

Yeah i have a large vise, and a sturdy bench. And yeah i guess 10" is not really a small dagger. Thanks for all the help and fast responses.