Which one to do first,HT or putting an edge

[NHM]

Im trying to get into knife making, should I HT first or should I put an edge on it first, im working without power tools just a drill, minu vise,some file, and sand paper. Your opinion??

 

[Natlek]

Which steel ? Considering tool you have it is best first to cut and shape , then file the bevel , drill hole for pins and then HT

 

[gunfixrjoe]

I would definitely heat treat first.

 

[NHM]

I'm going for O1 steel, so it's already sharp when heat treating, or just the bevel without edge?

 

[Busto]

Bevel without the edge. You will be finish sanding and doing handle work after heat treating no need to cut yourself during all those tasks. It's normal to leave about 0.020" at the edge to keep it from wrinkling like bacon during heat treating and quenching.

 

[NHM]

Bevel without the edge. You will be finish sanding and doing handle work after heat treating no need to cut yourself during all those tasks. It's normal to leave about 0.020" at the edge to keep it from wrinkling like bacon during heat treating and quenching.

So Put an edge after HT,with just sand paper?

 

[Busto]

Once the knife has handles and final sanding and polishing is complete use sharpening stones to set the final edge.

You Should check out the "Sticky's" at the top of this forum page for "All the GOOD information in one place" you will find answers to these and other questions.https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/sticky-threads-all-the-good-info-you-want-in-one-place.1052730/

 

[Robert Erickson]

Read and learn as much as you can before starting. As busto recommended read the sticky's. Also, watch Walter Sorrels and Nick Wheeler's YouTube videos. I would recommend looking for Aaron Gough's YouTube video on his file jig. Consider using 1084 or 80CrV2 steel instead of O-1. The HT is going to be more forgiving with those steels.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Also make the sheath before you put on the edge