Whittlin' carving knife stock thickness?

M

Maelstrom78

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Sep 21, 2013
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I have an old timer client at work who was nice enough to recently gift me with a bundle of old files.

He had learned that I made knives and I showed him a couple I had pics of on my phone and we chatted about it from time to time.

So while he gave me the (unsolicited) bunch of files he said that he would like a whittling/carving knife. He said he can't whittle any more as he's lost hand strength and he wanted something with a fatter handle. Huh, so now I have to make him a knife I guess.

So it was kind of nice of him to bring me the stuff ( I would rather use the pile of steel from Aldo for things anyway) that I didn't want anyway but it also came with an obligation.

But whatever. He's a decent enough guy and he's been a client for years so sure I'll make him something.

Here's my plan. Start with maybe .080 or so stock (should I go thinner for 1080?) with a 1.5 or 1.75 wharncliffe style blade. Make a approx 4.5" handle with a big palm swell for the fella. Go for a final hardness on the 1080 of maybe 59? I don't want him chipping the thing and bringing it back to me.

Thoughts? Any advice for a knife like this?
 
I believe you have it figured out well. I wouldn't hesitate to go higher on the hardness.With his weak handles it could help .
Frank
 
Thanks guys. Taximanny that style is what I was thinking of. He gave me a bundle of older thicker hacksaw blades as well. Those might work nicely.
 
Maelstrom78 said:
Thanks guys. Taximanny that style is what I was thinking of. He gave me a bundle of older thicker hacksaw blades as well. Those might work nicely.
Click to expand...

Make sure when cutting out the blade that you don't heat it up to the point you ruin the temper.
Buy new so that your for sure getting high carbon.
 
Thanks Taximanny but I am going to redo the heat treat anyway. I'll HT it like 1080 with a temper around 375-400 F.
 
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