WIP- First knife I can say I made

fast14riot

fast14riot

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Messages
8,721
Hey everyone,

So after being on here a few months now absorbing as much of the information that gets thrown around as I can, I finally get to post pictures of what will be my first knife that I made.

Rewind to about a week ago, I posted up that I came across a small stash of some copper and nickel ingots in my garage that I had forgotten about. I asked if anyone could use it, and Gene Martin emailed me asking about the nickel. Being right before Christmas, all I asked is that he cover the shipping and it was his. We had been conversing through email and he told me that along with payment for the nickel he was sending me a couple pieces of 1080 steel. I didn't have any steel, and finances have been tight. A very generous gesture on his part.

So now I have some steel, I have been reading, studying, and day dreaming of making a knife. Pouring over photos in the various galleries on here. I keep a sketchbook out all the time and draw different designs whenever I get inspiration from something. Quite often really.

So far I have completed one knife from a blade blank I purchased from that auction site and a couple of folder mods/rebuilds. Really getting anxious to start now. Finally the time came that I had to stop day dreaming and instead of pencil on paper, I took a file to some steel. Here are the results thus far. Please critique with praise or concern openly, I encourage it.

Episode 1...




The steel I get from Gene is 11" x 1.3" x 0.130" 1080. Really a perfect size.

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I pick a design from my sketch book that I think will fit within the steel, utilizing as much as I can. This is what I started with.

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Well being indecisive at times, that design got altered, thinned, stretched, and just plain morphed into this. A Gentleman's Bowie.

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So I copy it to some heavier stock and cut it out to check out how it will feel. I liked it. So I refine the dimensions to 10.5" LOA, 5.25" LOB. I use 3M photo mount spray adhesive to hold the template to the steel, so I can remove it without destroying my template.

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I break out the ODB and start in on the section close to the edges of the steel. This thing eats metal like Cookie Monster eats chocolate chip cookies.

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NOTE TO SELF: stock up on cut-off disks for the angle grinder. The blades I had were new, but lasted only a few strokes.:thumbdn:

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Perfect timing! As I was getting pissed, my ever faithful companion, Radar, walks in! He is almost 9 now, and the only other person (yes, he is person) allowed in my garage! No wives, Girlfriends, or Kids! He gets me back in the right frame of mind.

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So I switch over to drilling holes and playing connect-the-dots with cutoff disks in the dremel. It was better than cursing at that damn hack saw!

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Well I made it! I got it cut out! This is as far as I made it tonight before the wife came home from dinner with the girls. Perfect place to stop. All edges are squared up, and finished at this point to 120. I drew on my grind lines and where the front of the scales will be just so it could look like a knife.

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I am proud of it so far. No major screw ups and just a few drops of blood spilled. Next up is going to be the bevels. I know that S curved plunge line is going to be difficult, but I have all the time I need to go as slow as I want to make sure it comes out the way I want it to. Besides, I am using only files and sandpaper, so I can catch a mistake while it is still small and correct it accordingly.

Now I just need to start thinking about the scales. The only material I have on hand is some plain-jane walnut from a broken rifle stock and some dried natural myrtle wood that doesn't exhibit any special features. Any one have any suggestions on what they think would look good?

Again, please feel free to compliment or critique all you want, it just fuels me to do better!

Thanks for tuning in,


-Xander


On the next episode; Filing in the bevels, File work the tang, and Filing the swedge!
 
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I don't exactly recommend the angle grinder/cut-off disc option, as it felt a wee bit dangerous everytime I went at it haha, but I have yet to wear out a single cut-off disc. They eat right through 1/4 thick steel.

Kudos for going at it and getting it started though! Beautiful dog, I almost cant wait for my 1yr old pup to get old. All he does is constantly play and almost cause me injury while I'm working.

I don't think rifle stock would look bad, other than that, I don't know. That's just going to be a personal preference thing. I, myself, don't really care for wood handles. Micarta, G10, neoprene, and paracord are about the only handles I like.
 
Looks great so far! impressive form and flow for your first knife. It really shows you've done your research and lots of drawing.
 
Python007 said:
Btw, you should take that file to your dog's nails soon. Haha ;)
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Haha, yeah - that's a constant problem with him. The quick on his nails is so long that even when freshly trimmed, they look long! Right now there is less than 1/4" growth on his nails. I Wish I had a better pic of him, he has some of the prettiest brindle i have seen. He also has a black tongue, so I just tell people he is the jungle camo version!

Tiiiiiiiim- Thanks for the kind words! I have done lots of "research." At least thats what I tell the wife I am doing on the computer all the time! I have all kinds of drawings, and I find it easier for me to just flip the page rather than throw away a peice of steel!


-Xander
 
that looks like a good beginning. Be really careful if you go with cutoff discs, they tend to become shrapnel if you try any sort of lateral pressure. If you are going to use files to shape, buy Sears "Craftsman" files. They are not the best files, but Sears will replace them when they get dull, and you will go through several in the process of making the knife.

-Page
 
What type of hack saw blades are you using?

I spend a little more and get the bimetal ones. They seem to work better for me.

Try upgrading your hacksaw frame to one of the high tension ones. The hacksaw in the picture is good for light stuff, I have one of those and it doesn't hack it when it comes to cutting out knives (01 tool steel). Using a high tension hacksaw makes a world of difference. The high tension frame keeps the blade from flexing too much and yu can apply much more pressure on the cutting stroke.

I tried a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade, but I got impatient and ran it too fast and over heated the blade. So I just take my time and use the hacksaw.

Might try a Sawzall sometime. The demolition blades will go through nails and other junk without a problem.

Nice looking design.

Ric
 
Great design! It has a really nice flow to it and it's looking good so far:thumbup:

Keep the pics coming.
 
Let me echo what so many have said, you have a very nice fluid design. Do you use any drawing aids like maybe a french curve?

I never knew there were high tension hack saws. I've got to look into this. I'm having problems cutting my new steel.

LonePine
AKA Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
lonepine said:
Let me echo what so many have said, you have a very nice fluid design. Do you use any drawing aids like maybe a french curve?

I never knew there were high tension hack saws. I've got to look into this. I'm having problems cutting my new steel.

LonePine
AKA Paul Meske, Wisconsin
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Paul, I do sometimes use french and flexible curves but mostly when I am drawing symmetrical patterns, daggers and such. I was the last class in my high school to be taught mechanical drafting with pencil and paper and love to draw other things as well, so I have a fairly well trained arm. All drawing comes from your arm, your hand just holds the pencil.

One of my favorite ways to play with design is to close my eyes and just make a few different marks. I open my eyes and look at what I drew, if it resembles something I fill it out and complete the drawing. For knives I make sweeping lines and see where i could use it in a knife. Sometimes The line just becomes the center line of a design.


Ric, I have been meaning to get a high tension saw frame, but I had some time to get out in the garage, and wasn't going to let it go. If a jigsaw didn't work then a sawzall will be exponentially worse. longer stroke and it will tear up the part of the steel you want to keep. A 4" angle grinder, if you know how to handle it properly, it the farthest I would go from proper equipment. I am a foreclosure contractor and use the above tools on a daily basis, so I am well aware of dangers each one presents.


Everyone, thank you for all the kind words. I will post pics in the next few days after I can get out to the garage to work to it some more.


-Xander
 
Your dog is old, and I'm sure he's a great friend.

I think you have a decent blade and handle design, along with a good idea of how you want the knife to be finished. Your challenge now, is completing the rough grinding of the knife edge in order to get it heat treated. Following that you'll want to make sure that you can finish the edge to almost razor sharp with a decent finish, while maintaining a smooth ricasso, and a nicely fastened and finished handle.

There is so much to making knives, and so many ways to complete similar tasks, that is what makes the hobby so interesting.

Mike L.
 
fast14riot said:
Paul, I do sometimes use french and flexible curves but mostly when I am drawing symmetrical patterns, daggers and such. I was the last class in my high school to be taught mechanical drafting with pencil and paper and love to draw other things as well, so I have a fairly well trained arm. All drawing comes from your arm, your hand just holds the pencil.

One of my favorite ways to play with design is to close my eyes and just make a few different marks. I open my eyes and look at what I drew, if it resembles something I fill it out and complete the drawing. For knives I make sweeping lines and see where i could use it in a knife. Sometimes The line just becomes the center line of a design.



-Xander
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I can relate to your method of design. I sketch out 10 our so super rough shapes then try to develop them into a design. Usually only 1 in 10 turn into a finished design. I'm certain my keen interest in drawing and years of art have helped with my flow and form.
 
Quote: "The only material I have on hand is some plain-jane walnut from a broken rifle stock and some dried natural myrtle wood that doesn't exhibit any special features."

I think the walnut would make a great handle. A "gentleman" doesn't want something garish, rather something refined, conservative, showing quality. The walnut would do that I think.

If the walnut doesn't float your boat how about black micarta or something else black that can be polished to a high shine. The black of the handle material would echo the tuxedo that the gentleman would be wearing.

And a walking stick, a gentleman should have a walking stick, preferably one with a hidden blade. ;-)

LonePine
AKA Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
Keep an eye out for a used portable bandsaw in pawnshops and on craigslist. Build a frame for it from angle iron or 2x4 lumber and you will be able to cut your steel with ease without spending much money. And whether you use a hacksaw or bandsaw the bi-metal blades are money well spent. You definitely have an eye for design. Welcome to the addiction of klnifemaking.

Darrin
 
deloid said:
Cool bike stuff!! Schwinn shifters, forks, park sticker and more. Like your knife but I want to see more bike pics!
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Ha funny you picked that out! I am a (ex) master bike mechanic, and I managed 2 shops in years past. I am now in the process of thinning out my fleet over the last 2 years. Down to about 9 now. The red schwinn facing you in the pic is a 1954 World Traveller and I am the second owner! The head tube with shifters you see is a COMPLETE restomod of a '62 Schwinn Super Sport I am doing for a customer. I wont put up a bunch of pics here, don't want to derail this thread, but I will put up the latest steed to be sent to finer pastures...

DSCN2084.jpg


1974 Schwinn Paramount Track
Full Campagnolo Record Pista group
ALL original, rebuilt with all NOS parts (except tires)
I am also the second owner of this bike.

Just got the final word from the buyer, its going to JAPAN!


Funny, I always refused to work on schwinns, but now they are all over my garage!


If you want to talk bikes more let me know and we can start a thread in community forum.



-Xander
 
lonepine said:
Quote: "The only material I have on hand is some plain-jane walnut from a broken rifle stock and some dried natural myrtle wood that doesn't exhibit any special features."

I think the walnut would make a great handle. A "gentleman" doesn't want something garish, rather something refined, conservative, showing quality. The walnut would do that I think.

If the walnut doesn't float your boat how about black micarta or something else black that can be polished to a high shine. The black of the handle material would echo the tuxedo that the gentleman would be wearing.

And a walking stick, a gentleman should have a walking stick, preferably one with a hidden blade. ;-)

LonePine
AKA Paul Meske, Wisconsin
Click to expand...
Paul, yeah I do think walnut would look great, but i was thinking some nice feather grain english walnut would look just killer. Maybe Ill call the guys I got my last custom stock from and see if they have any end cuts or blocks they would part with for a small sum! I was also thinking about some sort of black (colored) wood, maybe not ebony, but something like it. Oh, and hidden pins as well.

Sounds like you "get it" with what I was going for with this knife. Not a cowboys bowie that is 15+ inches, but a little smaller so as not to upset the ladies. Refined materials, just enough embellishment to show quality without being flashy. A Gentleman's Bowie. At least that's what I think one should be.

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone.


-Xander
 
Like everyone else, I think it looks great and am anxious to see the final product. For wood I would also recommend Mark AKA Burl Source - great guy with lots of wood. If you stick with this knife making bit you'll get to know him well... Just let him know what you're looking for, he'll get you going right for sure.

Stockton, eh? Used to live in Manteca, worked up in Stockton quite a bit. Favorite taco wagon ever was off of I-5 and Charter Way; man do I miss those guys... First thing I think about when I hear Stockton!
 
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