Yet another new maker thread (Couple of Question)

K

Keg

Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
1
Good morning guys


I'll start by a small introduction of myself. I'm from Quebec (so English is not my primary language, sorry about any grammatical error). So being from a different country give me a bit of a headache sometime while trying to find supply and such. I always been interested in knifemaking but never had the room for it, but now that we just moved into a house I will finally start trying !!

I will be starting with a Nicholson file, mainly because it is hard to find any 3/8Thick 1084 here. So here are the few question I've got so far.

1- Anyone know some knifemaker in Canada or even Quebec ? That would help me find the supply needed.

2- Would you recommend grinding the shape outside when the temperature is in the range of -5°C to -20°C ? Would it actually help ?

3- If I'm to grind in my workshop (which is the size of a small walk-in closet :( ) would it be dangerous to use a shop-vacuum at the same moment to prevent metal dust from going anywhere ? Could the dust/sawdust inside the vacuum catch fire from the hot metal coming from the grinder ?

4- I don't have easy access to forge material ( Especially the coal ... would charcoal for BBQ work ?) so how nice can I hope to make a knife from a file or pieces of 1084 if I find some, without heat threat it ?

I guess that's it for now, so far I have annealed my file so it is easier to grind the shape, I'll let you know guys how it is going.

Thanks
 
Welcome Keg!

1 - Try www.knifemaker.ca he carries 1084, as well as other steels, handle materials, grinding belts, offers heat treat services, ect.

2 - I cut out my knives out side with an angle grinder and a zip cut - then go inside my little shop (that has a wood stove:) to grind, drill, ect.

3 - can't help you here.

4 - I've ony used a propane forge and think its probably an easier way to go.

Bruce
 
What kind of knife are you making? As 12345678910 said, I'd look for thinner stock, especially since you'll be using hand tools to do the removal. WAY thinner. Like 1/8 inch, unless you're planning on making a chopper (which would be pretty silly since you're starting with a file).

- Greg
 
Count I believe that is the shortest post I have seen from you for a new maker... Keg, follow the links from 12345678910, read them and then if you have time, read them again. There are a number of makers in Canada but until you fill out your profile, we won't know how close. Don't worry about your language skills here, there are a lot of makers from many different areas and sometimes even the english speakers don't make sense. As for #2. it doesn't really matter about outside temp, it's all about heat transfer from direct contact to the grinder. If you use bare hands, you will know when the metal is too hot and then dip it in some water to keep it cool. All grinding outside in cold weather will do, is make your fingers cold and more likely to slip and ruin your material. Have fun.
 
Keg, I also live in Gatineau and I started making knives about a year ago. You can come and visit my shop anytime, I would be happy to share my knowledge with you. There is also another maker in Gatineau who is a friend of mine and was kind enough to help me a year ago when I started, his name here is ''Defaultuser''

Send me an email at alexandre014 AT bell dot net

(I'm french also)

Alex
 
Hey Keg! Welcome to the madness my brother! Shoot me an email so we can get together! user dot defaultuser at gmail dot com

PS.

Alex (Doc Holiday) has the nicest shop I ever seen! He makes awesome knives!

PPS.

I have some steel for you my friend if you wanna give it a shot!
 
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