So I start to make knives in my backyard

[Gjackson98]

From another thread of my; inspired by many other forum members. I decided to start making knives in my backyard.
Although the goal is to start forging on my own, and make a knife from start to finish; To get my feet wet, I decided to make my first knife “without forge” straight from an old file.
In posts below I will update my steps and will love to accept feedback and suggestions!

 

[Gjackson98]

The original file.
To decrease amount of edge I need to work on for my first attempt, I decided to make a petty out of it.

 

[Gjackson98]

Cutting to general shape

 

[Gjackson98]

I wanted to achieve a decent amount of tapering but I don’t have any knowledge of how to.

So I decided to shaping the knife gradually move from the tip to heel, edge to spine; following a pattern:
Start grinding 3second from the tip of the edge moving the middle, 2 second from the middle of the edge to the heel, 1 second at the heel of the edge, bring the grinder back in 1 motion to reduce low spots. Repeat 3 time

Start grinding 3 second from the tip of the center moving to middle, 2 second from the middle of the center to heel, 1 second at the heel of the center, bring back in 1 motion to reduce low spots. Repeat 2 time

Start grinding 3 second from the tip of the spine moving to middle, 2 second from the middle of the spine to heel, 1 second at the heel of the spine, bring back in 1 motion to reduce low spots. Repeat 1 time

Smooth blade a few time to reduce low spots then start from the beginning.

 

[Gjackson98]

The result.
I am planning on next flatten the blade on station grinder and start forming some edge on the station grinder

 

[Gjackson98]

Polishing the blade abit

 

[Gjackson98]

Made a unique handle for it

 

[Bensbites]

Did you do anything to keep the blade cool when grinding?

 

[Gjackson98]

Did you do anything to keep the blade cool when grinding?

Yes a bucket of water

 

[Bert2368]

Next steps:

BBQ grill + blow dryer for forging, heat treat & anneal?

Scrap of railroad rail for an anvil?

Bucket of used engine oil for quenching...

 

[Caleb Cox]

Handle scales without pins, at least hidden ones (which you might have), have a habit of popping off, since there's nothing to brace/protect the epoxy bond from shear force. I found out the hard way. Cool project! What's the handle wood?

 

[Gjackson98]

Handle scales without pins, at least hidden ones (which you might have), have a habit of popping off, since there's nothing to brace/protect the epoxy bond from shear force. I found out the hard way. Cool project! What's the handle wood?

I originally planned to drop in pins, after thought through the design I ended up not using them for better look. I used 30min two side epoxy to hold the blanks together. Hidden pins sounds like a great idea!
I guess at this point if the handle pops off I will resume with pins.

 

[mlau]

Just checking in to see how the progress is going.

I'm interested in starting on this knife making thing.

 

[Gjackson98]

Just checking in to see how the progress is going.

I'm interested in starting on this knife making thing.

Mlau,
It's a fun process, you should give it a try!
I actually had to pause all my hobbies due to the virus situation.
I work in the healthcare industry, had to pull A LOT of overtime to support the doctors in the front line.

I will resume the activities here soon (hopefully) and I will keep you guy all posted with my results.

 

[mlau]

Dude, I hear you.

What do you do?

 

[Gjackson98]

Dude, I hear you.

What do you do?

Sorry for the late reply Mlau, base on the current trend I don't think I will have any free time to touch any of my knives this year lol.
Regarding what I do, let's say my job is to support imaging supplies for the the healthcare heroes work at the front line.