templates

[theunluckyhunter]

anyof yall think you could post up some pics of your templates so they could be printed lifesize??? im just gettin into this and am looking for some good designs.

also, what size of circular saw blade can i use forknife blades? ihad a good looking blade cut out of like a 10inch blade glued into a handle and cleaned up nice then i flexed it and snap, it broke at the base of the tang

[KHALVERSON]

sounds like the steel was too hard and needed to be tempered

[theunluckyhunter]

it wasnt too hard, it bent and then broke. i guess it was just too soft

[theunluckyhunter]

anyone??

[OconeeDan]

There are millions of photos of knifes on the internet and here too, you can simply print them and make them the size you want.
For the tang breaking, could be the temper wasn't right or possibly a stress line where you cut it down for the handle, causing a weak spot.
Dan

[Lin Rhea]

I'm assuming you're talking about blade paterns.
Mine are aluminum cutouts in the same profile of my blades.

After I make a blade that I plan on duplicating again, I trace it on paper, then take 1/16 plexaglass, lay it on the paper, and trace the paper drawing. I get me a pattern of the blade complete with the tang curve/angle. I also get a pattern of the handle. After all of this, I grind out the plexaglass and then trnsfer that to 1/8 aluminum plate and stamp my name on it just like a blade.

I keep these hanging by my anvil. As I'm forging, I can refer to the pattern without burning it up.
                                  Lin

[OconeeDan]

Good points, Lin.  
And since I do not forge, my templates are made from paint stir sticks and wood shims, I simply trace around them on the barstock.
Dan

[kbaknife]

Thanks, Lin. I do pretty much the same thing but had never considered stamping my name on them for the obvious reason.
I'm got some stamping to do.......

[Jeremy]

I make a wood template of every new knife design I make/consider.  Lets me play with it a bit to see if it'll actually work.  I have scorched a few... don't know why I never thought of aluminum  :D

Rob posted   This Site  awhile ago.  LOTS of good info, including links to 100's of templates.  Look at all of Bob Engnath's patterns... no need to download anything.

[Lin Rhea]

Karl,
      I have been hanging around the school in Old Washington, so I did'nt want them to get mixed up with someone elses. Since I do my own drawing and designing, I figure I'll mark em.
    I stress drawing my knives on a large art pad. I would encourage anyone to do that first and be happy with the drawing first, then make the knife from the drawing. After drawing some knives, I realize that I dont like it at that stage and dont have material and time in the knife before I realize it.
                                  Lin

[kbaknife]

More words of wisdom, Lin. I go through BOXES of manila folders. I always have some near the bench. I draw the blade out, forge it and take it through completion. If I like it, I make a steel template. Then I draw the blade on a manila folder and sketch in a handle profile to cut the raw block out of. If I like the way the knife turns out, I save the manila handle profile as well and use it for other knives or something to refer to.
I keep about everything!

[LC]

Lots of good advice here. Since I don't forge yet here at home my templates are made of scrap formica countertop. As for desings gheez the intenet or order a catalog from Jantz or Texas Knife Supply should keep your mind busy for months! lol

[theunluckyhunter]

i feel like an idiot but what are manila folders???
and what is the minimum size of saw blade to use?