Best Stock Removal Method for Beginner??

[Nala]

Hey all,

Something I have been wondering about when it comes to this knife making stuff.  Since seeing all the great stuff you all post, I have wanted to give it a try for a while.  I have watched a few videos and read quite a few threads and posts about stock removal.  I have also spent a great deal of time going over all the processes that making a knife requires in my head and trying to get it all straight.  I know at some point I just have to give it a try which is what I am going to do here in the next week or so.

Lets assume that I already have the blade shape roughed out and the thickness established.  I have to start on the edge.  Here is where I would like some advice from you pros.

I can either trace the edge profile onto the blade blank, scribe a line down the center of the edge and get out my sander and start removing material until I have an edge on both sides that extends 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch up and then harden it and do the final sharpening.  Method #2 is where I would mount the knife in a vice and make a jig where I could keep a mill bastard file at a constant angle and remove the edge material until I have my edge on both sides that way.

I don't know what way would be best.  I would like to have a Scandi edge because it seems so much easier to do and easier to sharpen in the field and maintain a good edge.

What are your thoughts and advice?

Thanks for your time.

Nalajr

[Steve Nuckels]

I say use the files, you will have much better control and less apt to make critical mistakes.

Steve
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Potomac Forge
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ABS Apprentice

[Ringneck]

Power tools just get you into trouble faster.

[Nala]

Thanks for the help.

I have kinda wanted to use files to do it, but was worried about trying it.

If I did do the method with the files, would I have to build a jig to keep the angle constant or is it something a newbie could freehand and get right?  Naturally I would take a drill bit and scribe a line down the center of the edge and file off material on both sides until I got to the line on each side.

Another thing I have been thinking about is whether to remove metal from the top of the edge or just make an edge 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch upon both sides.  I have been looking at the knives that Tippit has been posting and his blades have material removed from the top to the edge at the bottom.  I think that looks a lot better than the standard edge profile on most knives you see.

Forgive me if I am not using the proper terms to talk about these things.  I don't know what the right names are for the parts of the blade that I am talking about.  I trust you all know what I am talking about.

Thanks again for the help and advice.

Nalajr

[Ragnarok Forge]

You are talking about a flat grind and for a beginner that is a great way to start.  You can file by hand and it would be good practice on your first knife.  The big key is not to get in a rush and go slowly enough to come up with a good finished knife.