knife rebuild?

[gringol]

I have 2 knives that came in a set that I need to do something with.  They are both in rough shape, scratches, rust, etc.  One is a bowie and the other looks like a mini bowie.  They are stainless with hidden tangs.  I don't think I'll use them in their current form, so I'm considering getting them reforged into something more practical.  How much money should that cost?

[LONGBOWKID]

gringol,

 I hate to burst your bubble, but the knives most likely would be destroyed rather than rebuilt if you were to attempt to forge them into another shape. However you could reshape them with a grinder, or even a file if you had the patience. Just keep the blade cool by dunking it in a bucket of cool water every time it gets too hot to touch with a bare hand. If you use a file to do this, you wont have to worry about the heat ruining the heat treatment.

Brandon

[gringol]

No bubble burst here, kid.  That's why I asked, need to see what's possible.  I may just end up trading them.  I love knives, but I hate to see them unused and I won't use these ones.

[tippit]

When I re-grind a blade, I do it bare handed so I can feel the heat to be able to cool it quickly.  Plus you have to be very careful of the tip getting too hot.  You can also re-forge a blade keeping the blade just above critical temperature so you aren't burning too much steel.  You will lose some of the edge and have to re-grind, re-quench, and re-temper the whole thing.  

It is easier to just forge a new blade but it is a fun exercise that will improve your blacksmithing skills.  Of course this is all with high carbon steel not stainless for me anyway...tippit

[DANA HOLMAN]

You could always just clean them up and use them as is, or replace the handle. Here is one i did for a guy a while back.
before
 
after
 
This is a Western Bowie
You can do it.

[Bladepeek]

I believe we're talking air-hardening stainless here. I think you will find re-forging rather difficult. I would grind to the shape you want being careful not to get the heat above tempering heat. If you start getting any color in the steel you're getting it too hot.

[TheBigRedArcher]

Id have to agree with Dana. I refurbished an old kabar hunting knife for a buddy and it looked great. A little elbow grease and some wet dry sand paper you should be good to go.

TBRA