1st Knife advice?

[joebuck]

I have been reading these threads the last couple of days and I have got the bug bad to build my first knife. i want to start out with a  simple plan and cut a blade out of high carbon steel. Where can i find some decent stock to cut my blade out of that I can find in my town or do I have to order some? thanks for any advice or help.

[theunluckyhunter]

i just made my second blade, i cut out the blade from a circular saw blade. turned out really nice too

[OconeeDan]

You can also use old files.  Truck leaf springs. Or old knives (meat cleavers).
You can make a blade out of anything, but it's nice to know what kind of steel it is so you can properly treat it.
My first knife, made from a file, I never got it too hot to hold, never heat treated it.  It would not stand a chance in the torture test of bending it in a vise, but it will gut 2 deer and still shave hair, which is good enough for most of us.
Dan

[Ray Hammond]

Joey,
Call Pop's Knife...get you some bar stock if you don't wanna go fishing around in the junkyard.

If you are like me, you don't know good steel from bad unless it has a number printed on the side, and most junkyard stuff doesnt.

Call me, I will send you a roughed out blade you can grind/file on or adjust to your liking. I have a few Ive roughed out of 154CPM which is pretty good stuff.

678-300-2883

[theunluckyhunter]

ok scratch the saw blade, i got it glued in and looking good then snap, i cut the tang too thin....any suggestions on knife blade companies?

[OconeeDan]

It takes patience..
Try Jantz, Texas Knife supply

[joebuck]

Thanks Ray and guys for advice. Your right Ray, me in a junk yard would be a waste of time. I'll google some knife supply companys for flat stock. The idea of cutting my knife design out appeals more than buying one.......now thats how I feel without cutting one out yet with simple tools!!!!!!.....I may change my mind yet!

[OconeeDan]

Also, first time you draw out a blade, make a cardboard cutout to hold in your hand.  what looks good on paper doesn't always feel good in hand.  
Then practice on paint stirring sticks by making wooden blades.  you'll see how the grind will look and it may keep you from throwing a piece of steel in the trash.
Dan

[tippit]

Joey, I'd be glad to send you a roughed out blank that you could finish.  Your Turkey Talk got me back into turkey hunting...in fact I'm off to Vermont tomorrow to try my Martha Stewart bow    Just PM me as to what you are looking for...Doc

[joebuck]

thanks Doc , I may take you up on that. Are silver bolsters and butts hard to do? If you are Plainfield Vt, this weekend. My old college roomate has a resteraunt there called 'River Run" .His name is Jimmy Kennedy..tell him hello..good luck on the birds and let me know how you do!

[OconeeDan]

Bolsters and butts are not usually seen on a first knife, but if that's what you want, then go for it.
Dan

[theunluckyhunter]

what helle blade do yall recomend???

and what size of saw blade is minimal for a knife blade?

[joebuck]

I guess if i acid etched it and added silver threading in the handle and some simple engraving on my first knife, i would be showing off!

[KHALVERSON]

joebuck'
i dont think that it would be showing off
i love looking at everyones knives
i dont care if it is the first one they built or the 5000th
show us what you got
PLEASE
 BE AS CREATIVE OR AS SIMPLE AS YOU LIKE

[joebuck]

i made this plywood knife extremely close to what I want. Now where do I buy bolsters? Also this is probably dumb question but if i use a good quality High carbon steel for blade, will my bolsters match in color? Overall knife is 8 1/2' with 4" handle..thanks for any help

 

[skullworks]

If you want carbon bolster you'll have to make them yourself I believe. Most I've seen are brass, nickel or stainless. Nice blade shape!

[joebuck]

Would nickle match high carbon?

[skullworks]

Maybe if they were both polished to a bright finish.

[joebuck]

I'm leaning now towards cable....

[Lin Rhea]

Joe,
     Your pattern sure look good. I bet the knife will too.
                                 Lin