First attempt Help

[Dmaxshawn]

Well this is my first ever attempt.  Need some advice on how to keep the 20 degree angle with a file from tip to tip.  Is there a jig or something that I can put in or on my vise?  Or is it just practice and experience?    

Next pic is of the mesquite wood I thought I would use.  Dont know which ones yet theres still lots to be done before I get to that stage.    


Looking for any advice if any of you are still around From what I have read some of yall are in Atlanta.

Thanks
Shawn

[elk ninja]

Looks great so far.  For me (and I am NO expert!) I just have to go slow on the filing.  However, there are jigs.  Do a search on youtube for "greenpete's bushcraft knife" and take a look at his budget homemade filing jig.  Pretty smooth.  Good luck, be sure to post pics as it comes along!
Mike

[KHALVERSON]

i just eyeball mine  but im no expert either
you could cut a wedge out of wood and use that as a guide
your knife looks real good so far  what kind of steel are you using?
be carefull knife building is highly addictive
and the only cure is building more and better knives
kevin

[Dmaxshawn]

I have already figured out that this is very addicting.  Makes for an interesting time when its not hunting season.  

I am using saw blades off of our 760 saws at the fire station.  seem to work well I guess alot of others use saw blades so i figured why not its just a bigger blade.  14 inches.

Elk ninja I checked out that vid and that helped.  thanks
.

[Lin Rhea]

Shawn,
       A piece of advice for what it's worth. Go to the digital version of Blade Magazine and the first issue has an article about sharpening by Wayne Goddard. He explains the primary and secondary bevels of the blade along with the principles of sharpening. I'll try to help as good as I can from here.

                                Lin

[Dmaxshawn]

thanks Lin will do.  Hopefully I can salvage it.

[Lin Rhea]

Salvage it?! It's going to be fine. Find a knife that you think works well and examine the angles and edge. Get the angles and edge close to it and you did good.
                            Lin

[Dmaxshawn]

Ok Lin thanks for the advice had some time this afternoon and really tried to pay attention.  File marks need to be cleaned up at the top of the bevel and the tip.

Rgk hope you dont mind but I liked your knife with the diffent design in the top.