Sawmill Blades to make knives

[photoguy]

was wondering what the best sawmill blades are to make a knife from. I want something thin but strong, that will keep a good edge.

[Ray Hammond]

I would recommend you go with a file, instead of a saw blade.

Reason? Because there is a "forced" looking curvature to knives made from circular saw blades that make them less than ideal for skinning, gutting, whatever, as well as just plain less efficient/effective/less attractive in my opinion.

If you can get one of those BIG saw blades, though, that will work just grand.

[4runr]

Ray, not trying to be argumentative, but Sticshooter has made a bunch of knives from "Sawmill" blades that are flat out good looking and very functional.

I think you may be referring to blades made from small saw blades that are small in diameter and can only accomodate short or severly curved knives.

The best sawmill blade I've found, I think Frank will varify this, was a 54" rusty blade from an Amish sawmill near my home. It was about 3/16 inch thick and we got LOTS of blades from it.

[sticshooter]

Gee if I was thin skinned I would think some people have it in for poor ole sticshooter     . Heck i am no pro at knifemaking and don't have all the fancy stuff to make them . But i have been told I make a nice knife. And yep from sawMILL blades rasps and files.But not circular saw blades.Now I don't get as technical as some on here do but still seem to make a nice knife ( say some). BTW some even think my  knives look nice and even cool.LOL<><

   
   
   
   

[sticshooter]

And ya know some of us have great talent for knife making. And some (me) just do the best we can.<><

[skullworks]

Stic...I really like that second one down...are the bolsters made from a file?

[sticshooter]

Yep thats what it is. I also make knives from trap springs also.<><
   

[longbow55]

I like the 4th picture, that's purty right there.

[Ray Hammond]

Frank,
You know I was referring to the small blades that have a round look to their profile...not what you are making.

I was just giving my opinion. That's all it is. You've sold way too many knives for my opinion to matter much anyway, haven't you?

That's why there's more than one kind of knife...so everyone can get what they like.      

[sticshooter]

Remember Ray I said IF I was thinned skinned.  

[cdworks]

Stic all i have to say is WOW those are awesome looking blades!...I like the small hatchet nad the B&T style knives....How did you make those because i have been wanting to make one EXACTLY like those.

ok maybe send me a PM i dont want to hijack the thread...

[dave hiltz]

I use almost all big bandsaw blades that are 72 feet long, I get them from a commercial saw mill here in maine it is L-6 steel and is great!  These blades are 14inches wide and just shy of an 1/8 inch thick, I could send you some if you would like to try it?

[photoguy]

That would be great Dave, I have sent an email with my info. If I need to pay shipping just let me know.

Larry

[pdubya]

I have only made a few knives so far and made them from circular saw blades. They are a good thickness and someone I met from these sites heat treated them and they hardened up well. I am trying one now from a file but lots more sanding , grinding. I also have a 4ft. piece of huge band saw blade I just got but it seems kind of thin ( maybe 3/16 thick ) Anyway just trying a few from available material.

[sticshooter]

3.16" is not thin. Its a great sz for blades.<><

[Davo]

Cool knives Stic

[pdubya]

Sorry, I meant 3/32 or heavy 1/16. Bandsaw blade was like 24 ft. by 9". I stopped by mill looking for huge circular blade but of course they put new carbide tips on those.