Gonna try to make some knives ?

[B.Finder]

My son and myself are going to try and make some knives.
We went to a local guys shop yesterday and he gave us some material(a band saw blade, and some pieces of big sawmill blade that he had sheared into strips). He also gave us some tips.

I asked him if it was necessary to do any kind of heat treating or tempering to this steel.

He said that it was not, he said he does not let the steel get to hot while grinding, he also dips the blade in water to keep the steel from getting to hot. He had some nice looking knives and he said that they hold a edge well.

I was wondering if any of you has any extra advice, or if you think we will run into any problembs making a knife this way?

Thanks, Bryan

[Lin Rhea]

Yes,
     If you are going to try it that way, do all of your grinding bare handed to feel the heat. Remember, by the time you feel the heat, it may be too hot, and lost it's temper. If the steel turns colors, it's too late.
      I dont like doing it this way. It's to risky, but I know you may have to. Just take your time and dip in the water often. Especially watch it close as the blade gets thin. I cant say it enough. Lin

[B.Finder]

Thanks Mr. Rhea
I think we will try it first like this, in the mean time we will be doing some research on heat treating. Any suggested reading material or DVD's for learing what we need to know?

[Maxximusgrind]

My verry first knife was like that-I didnt know what I was doing but determination got me there.Drilling and cutting that stuff,without annealing it,Is a real pain.I ruined half a dozen hack saw blades and four or five drill bits.If I was to do it again,I would anneal the tang area.
But it was a good knife for a kid who couldnt afford to buy a good one.

[Lin Rhea]

Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop and Blacksmithing Basics for the Homestead by DeLaRonda both cover what you need to know for getting started. Let me know if I can help. Lin