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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: LONGBOWKID on April 22, 2009, 05:09:00 PM

Title: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: LONGBOWKID on April 22, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
Ok, I have been wanting to do a tutorial/build-along for a while, because they helped me out when I first started, but there were several things I didn't have access to. So, I decided to do a basic, bare bones type tutorial, for those first time knife makers wanting to try it out.

I am starting with a whitetail antler, just about any antler will do, as well as wood. I have an industrial hacksaw blade I will be cutting the blade from, it doesnt require a heat treating, and will air harden the edge as you work it. Making it even easier for you to accomplish.

Step 1: I decide what section of antler I want to use, and cut to shape. I used my 4 1/2" angle grinder and a .045 cutting disk, but a hacksaw is reccomended.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild002.jpg)
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild003.jpg)

Step 2: Now I head over to the belt sander and clean everything up, round the back edge and clean up the front where the guard will sit.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild004.jpg)
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: LONGBOWKID on April 22, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
Step 3: Now, I draw out my rough blade shape with a sharpie, and cut it out with a 4 1/2" angle grinder sporting a .045 cutting disk. A dremel rool with cut-off disks can be used here, as well as a hacksaw but I pity you if that is your only option.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild005.jpg)
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild006.jpg)

Step 4:  I test the shape of the blade, and mark off the steel I will have to remove in order for it to fit into the antler. The blade is actually centered, but the angle of the picture makes it look offset.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild008.jpg)

Step 5: I take the blade over to my belt sander after final shaping with my grinder, and shape my bevels on the blade.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild010.jpg)

Step 6: I take a file and square up the ricasso where it is to meet the guard. The ricasso is where you are used to seeing  "Made in Pakistan" LOL
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild012.jpg)
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: LONGBOWKID on April 22, 2009, 05:10:00 PM
Step 7: I mark out my brass and cut it with my grinder and cutting wheel, once again, dremel or hacksaw can be utilized here.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild013.jpg)

Step 8: I left out the picture of this, and I apologize, for it. I put my brass in the vice, marked my tang width with a sharpie, and took a matched thickness drill bit and drilled a series of holes for my tang to slide through. I then took a small flat file and cleaned it up, where it would JUST slide onto the tang.

Step 9:  I did the same with my antler, and made sure everything fit together.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild020.jpg)
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild015.jpg)
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: LONGBOWKID on April 22, 2009, 05:11:00 PM
Step 10:  Now that I am basically done with the rough work, I clean my blade up with some wet sanding.I used 220-400 grit sandpaper, until all major scratches were removed.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild011.jpg)

Step 11: I decided a blued blade would look good, so thats just what happened. Easy to follow directions make cold blueing a blade simple, and effortless. Birchwood Casey Super Blue was used.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild017.jpg)

Step 12: Now that my guard is fitted and sanded, as is my handle, my blade is blued, and I am ready for final assembly. I cut some notches in the tang for the epoxy to have more surface area, making a stronger bond.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild018.jpg)
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild021.jpg)

Step 13:  Everything is lined up, and glued together.
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild023.jpg)

Step 14: Final clean up and shaping was done on the belt sander, then sanded by hand to acheive the desired finish. A coat of clear poly is applied, the blade sharpened, and you can now sit back, and admire your work!
 (http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk155/DBSULLY/DollahideBuild026.jpg)

I hope this was helpful to someone out there, I had a good time putting it together.

The Kid
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: Steve Nuckels on April 22, 2009, 08:42:00 PM
Cool!!!!  I think I could do that!   Thanks Kid!

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IN GOD WE TRUST
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: Toecutter on April 23, 2009, 04:13:00 AM
Nice work Kid!!
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: skullworks on April 23, 2009, 06:44:00 AM
Great build a long! Now you've showed everyone how simple it is! LOL! Good job, Kid!
Title: Re: Lets build a simple hidden tang knife.(Build-along)
Post by: DANA HOLMAN on April 23, 2009, 08:49:00 AM
Way to good kid
Do another one

dana