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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: photoguy on August 27, 2009, 10:24:00 AM

Title: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: photoguy on August 27, 2009, 10:24:00 AM

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.

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 27, 2009, 01:36:00 PM

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.

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: 4runr on August 27, 2009, 02:04:00 PM

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.

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: sticshooter on August 27, 2009, 03:50:00 PM

Gee if I was thin skinned I would think some people have it in for poor ole sticshooter   :scared:   . 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<><

   (http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/44050/2428554430051876912S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2428554430051876912Gkxcbm)
   (http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/42316/2805974340051876912S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2805974340051876912FfzTMY)
   (http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/45168/2359576980051876912S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2359576980051876912QBBlpr)
   (http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/17793/2293866070051876912S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2293866070051876912jTxDso)

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: sticshooter on August 27, 2009, 03:51:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: skullworks on August 27, 2009, 04:04:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: sticshooter on August 27, 2009, 04:07:00 PM

Yep thats what it is. I also make knives from trap springs also.<><
   (http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/43471/2420390320051876912S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2420390320051876912dJsDtV)

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: longbow55 on August 27, 2009, 04:38:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 27, 2009, 04:53:00 PM

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.  :thumbsup:    :campfire:

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: sticshooter on August 27, 2009, 05:06:00 PM

Remember Ray I said IF I was thinned skinned.   :bigsmyl:

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: cdworks on August 28, 2009, 10:21:00 AM

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...

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: dave hiltz on August 29, 2009, 05:12:00 PM

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?

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: photoguy on September 01, 2009, 10:56:00 AM

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

Larry

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: pdubya on September 01, 2009, 06:37:00 PM

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.

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: sticshooter on September 01, 2009, 06:58:00 PM

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

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: Davo on September 01, 2009, 07:07:00 PM

Cool knives Stic

Title: Re: Sawmill Blades to make knives
Post by: pdubya on September 01, 2009, 07:11:00 PM

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.