Trad Gang
Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Nala on May 24, 2010, 10:26:00 PM
-
Hey all,
Something I have been wondering about when it comes to this knife making stuff. Since seeing all the great stuff you all post, I have wanted to give it a try for a while. I have watched a few videos and read quite a few threads and posts about stock removal. I have also spent a great deal of time going over all the processes that making a knife requires in my head and trying to get it all straight. I know at some point I just have to give it a try which is what I am going to do here in the next week or so.
Lets assume that I already have the blade shape roughed out and the thickness established. I have to start on the edge. Here is where I would like some advice from you pros.
I can either trace the edge profile onto the blade blank, scribe a line down the center of the edge and get out my sander and start removing material until I have an edge on both sides that extends 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch up and then harden it and do the final sharpening. Method #2 is where I would mount the knife in a vice and make a jig where I could keep a mill bastard file at a constant angle and remove the edge material until I have my edge on both sides that way.
I don't know what way would be best. I would like to have a Scandi edge because it seems so much easier to do and easier to sharpen in the field and maintain a good edge.
What are your thoughts and advice?
Thanks for your time.
Nalajr
-
I say use the files, you will have much better control and less apt to make critical mistakes.
Steve
-------
Potomac Forge
-------
ABS Apprentice
-
Power tools just get you into trouble faster.
-
Thanks for the help.
I have kinda wanted to use files to do it, but was worried about trying it.
If I did do the method with the files, would I have to build a jig to keep the angle constant or is it something a newbie could freehand and get right? Naturally I would take a drill bit and scribe a line down the center of the edge and file off material on both sides until I got to the line on each side.
Another thing I have been thinking about is whether to remove metal from the top of the edge or just make an edge 1/2 or 3/4 of an inch upon both sides. I have been looking at the knives that Tippit has been posting and his blades have material removed from the top to the edge at the bottom. I think that looks a lot better than the standard edge profile on most knives you see.
Forgive me if I am not using the proper terms to talk about these things. I don't know what the right names are for the parts of the blade that I am talking about. I trust you all know what I am talking about.
Thanks again for the help and advice.
Nalajr
-
You are talking about a flat grind and for a beginner that is a great way to start. You can file by hand and it would be good practice on your first knife. The big key is not to get in a rush and go slowly enough to come up with a good finished knife.