Thread: My First Ever Custom

Lost my job recently (still looking for a new one ) so tried to put all my spare time to good use.

Found an old sheffield file in the shed and instantly knew what I wanted to do with it.
Not got many tools but I do have a bench grinder and an engineering background so got to work.

First built a forge which cost me nothing, just an old oven tray and a stainless dog bowl I had lying around.
Annealed the file.
Made the razor shape and rough grind leaving a little on for final machine & polish.
Normalised X3
Quenched in warm oil
Tempered X2 @ 475F for 4hrs total.
Finish machine and polish.


Came up with this...
Blade is 17/16 around 1/4 hollow, original file teeth are still on top of the spine, scales are buffalo horn, wedge is a piece cut of the Mrs chopping board. Really looking forwards to her finding out !
Pins are brass, inside washers are brass, outside washers are stainless.



Shall get it honed in a day or two and see how well it shaves.

Was fun to make and I'm pleased with the result. let me know what you guys think.

Andy.