Thread: Razor-like knife?

Hello there, I realize this is not a forum for knifemaking, so admins can feel free to delete if they feel so inclined. I've not made any knives before, but I have done two fixed blade straights. In a way, these are small, very sharp knives.

Over the next couple years I'm thinking about teaching myself to graft apple trees, and in need of a grafting knife. This is a small, single bevel, very sharp knife for slicing supply young wood. In my mind a straight razor isn't too far off from what seems optimal.

I know if I used one of my actual razors for it, the edge would surely crack off. Plus both mine are double bevel. Anyway, my question is what would you do if you wanted to make something almost like a razor, but single bevel and a bit more sturdy for cutting stuff besides facial skin (and beard, ha ha. I'm thinking probably a steeper angle blade, not hollowed out too much, with the hollow not starting until 1-2mm back from the edge.

Any thoughts? Yes, I know you can buy a grafting knife for $20. You can also buy a disposable razor for less than 1$!!

-Holly

I would take a look at this spot oaks bottom forge Pat makes any knife for any project, cooking,hunting,skinning,gardening,mushrooming and more..
Not to sure if helps but heck

Two things come to mind to at least search and look at

Kamisori

Microtome

Either one of these honed to about a 3k level will be strong and sharp

You may think about a wedge grind! Tend to hold edges a little better!

Ray

Sounds like a fun little project. I am a make it yourself kind of guy too. Why buy what you can make. As I recall the whole grafting thing starts with a cut in a limb to promote root growth. Root tone and cheese cloth ? Maybe some sort of depth guide built into it at one end or the other would be an advantage for that part of it.