Thread: Who forges their own knives?

Hey guys, last night I attempted to forge my first knife. I was using an acetylene torch and a hammer and anvil that comes on the back of a Vise. Didn’t have any grinding belts so I had to forge down close to size, this let me just put on a primary edge and still cut very well. Quenched and heat treated to 425 for 2 - 1hr cycles. Not brittle or too soft.

Now for handles.

Here’s where I’m currently at. Handle was wrapped for some comfort in he cut tests. It is drilled for 3/16” pins.

Let me know if it’s decent for the first kick at the can. Always much to learn.

Scott



Without the wrap

Hey nice job! Did you make it from a old file? I would say you did a great job especially considering the tools you had to work with. People in third world country's do some amazing work with minimal tools.(i'm not saying Canada is a third world country BTW just saying one doesn't need expensive tools to do good work!)

Any first attempt that functions is a great success.

Thanks guys and yes it’s an old file from the states. I’m guessing 01 tool steel. I guess I could build a forge and what not but I just wanted to see if I liked it. Functionally it’s designed very well. Very ergonomic and the balance point is perfect for me.



Post quench. Going to put bloodwood scales on it.

Really awesome! I haven't gotten into forging yet -- that's my next project when I have some time and money to get the basic supplies -- but during my lockdown I got into making handles for blanks. A really enjoyable accompaniment to razors!

I cant offer any advice but it looks great to me, well done

I forge my own and can say that you did a great job! My advise is typically to "forge thick and grind thin", but you don't seem to need that advise. if you are limited on tools/space/funds, then get a good 4.5" angle grinder. Those cost about $100 here. They can be used for cutting, grinding and even polishing depending on the wheel that you use with it. If you are forging your blades, then a good angle grinder with a set of files is about all you really need for the metal work. You can even cut slots in the handle for your pins with an angle grinder.

Thank you!! Good to know I’m on the right path. Full disclosure I am a millwright by trade so I do have a lot of tools including an angle grinder and used it to shape the tip downwards here. I didn’t use it to thin at all. Also used it to work a bit of the handle. Being in the trades also allows me to have a decent amount of experience metal working which I used to my advantage. Also used a pencil grinder with flap wheel for the finger grooves.

Question about the quench, my blade picked up a bend in it post quench. I just heated it up again and straightened it out and re-quenched.

Is this advisable?

Originally Posted by s0litarys0ldier

Question about the quench, my blade picked up a bend in it post quench. I just heated it up again and straightened it out and re-quenched.

Is this advisable?

Basically that is the standard procedure. Thermal cycle three times, then heat to soak and quench. If it warps during quench, then heat back up and straighten it out. Heat to soak again and re-quench.

Why yes I do.