How should I sharpen/modify this "blank"?

I cut and shaped this blank with a handheld dremel tool. I know the steel is not ideal for holding a razors edge and that the thickness is going to be a problem with honing. I would like to experiment with this blank and see how it ends up shaving.

I have breadknifed the edge on glass+sandpaper and it is ready for a bevel.

What kind of bevel would you put on this knife for shaving?

What kind of ergo mods would you apply to this blank? (gimping?)

I have no experience with straights, how should I shape the heel and tip of the edge?

I have very limited tools, how should I thicken the spine to aid in honing? I was thinking of expoxying a pseudo spine or something.


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What kind of steel is it? Is it hard?

If it has not been heat treat-treated I would shape the bevels and hollows with files then sandpaper.

The shapes and such are really a matter of taste.

Maybe you could use a roll pin for the spine. Open up the slot on the roll pin little bit with the dremel and then hammer it onto the spine. I have not tried it, but have thought a bit about it.

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Charlie

The roll pin is an excellent idea!

Well I am not sure how hard the steel is, it was a Swedish stainless steel kitchen knife. It has been heat treated.

I like the pin idea, but I need to find a source I have access to. Maybe I'll hit the local hardware stores to see what they have that might fit the bill.

They should have tubing at your hardware store that you can cut a slot in with your dremel and epoxy on the blade. You never know the blade may work. I like jimping, but with thinner tangs it seems less necessary. Don't forget to taper the tang so the scales are under tension. If you have no experience with straights try to avoid sharp points.