I was at a local carving show Sat. and one of the carvers was big into making knives from Murphy blades. Didn't have any with him that he showed, had some he made from used up chicken cleaning knives which he told us how to make, but he said all he did with the Murphy blades was cut a slot in a handle and force epoxy and the blade into the slot and clamp in a vise. Anyone else have any hints or sites with instructions other than what he said, thanks. Steve

I would be happy to answer any question you might have on making carving knives.

[santacarver]

I make all my own carving knives using old sizzors. They work extremely well and you can get two carving knives from each pair! If you're interested, let me know and I'll e-mail you a step-by-step guide, including how I make the handles. I have also found that the sizzors used in hospitals are exceptional.

Mainly was wondering about how to fit the handle, I'm sure I would not want to get into making blades. The Murphy blades would be all I would want to use or any other pre-made blades. Do you think it is better to use two sides of wood and cut a profile and /or pin the handle or is cutting a slot on the band saw and forcing the epoxy and blade into it fine? What type of glue is best. I have some 1/4 Rosewood that was given to me and have heard that it hard to get glue to stick. Any blades other than the Murphy that make good carving knives? Just things like that. Steve

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I have made 3 knives...two from old sabre saw blades, I cold formed on the grinder, not letting the steel get hot....really good little detail knives! the last one was from a set of ratcheting pruning clippers, the clippers didn't have a steel anvil, so the blade cut up the plastic and they didn't work! So viola! I took it apart and used the blade for a roughout carving knife..the shape is a 'warncliff' I think thats the name of the drop point shape, haven't done the finished sharpening and honing, but a very interesting knife, will post a pic when it done! The others on here are who gave me the gumption to try making a knife myself!

When attaching the handles to the knives I've made, I have used both the straight epoxy glue method, and have drilled the tangs and made rivets from brass rod. Â*Both methods seem to have worked equally well. Â*Generally, if I have used round forged stock and have a round tang, I simply drill the handle and use glue, and if its a little wider, flat tang, I drill the handle and tang and rivet them together.

I also have several that I have made in two pieces, and inletted the tang, then riveted together, along with epoxy (probably overkill), and several where the handle was simply split on the bandsaw and the tang inserted. Â*In this case I made the tang the same width as the handle and finish-filed the tang to match the handle exactly.

Try whatever fits your purpose. Â*Hey, it's your knife, so experiment around a little. Â*They are fun and challenging to make, and when you use a knife you've made yourself, there is just a little bit extra satisfaction in the carving process!

Al

Glueing rosewood, osage orange, or any other oily wood. Try wiping the two surfaces down with acetone first. Then let it dry and apply the epoxy.

Jordan,
All the responses so far have had good advice, I will try to answer the one question that wasn't answered.
Murphy blades make excellent knives; they come in two sizes 1-1/2' and 1-7/8'. They are designed to fit into a slot cut by a round blade (like a table saw) and have two holes for pinning.

Warren blades are also used for light-duty carving; they are thinner and are usually set with epoxy.


Al, one suggestion for setting dowel stock, grind shallow flats on the section that goes into the handle. That will prevent the blade from rotating.

Thanks, Rick! (Now why didn't I think of that?)

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

'setting dowel stock?' not sure what you mean Rick...I know, you weren't talking to me! LOL.....but you see, I hang on every word you say ha ha ....oh by the way, any one interested, I posted a picture in my picturetrail under woodcarving of the knife I made using the pruning blade...