A few more homemade knives

[Inadv]

I just finished these two up this afternoon. The blades are Murphy 1.5" purchased from Little Shavers. Rick was kind enough to pre-shape and sharpen then for me at my request as judging from the photos of them they are a goodly bit thicker that most others. and it would have taken me forever with the equipment I have.

I modified the tang area considerably as they are/were really large and used a different method of mounting them which I have mixed emotions about. The handles are a second generation refinement of the ones I did with the Warren blades. I also used a different wood (zebrawood) on these, which I think is quite attractive. I had just a little bit of daylight left after putting on the last coat of Deft over about 10 coats of Feed-n-Wax, and so I tried them out on a few of the projects sitting on my workbench. They are great! I like the stiffness of the blades, and the handles are very comfortable to use.

I also made my first knife blade this afternoon from an old "extra-thick" sawzall blade. I finish sharpening it up and start on a handle for it tomorrow.

Help me momma!! I think I'm hooked on this knife making thing!

Comments welcome and critique appreciated.

L.P.

[Ron T]

You've done a great job on these two knives. I can see the improvement in the handles and I'm looking forward to the blade you just finished making. Once you start it is very difficult to stop. I've got so many blade designs. Of course, some are misses but it is fun.

[Dicky]

Nice job. I really like the one where the grain line is sort of angled to the blade length.

[Inadv]

Ron and Dicky,

Glad you like them. I'm having a blast making them. I've still got the collaboration going on with another member of this forum, and I have a few Denny gouge and knife blades ordered. I'll hit a point here pretty soon when all this will have to go on pause for a bit as we are getting ready to move soon to the far western corner of the state, but once that is done I'll be in much a better position for all my projects with my own little work space to set up shop. I'm also considering making a few knives to sell for folks with the "big paw" syndrome like myself.

L.P.

[SeaLeveler]

You done a beautiful job on the knives,if they cut as good as they look you got a couple winners there.
Tony

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

More beautiful knives, you did an excellent job!

Dave

[Inadv]

Tony and Dave,

Thanks guys for the thumbs up. They cut even better than they look! And with the shaping that Rick put on them they hone up on my buffing wheel like a breeze.

The VA kinda put a wrench in my plans for today as a simple CT scan took about 2 and a half hours longer than it needed to, and I gotta go back tomorrow to the wound clinic for the diabetic ulcers on my feet. Maybe I'll have time for projects after that.

L.P.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

If Rick worked his magic you know they are top notch. Sorry to hear about the VA and your health, I hope it all works out.

Dave

[carlt]

I made a couple of knives out of saw_z_all blades, they didn't turn out. After shaping and working on the edge, I sharpened them. They didn't perform, wouldn't hold an edge. I made a few calls to the blade manufacturer. They told me that the blades are only hardened on the edge, no more than 1/4 inch into the blade. After grinding away the teeth, I think I ran into the unhardened area. I gave up on em, hope you have better luck. I should have tried to fire them, but don't know what the steel makeup is. cheaper in the long run to get reliable blades. Hope you have better luck!

Carl

[Inadv]

Dave,

Once upon a time I didn't put much stock in "well wishes". I feel much differently about them now and thank you very much for yours, Dave.

Carl,

Well now that is good to know. I did manage to spend a little bit of time on it this afternoon afterall, and got it pretty darn sharp, but the proof of it will be how long that edge will last. I think in light of the information you have given me that I'll not use a piece of my good wood on it, and fashion a handle from my found stuff. Maybe a nice piece of sweet birch or maple.

Thanks,

L.P.