[Capt. Bandaid]

If you live near a major city, almost any industrial supply will have something called "drill rod" in various diameters. I prefer 1/4" rounds for forging and either W1 (water quench) or O1 (Oil Quench) are good easy-to-use materials. They may also carry hardened and flat ground stock. I would suggest not more than 1/8" and not less than 1/16" thick and 1/2" wide. Knife making can be enormously fun and satisfying but the difference between a really good knife and one that just looks like a knife is in the small details.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I wonder what kind of steel straight razors are? they are outstanding knives when finished....the smoothness of the cut is hard to duplicate on any thing else?

[AlArchie]

Sorry, got the wron Brownell's address.....this should get ya there!
http://www.brownells.com/

Al

[Capt. Bandaid]

I did a bit of googling and found there is a Straight Razor Forum (surprised?) where they discuss the use of straight razors, what they are made of, etc. I also hit Wikkipedia and both sources indicate that straight razors can be made from stainless steel or plain high-carbon steel. The high-carbon steel is easier to sharpen but is prone to rust. The smoothness of the cut is a function of the smoothness of the polish job. If your blade is rough ground using 180 grit sand paper, those minute scratches intersect the blade edge and can leave fine marks on the wood. Polishing the edge with a fine stone or strop removes most of the irregularities. There appears to be nothing magical about the steel used; it is basically the same cutlery grade steel used in fine carving knives. Most razors are hollow ground meaning the edge is very thin. This shape may be the reason it cuts wood so well. However, it may be more easily damaged than a flat ground edge.

[Keithmc]

I am just having fun trying to make a knife. It's not going to be the end of the world if it doesn't turn out great. Having said that, I would like to do the best I possibly can. I have secured an old vintage straight razor from Germany. I was wondering if there is any particular shape that is better than another for the first try. I would like for the blade to be approx. 2" long.
Thanks
Keith

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Here are some of my knives...3 if the the site will let me post 3? As you can see I have a favorite blade style lol well...it won't let me post 3, lets see if I can post one! http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...=127613006#top

[Keithmc]

That is one good looking knife. Thanks
Keith

[Capt. Bandaid]

Keithmc, You are entirely correct. The object of a hobby is to have fun. Please disregard all that stuff about the technology of blade making and go have some fun! If you have a question about knifemaking you think I can answer , please feel free to ask.