[woodenleg]

I recently found an old knife that has been severly mistreated and the blade is totally mis-shapen, mostly due to large amounts of rust over an extended period. It is made of some good steel.

I want to re-shape the blade and sharpen it, but don't know what the proper steps are. I think what I would do is as follows: take a hack saw and shape the blade; then use a file to put an initial edge on it; then sharpen as usual.

Can some of you who are experienced at knife making let me know if these are the right steps and, if not, what steps should I take?? Thanks very much.

[AlArchie]

First, I'd go to a stiff wire wheel on an arbor (either bench or drill mounted) and get as much as that rust off as possible. That should give you a much better idea of what exactly has to be removed.

If you have a bench grinder, I'd forget the file! Just grind that back to where you want it. Quench often in cold water as you grind and take your time so you don't burn the steel (blue it).

You should than be able to make your first bevel with the grinder, then go to a wetstone or diamond stone to finish the edge.

I'd also use a cloth or felt wheel on the grinder, and jeweler's rough to polish the blade to a bright finish, one more trip to the stone and then strop.

You can do the same with a file, but some blade steel is nearly as hard as the file and it is very slow work. Old Marble Arms blades are of this material, as are many others. I've refurbished several old knives and made a few new ones out of old blades in this manner. It might work for you, too.

Al

[woodenleg]

I have already taken the rust off. So, that is not part of the problem here.

This is like a long filet knife that has considerable edge damage. I want to make it into a bench knife for carving, but it doesn't seem like a bench grinder is the right way to take off all the excess metal. It seems like cutting with something like a hacksaw would be better. Is there no way one can cut the knife blade??? I understand how to sharpen it once I get it shaped properly. Your thoughts?

[AlArchie]

What I've done is just to snap these long blades off by holding the side I want to save with a vice grips and putting the rest of the blade in a vice. Bent it once and it snapped right off. Not very accurarte, and it could snap where you don't want, but it worked for me several times. You might try cutting it off with an abrasive wheel, disk in a dremell or drill. Heck, try the hacksaw and see if it works.....sure won't put you out much more than some effort if it doesn't.

But snapping them has worked best for me. I have four knives I've done this with. You need to make sure the blade is secured in the vice and pliers when you bend it, though. I've broken them off a bit longer than I wanted just in case. Grinding them down from there was easy.

Hope this helps.

Al

You can cut it using the corner of you bench grinder xxx just be careful not to burn it xxx patience and frequent quenching will get the job done.

As for final shaping xxx if you have one a belt sander will do the job for you xxx floor or bench mounted is best, but a hand held unit clamped in a workmate or some such will also work. Once again, slow and easy does it, you don't want to get this far and burn it.

I have also had good luck with a 'score and snap' method. I score the blade with a cutoff wheel and then holding it with visegrips, I snap it with pliers.

After getting the rough length with this, I go to the grinder to shape the blade. ('tap' the blade on the grinder wheel, taking only a small amount at a time, and cool often) I then go to the stones and strop for the final shaping and sharpening.

I know it was on here before, but I would like to try my hand at making a knife! where do I get a piece of good steel andwhat was the name of it? thanks

If you want to go on the cheap get an old file. Or if you want to do it the 'right' way, best wait on Rick or Capt. Band-Aid for advice.

I found this in an old posting. Â*I use O1 Tool Steel.

I use 3/16' for most small knives, 1/4' for roughout knives, and 1/8' for fine detail knives.

My process goes like this:

(1) Heat with propane torch until non-magnetic, forge (hammer) until the red color is nearly gone. Â*

(2) Heat until non-magnetic, continue to forge to shape, flatten, and straighten. Â*Repeat if necessary.

(3) Heat to a dull cherry red and place in a coffee can filled with vermiculite, allow to cool slowly (about 5 minutes)

(4) Lightly grind the sides of the blade until flat and smooth, and shape profile.

(5) Heat slowly to non-magnetic, hold that temperature for a little while, and quench quickly into warm vegetable oil 5-10 seconds.

(6) Polish blade and Temper in an oven at 400-450 degrees

(7) Carefully grind blade to finished shape.

(8) Grind flats on shank and set into handle with 5 min. epoxy.

(9) Sharpen and polish the blade.

(10) Test the blade for edge-holding ability.