starting some knives

[CarverFromNoWhere]

I think you guys need to start another post any moderators who are reading this will you move these replies concerning steel and blade smithing to a new area please and if it can't be done O well.

LOL if you do anneal something don't forget to re harden it before you temper otherwise it won't cut at all and if your making tools from files you have to re heat treat and temper them or they will not hold a carving edge.
Carl

[thebugleboy]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bandaid

Well, if you just want to have fun, make your blades out of what ever you can find. If you want to put the effort into forging, grinding, heat treating, assembling, polishing and sharpening a blade, I would rather use a steel that would be worth all that effort. Just my opinion.

I do. I can make a knife from quartz (we don't have flint) or the bottom of a good bottle that's sharper than a steel knife. It won't hold the edge as well during rough use, but that's what antler tines are for (knapping). But you may find that it is possible to make a nice purse, though not silk, from a sow's ear. I know you can eat 'em in a big tortilla if you can cook 'em right.
It's fun to find what works for us. That's why I always pass on ordering wood stock. If I had to get it that way, I would, but as long as I can look around my place and find SOMETHING, I'll keep seeing what will work.
But I guess you're right Carl. THough this little conversation has been fun. I'm tipping my hat to you Cap'n Bandaid. I like the way you talk, friend.

[thebugleboy]

Carl, on your knives, do you find that you would rather have a smooth slick handle or one with some roughness or maybe carvings for grip? I have some knive I bought a while back, not great but usable, but the handles seem to be a little slippery at times.

[oregoncarver]

I purchased a bunch of old straight razors at a garage sales about 12 years ago and make my knives with them. I have had a couple for 12 years now and still going strong.

Arthur

[thebugleboy]

I imagine the razors would make great tools. How hard are they to fit in handles? Do you epoxy them in or what?

[thebugleboy]

I bought a whole box full of carbide blades that were supposed to have come from some sort of fabric shearing machine. They're about the shape and size of a draw knife. These might be useful shaping long pieces. That's the plan anyway.

[oregoncarver]

I leave the curved part of the handle and drill the hole in the handle large enough for the end to go into and then epoxy. I have never had a handle come out even without a brass pin in them. Don't get newer straight razors, they are cheap metal, look at garage sales and estate sales. Watch ebay as well but some of them are miss leading on how old the razors are. I have had great luck with them. I make my handles out of scrape hard wood and make them larger then normal since I have big hands. I have sold a few to friends who carve and they swear by them.

Arthur

[thebugleboy]

Originally Posted by jsand

the RRspikes dont have enough carbon, we make knives out of them but they dont hold a killer edge.they are all different so we spark test them.
I like using cement nails because the tang is already done.
I'm going to make a set of palm carvers out of them, but not sure what shapes i want, and edge geometry's though.
Or any round stock of different sizes like old springs.

Can you put on some pics of your cement nail knives. I'm interested in seeing those. Thanks for all the info guys.

[thebugleboy]

[quote=oregoncarver;209636]I leave the curved part of the handle and drill the hole in the handle large enough for the end to go into and then epoxy. I have never had a handle come out even without a brass pin in them. Don't get newer straight razors, they are cheap metal, look at garage sales and estate sales. Watch ebay as well but some of them are miss leading on how old the razors are. I have had great luck with them. I make my handles out of scrape hard wood and make them larger then normal since I have big hands. I have sold a few to friends who carve and they swear by them.

Arthur[/quote
Show us some pictures, please?