I love tools. I love saws. I love axes. I especially love knives. A year ago I got it into my head that I wanted to start making my own. I researched. I pondered. Finally, a few months ago I decided to do it. There are many cool sites that sell pre-made knife blanks that you can attach your own handle too, but I figure that if something is worth learning it's worth learning from the ground up. So I decided to make the blades as well. I found a supplier online, and bought some thin bar stock of unhardened O-1 tool steel, an easy to work with high-carbon steel. After a few days with a hacksaw, my Dad's bench grinder, and a bastard file, I had my very own knife blanks! Made to my own specifications! Here they are, all ready to harden, temper, and attach my handles.
I'm sure after I finish these I'll want to make more! Since on the road I don't have access to many power tools besides my Dremmel, I made sure that this whole process could have been done with the hacksaw and file...the bench grinder was just a glorious luxury! In lieu of a kiln, furnace, fire-pit, forge, or any other useful fiery thing, I am going to have to harden and temper the steel with a propane torch.....we'll see how that goes. More posts to come!
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