Mike Jones
Google Master
I have not made any knives for a while. The main reason was that school was getting in the way, and taking all my time. Another reason was me getting a job, so I work some days. I am really not satisfied with how my knives are turning out though. The fit and finish will improve, but the quality of the blades suck. I have been using 1084 steel and hardening them in my garage with torches and canola oil. I know that that's why they suck.
I'm also pretty opposed to sending blades out to be hardened by someone else. So, because of this, I'm going to try to make some knives out of files. By that, I mean taking a quality file, tempering it down, then grinding. I'd have to keep it cool enough not to ruin the temper I produced.
I emailed Michael Morris, because he makes wonderful knives using this technique, so I know he has experience and could help me, but I thought I'd ask some questions here, so I can get an idea of others experiences. Of course I won't be able to start these for at least a week or so due to my surgery (see the Dog Run section to read about it) so I have a few questions that I asked Mr. Morris.
1. What temperature should I temper the files at? I think I heard that 450 should get them around 58 RC.
2. Would my 2x72 belt grinder (with 60 grit belts at the coarsest) and my disk grinder be able to shape the blade and handle?
3. How should I keep the file grooves free from debris?
4. How can I drill holes in the tangs? Should I take a torch to the tangs to get them tempered much higher, while keeping the edge cool? I was hoping to not have to use carbide bits.
5. What's the best way to cut the hardened file? Mainly to shape, but if I wanted to remove a few inches from it, I don't see grinding with a belt grinder as a very productive way.
Thanks for any help!
I'm also pretty opposed to sending blades out to be hardened by someone else. So, because of this, I'm going to try to make some knives out of files. By that, I mean taking a quality file, tempering it down, then grinding. I'd have to keep it cool enough not to ruin the temper I produced.
I emailed Michael Morris, because he makes wonderful knives using this technique, so I know he has experience and could help me, but I thought I'd ask some questions here, so I can get an idea of others experiences. Of course I won't be able to start these for at least a week or so due to my surgery (see the Dog Run section to read about it) so I have a few questions that I asked Mr. Morris.
1. What temperature should I temper the files at? I think I heard that 450 should get them around 58 RC.
2. Would my 2x72 belt grinder (with 60 grit belts at the coarsest) and my disk grinder be able to shape the blade and handle?
3. How should I keep the file grooves free from debris?
4. How can I drill holes in the tangs? Should I take a torch to the tangs to get them tempered much higher, while keeping the edge cool? I was hoping to not have to use carbide bits.
5. What's the best way to cut the hardened file? Mainly to shape, but if I wanted to remove a few inches from it, I don't see grinding with a belt grinder as a very productive way.
Thanks for any help!