Beginning blade shapes and thickness

K

Kikai

Member
I have picked up a set of simple hand tools files drill etc. (no grinder) And I will be purchasing some 440C and some scrap wood for scales.

The first blade I would like to create would be a simple 7" fixed blade and I recall reading somewhere that a wharncliff or sheepsfoot style would be easiest to get started. Is this correct? (no metal working skills at all)

Also for the knife I've described what thickness should I get I/e 1/8, 3/16, etc, etc.

Intended purpose: It would just be a utility knife (cardboard/plastic ties) that fits well in the hand with 4" of handle and 3" of blade with medium to high use. So I figured something somewhat beefy.

You guys so far have been a huge help for answering my questions and thanks again. Once I get my materials I'll have a picture progression to show off how things are going.
 
I have used 1/8" and 5/32" for hunters, Wharncliff & sheepfoot with happy customes for many years.
You can go thicker if you go taller in the blade with a FFG or tall hollow grind and many makers will say to think height first and you can go as thick as you like.

i usally save 3/16" and 1/4" for large camp choppers and Bowies. There is a current craze for ever thicker knives in the tacticool and tac folder segment so my dimensions may be suited for a older or more traditional group of buyers.

Does that help?
 
If its your first knife and you only have hand tools, I would go thin. 1/8 is plenty strong as bushmonkey will attest too.
 
Since your not forging to shape I would use 1/8". I am working on my first two 440c knives currently. One is a culinary knife for the wife, the other an EDC utility knife for me. Laurence has been the inspiration and mentor on this project. He works on quite a bit of stainless steel and does it very well.
 
I'd agree with the others. 1/8" is a good choice for what you are doing. I think you will be satisfied. Heat treat is going to be critical for full functionality. make sure you get all of your holes added, and since you do not have a grinder I would suggest you do your blade bevels before you heat treat it.
personally I would suggest you start your first knife using some high carbon steel. A piece of 01 is relatively cheap and very easy to work with. I'm only saying this because you say you are working with minimal tools, and 01 is easier to work than stainless steel.
I've made several knives for personal use around the house and in the woods using 01 or 1095 and scrap wood. They work great and the cost is the greatest benefit. I started out using just hand files and an angle grinder myself....

Cant wait to see what you come up with.
 
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