Can you really make a knife from an old file?

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eight433

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Yes, you can!

First attempt, and it is actually only about half done. Have not decided what to do with the blade as far as polishing or leaving the current sand blasted finish. The edge is just mildly sharp thus far via a belt sander. Handle could still use a little bit of work, but I'm not sure I will continue to fuss over it, as I am not entirely happy with the shape of the blade. The goal of this knife was really just for me to establish the fundamentals of the process. I will likely make another in the very near future. Comments, suggestions, and even criticism welcome.

crappy camera phone pictures
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***Decided to put these back up top, instead of at the bottom of the thread***

Second attempt at knife making. Am I improving?
Mahogany handle

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There are much more knowledgeable types here about the knifemaking process.

As a user, I think: nice blade shape- GUARD!

John
 
The handle is getting shinier with a few coats of rub-on polyurethane.
I will likely go to Sears and purchase the $50 dollar "utility sharpener" unless any of you have an opinion against it. I know it is not the best tool, but I believe it will do the occasional job. Thinking about polishing the blade tomorrow.
 
yeah thats pretty neat. The challenge for me was not the handle though, as I have a history in wood working. The blade was the challenge for me. Of course, I have not put a final edge on it, much less used it to see how well it will hold an edge. I am very excited though.
 
How did you heat treat it? I am actually in the middle of making my first knife from a file. I have enjoyed the process and the learning. I am STILL trying to get the thing flat and ready for scales and I can assure you the next one will come from a piece of stock and not a file!

Looks good!
 
I heat treated it by using some 4 inch thick concrete bricks and making a square, filling it with charcoal, and put a pipe under the bricks going to the center of the "forge" that I fed air into through my air compressor with a line regulated down to 5 psi or less. I kept an eye on it until it lost its magnetic properties, then i quickly quenched it in motor oil. I then put it in the household oven at about 450 or so for 2-3 hours, then just shut off the oven and walk away. The idea is to let the oven stay hot so it cools as gradually as possible. I followed this guide. http://www.sixshootercommunity.com/articles/harry_o/heat_treating.html
 
Pretty good process used. You should avoid grit blasting finishes on carbon steel since they accelerate rusting.
 
I have an old Boyar-Schultz 110v 6X12 surface grinder ($113.00 from eBay) on my bench that I use to make my blades flat & parallel.
 
eight433,

That's a really nice first effort. Your HT technique should work well. I'm looking forward to seeing your next effort!

J
 
I was kinda thinking the same thing, which is why I was considering polishing the blade...

it will most likely be more of a "camp knife" of sorts given the heavy blade and over sized handle. The angle of the blade is rather steep. Would be good for hacking and such.
 
started the second effort today... turning out better so far, I think. Pack of cigs there for scale.

wood does not look so good in the picture. It is a much more red wood in person.
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updated. I will be posting all of my finished products at the top post in chronological order, and maybe throw some progress pictures at the bottom posts along the way.
 
I like your work and enthusiasm. Your talent is obvious. Keep at it!

I am only on my 8th knife and each on gets easier and better from lessons learned. My problem is some days my pain is so bad I dare not go near tools because of the pain meds. Right now I have 5 really good knives in various stages of production that I am anxious to get done safely.


Good luck and Pm me if I can help.
 
Now the little guy has a big brother ;)

The small one has a blade of 3" and handle of about 2 3/4
the big one has a handle of 5" and a handle of about 4 1/2 or so.
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time ran short on the polish job... will have a nicer shine on it tomorrow. turned out larger than I anticipated, however has a nice balance. I might make one more in that style in a more medium size to complete a 3 piece set...
 
I've heard that old mower blades can be shaped and polished into decent knives. I haven't attempted to make one yet but I have saved a couple of mower blades so I can give it a try.
 
Mower blades, automobile leaf springs, coil springs, sway bars make good knife material. As do old files, old industrial saw and planer blades (likely to be a more exotic alloy requiring more exotic heat treat)....

I've done a fair amount with various automotive spring steels with good results....

J
 
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