Had a go at a bit of knife-making.
First time using a grinder, think I'll get a proper face mask before I do any more - not happy about having to shave the beard off though...
I did the primary bevel using a cheapo 1x30 inch bench sander I got off ebay. It was a bit of a slog, but they turned out good. Easier than a file jig!
Simple two brick forge and a blow torch, got up to temperature really fast.
The fun bit. Quenched in vegetable oil, then tempered in the oven.
Now on to the fancy bits, I got some copper off ebay and hacked it up. I'd spent hours blunting drill bits using my hand-drill before giving up and buying a cheap (bargain corner) drill press from Machine Mart. It's a dream to use compared to what I was doing before, I'm sure it will be useful with other projects too. Just look at it! Cut's through metal like butter. The holes I'd done with this thing were so much straighter and less "cone" shaped because it was so quick and easy.
Gluing the big knife-sandwich. I also had some plate copper between the wood and blade, adds a nice bit of flashiness.
This wood looked lovely when wet. Sanding wood after the bevels and copper sections (my god, that took ages) was also a really nice change. So fast.
All polished and complete. I did a bit of engraving using nail-varnish and a car battery+salt water. Turned out really good.
They were both gifts for my family last Christmas.
I also made a kitchen knife for a friend's wedding. Being mild steel, and for use in a kitchen I forced a patina to reduce rusting using some vinegar, lemon juice and mustard:
First time using a grinder, think I'll get a proper face mask before I do any more - not happy about having to shave the beard off though...
I did the primary bevel using a cheapo 1x30 inch bench sander I got off ebay. It was a bit of a slog, but they turned out good. Easier than a file jig!
Simple two brick forge and a blow torch, got up to temperature really fast.
The fun bit. Quenched in vegetable oil, then tempered in the oven.
Now on to the fancy bits, I got some copper off ebay and hacked it up. I'd spent hours blunting drill bits using my hand-drill before giving up and buying a cheap (bargain corner) drill press from Machine Mart. It's a dream to use compared to what I was doing before, I'm sure it will be useful with other projects too. Just look at it! Cut's through metal like butter. The holes I'd done with this thing were so much straighter and less "cone" shaped because it was so quick and easy.
Gluing the big knife-sandwich. I also had some plate copper between the wood and blade, adds a nice bit of flashiness.
This wood looked lovely when wet. Sanding wood after the bevels and copper sections (my god, that took ages) was also a really nice change. So fast.
All polished and complete. I did a bit of engraving using nail-varnish and a car battery+salt water. Turned out really good.
They were both gifts for my family last Christmas.
I also made a kitchen knife for a friend's wedding. Being mild steel, and for use in a kitchen I forced a patina to reduce rusting using some vinegar, lemon juice and mustard: