First real attempt at making a knife.

[wberry85]

What are your plans for heat treating the steel? You will need to know the type of steel in order to properly heat treat it. I would not invest too much time in an unknown steel. It would be a little frustrating to spend all that time on a blade to have it crack on you or not hold any edge. A piece of steel online can be had for around $20. Whats your time worth? I would start with O1.

 

[olchevy]

All very good points. Lots to think on here.

 

[dial1911]

Dad made a knife or two out of old chainsaw bars. I think he got them for next to nothing from a saw shop- they were too worn to go back on a saw.

I can't help with the heat treating-but you can send it out for that.

 

[allen456]

Find a true known piece of steel. You can start with something like O1, 440c, or 1095, fairly cheap. You need to know the exact makeup of the steel in order to properly heat treat as stated before. Feel free to ask any other questions or request suggestions. I will say, be very careful, it is extremely addicting. I was in a similar place when I made my first one, fast forward two years, it is a full time gig and a ton of cash invested in tools and supplies! lol