Greetings to fans of working with metal. I propose to consider how you can make a quality knife with an interesting handle. Its peculiarity is that it is made of combined materials and has stainless steel inserts of curved shape. The knife looks pretty interesting, using this method you can make a handle for your knife using your materials. It can be a combination of horn, wood, plastic, metal and so on. So, we will consider in more detail how to make such a knife!
Materials and tools used by the author:
Material List:
- carbon steel for the blade;
- pipes or clamps made of stainless steel (sheet metal is also suitable);
- wood, horn and other materials for the handle;
- epoxy adhesive;
- bolt with nut (for assembling the handle).
Tool List:
- grinder;
- vise;
- belt sander;
- a hacksaw for metal;
- drill;
- furnace and other accessories for hardening;
- sandpaper;
- files;
- vernier caliper, pencil, marker;
- a tool for sharpening knives and more.
The process of making a knife:
Step one. We make a blade
For the manufacture of the blade, the author used sheet steel. The steel should have as much carbon as possible, then the blade can be hardened, and it will keep sharpening for a long time. First, we make a template from paper, and then transfer it to metal and cut it out. The author makes a cut using a grinder.
Next is the grinding, with the help of a belt grinder we bring the blade to the ideal.
Step Two Bevels and Butts
Now we will form the bevels. The future blade must be divided into two parts, for this we paint over it with a marker and draw a central line using a vernier caliper or a drill. Well, then the belt sander comes into play. Do not make the metal thinner than 2 mm, otherwise it will overheat when quenching.
Also, the author decided to polish the butt a little. Similarly, here we divide it into two parts, paint over the part that needs to be removed with a marker, and get to work.
In the end, manual processing is ahead.Grind the blade with sandpaper, wetting it in water. You can also use the WD-40, so the grinding process is more efficient.
Step Three Heat treatment and cleaning
The author did not show the hardening process, but the point is that a properly hardened and tempered blade will keep sharpening for a long time, and will not break under heavy load. Hardening tactics are selected depending on the steel grade used.
After the release of the metal, it should become a straw color, we have to clean this plaque. Here again, sandpaper and the WD-40 come to the rescue. Bring the blade to a mirror shine.
Step Four Preparation of parts for the handle and its assembly
The handle is combined, the complexity of its manufacture lies in the fact that all parts must be curved. As for metal inserts, then pieces from stainless pipes and the like are suitable for them. We grind all other details by grinding on a tape machine from the materials you like. For each part we make a template and fit all the links to each other. Parts are installed on the shank, so we make a slot in them.
To tighten this whole structure, the author fastens a bolt with a nut on the end to the shank, with this nut we tighten the handle. The bolt is attached to the shank with a pin. The nut is then trimmed and closed with a metal backing. When all the parts are ready, the handle can be assembled. All parts are coated with epoxy glue and tightened with a nut. Leave the glue to dry for a day.
Step Five Handle handle
When the glue dries, take a hacksaw for metal and trim the excess. Well, then we have a lot of grinding work. We form the desired profile of the handle on a belt grinder. At the end, we will have manual processing. We finish the handle with files, as well as sandpaper. At the end, it is advisable to coat the handle with varnish or other protective coating.
Step Six Sharpening
The knife is ready, now it can be sharpened to the state of the blade. To do this, you can use special grinding tools. Japanese water stone has established itself well, we moisten it with water for effective cleaning. The author’s knife turned out to be very sharp, he easily cuts very thin paper by a canopy.
That's all, the project is over, I hope you liked it, and you found useful information for yourself. Good luck and Tver inspiration, if you decide to repeat it. Do not forget to share your ideas and homemade with us!
