Tool'n Knife Builds

[Tree Spud]

Since I've been making knives I've always wanted to build a larger forge. Currently what I'm using is only big enough to heat treat blanks. I want to be able to make some canister or stacked damascus blade blanks. I've been collecting pieces here and there and finally have time to start the build. The main body of the forge is an old air compressor tank, I've made some hinges & legs from scraps I had laying around. I have most of the parts to make the burners which there will be 3. I still need to source my supplies to line the forge with. Here's what I have so far.

View attachment 44117

I'll be following this one, lot's of details and picture of the process. please.

Damascus rocks!

 

[tooln]

Made my burners today. .035 mig tip will be the gas nozzle, I drilled and tapped a flare to MPT union and put the mig tip in. Then drilled and tapped a 3/4x1x1 T to put the nozzle in. Drilled and tapped a 1" coupling that will be welded to the forge body to hold the burners in place. All 3 are done and ready to go.

 

[Bill]

I’m pretty handy, but you’d be good neighbor to have.

 

[tooln]

Did a little more work on the forge. Slow process but I'm getting there. Both doors cut in, hinges made and installed. Real simple door latch and handle's. So far I have $12.00 into it and that was for the handle springs. I kind of got ahead of myself when I drilled the holes for the burners. I'm going to relocate them for better burn and efficiency. Not a problem with the old ones just weld in a patch. Material for this will come from the opening I cut into the doors. I'm not going to cut those out until I get the forge lined, this way I'll know exactly where the floor will be. Slow process now as I'm waiting for ceramic wool to line the forge.

 

[tooln]

Here's the first knife to come out of my homemade forge. It's the largest my tempering oven can hold. The blade is just over 9" long total length is 14". Bear claw mosaic pin, bear etch, black walnut handle & display, owners initials inlayed into the sheath. Braided leather leg strap.

 

[tooln]

I'm trying something new on this knife. I glass bead blasted the blade then put it into the vibratory tumbler. I'll post up a pic of the finished knife when it's done.

 

[tooln]

Here is the finished Glass bead blasted knife. The blade was glass bead blasted and then it went into a vibratory tumble also with glass beads. The handle scales are Locust sourced from Kansas with brass pins. Black leather sheath finish's it off. The only thing left to do is put an edge to it.

 

[tooln]

Today I started something I've been wanting to do for awhile. I'm going to try to make myself a canister damascus billet. I welded together and bunch of scrap 1095 to make the can. Filled the can with 1095 powder and 52100 ball bearing steel of various sizes. Welded a cap then put it in the forge. It was heat beat and repeat over and over again. It was just under 3" long when I started and got it to just over 4.25 today. I'll heat beat and repeat until its about 3/16 thick and around 1.25 wide, what ever length it end up at is what it will be.

 

[tooln]

Today I finished a kitchen knife for my wife. The handle scales are Locust sourced from a friend and forum member from Kansas. The video doesn't do the handle justice. Thanks Cat, we just love that Locust.

 

[tooln]

I've been asked to post pic's of different knives I've made. I put together a video montage best I could of many of them. Some you may recognize.

 

[tooln]

Gun and knife shows in my area are starting soon. Getting some ready to show. I finished this one today. The blade is glass bead blasted, locust handle with brass pins. I gave the sheath an aged patina. If I still have it when the shows start it will be on the table. I can't keep them all at least according to the wife.

 

[tooln]

I've been wanting a surface grinder attachment for some time now. I finally broke down and bought one. Here a
video of it and how it works. It's going to give me a better finish in a lot shorter time frame. It's going to take me to the next level of quality.

 

[Bill]

yeah that's going to shine things up.

 

[tooln]

I think locust is one if its not the best woods I've used for handles. It's considered invasive in Kansas and used as firewood. Meanwhile back in Wisconsin I turn it into knife handles. Thanks to Cat for sending me some.

 

[Bill]

Cat went above and beyond there. I can’t do anything with a locust tree and not come out bloody….

 

[tooln]

I'm getting some inventory ready for the local gun shows.

 

[tooln]

A while back I started working on a canister Damascus billet. This was something I did in spare time. Well orders came in and it got put on the back burner. Once I was caught up with them the weather had turned. Trying to heat the anvil up to room temp just isn't work it so it's been put off until spring. I know a few were interested in it so I figured I'd just post an update.

 

[tooln]

Sat down and did some drawing today for a new pattern knife. I'm not much at drawing, but here's what I came up with. It will be made from 1095 with locust for the handle.. Since I'm starting to make different style blades, I decided I needed to start naming them. Help me name this pattern.



 

[tooln]

Here's a pic of the knife I had the pattern drawn out for in the above post. I did change it a little during the build process. I ground the bevel all the way back to the spine, which makes for a lighter knife. I gave the blade a stone washed finish. The handle is locust with oak pins and has provisions for a lanyard. I'm seriously thinking of keeping this one, but I've said that before and end up selling. I'm still working on the sheath and will sharpen once the sheath is done. Handling the knife while fitting the sheaths I've gone through to many band aids, so now sharpening is the very last thing I do.

 

[tooln]

Here's the Shark with it's sheath.