My first attempt, was meh, and not worth posting.
I tried before to grind a bevel with my cheap harbor freight 1x30 belt grinder, and it didn't go well. Even made a bigger platten and a angle jig and still not good.
So I made a filing jig and 100% hand file my bevels. This knife is made from a flat stock of D2 I got from Jantz last year. It has a flat "grind" (more like filing), nothing fancy. My first set of scales cracked when pinning so I had to let epoxy cure then grind it off and start over. These scales are walnut I got from Jantz at the same time I got the steel. My file work, well, it needs some work. But to be fair, this was my First ever attempt at any file work.
I didn't sand the blade beyond 220 grit.
The pins are mosaic in the front 2, then stainless on the rest.
It has many many flaws, but it's a learn as you go process and I'm still learning. I'm nowhere near as talented as you guys who make knives and post them on here regularly, but gotta start somewhere.
Anyway, on to the pics! Advice and critiques are welcome.










[img]http://i587.photobucket.com/albums/ss312/BG12693/IMG_1434.jpg[/img]

Next up will be my first attempt at making a sheath.

I like the profile... my first knives were not great and I still find things about the current ones... with an artists eye, but you will be hooked and get better the more you make and progress.

Thanks, I'd like to buy a good 2x72 belt grinder at some point...
I learned, after destroying a 12" Nicholson bastard file when filing this knife, that D2 air hardens... oops.

Next knife will be made from simple 1095.

My heat treat is done with a fire brick forge and propane torch. Got the fire brick at Tractor supply and torch on amazon.

Not bad for number 2. Try some 1084 next time, it's a lot more forgiving than 1095 when it comes to heat treat.

1084, I'll remember that. Thanks

Very nice work Brandon, I admire your patience and abilities sir.

Much better than I could do....

Looks good. I have made a few "kit" knives and I found out pretty quick it's hard not to spall the scales when drilling for pins....

Good job, I like it

Looks good for your second. I would just grind off that little hand guard that sticks out from the scales.

Lookin Good!

Good job....and great patience with the filing; that takes a long time.

There was a lot of swearing and sweating involved in the filing. D2, even in its annealed state is still hard as I found out...the hard way. Hoping 1084, 1095, and stainless will cut easier/faster. We will soon find out.

Question for you all, what steel and thickness would be good to make some kitchen knives from? Might try to make my MIL a new kitchen knife as she has worn hers out completely. Would 440c be a good choice? How difficult is it to heat treat?

Thanks

440C makes good kitchen knives but you'll need a heat treat oven and tool wrap to do it properly.

Stainless foil work?
I have a simple forge and have been heat treating using the magnet method on the D2.

I could always send it out to be properly heat treated if need be.

Stainless foil will work but 440C isn't like carbon steels.

440C Heat Treating Information:
Preheat: Heat to 1400° and equalize.
Austenitize: Ramp to 1850°-1950°F and hold at temperature for 30 minutes. Oil, plate or air quench to below 150°F.

Cryogenic Treating: Cyro may be performed after quenching to 125 °F to reduce retained austenite. After cyro allow blade to warm to room temperature.

Temper: Temper immediately after quenching or cyro. Hold at temperature for two hours minimum and allow to cool to room temperature.

Thanks for the info Mike!

Great job Brandon !!! I watch the TV show "Forged in Fire". Cool to watch the whole process. Put me in line for one of your knives.

You are way more patient than me

I think there is a guy who specializes in sheath making. He makes them for quite a few builders.

Thanks Buzz. Nowhere near ready to make knives to sell. Need better equipment to ensure heat treat is proper. Last thing I want is for one of my knives to break or not hold up as intended due to poor heat treat.

Got my eye on a heat treat oven and a few other goodies to really get serious with this venture.

I'm impressed! You filed that D2 by hand?! Great job!

Yep, filed by hand, flat "grind". Took forfreakingever!

Looks good! All of you guys who make knives are way above my skill level.