How to make a knife from a quick cutter?

How to forge a knife from a cable?

The workpiece is placed in the lit crucible and allowed to heat up to 800 °C. At this stage, the cable strands are released (annealing), the material becomes pliable. Additionally, oil and dirt burns out.

After cooling, the workpiece is clamped in a vice and one of the ends of the cable is welded using electric welding. Using an adjustable wrench, it is “tightened” as we weave to maximum density. The other edge is scalded while simultaneously fastening a piece of reinforcement for ease of work.

The wire clamps are removed, the workpiece is heated to 1200 °C, and generously sprinkled with borax. This is necessary for better penetration. After reheating, forge “welding” is performed. Using a heavy hammer, the cable is broken flat and periodically sprinkled with borax.

The workpiece is constantly heating up. The more often this is done, the more intensively the forging occurs, the better the material is “welded.” After rough processing, they move on to forging the blade, the future cutting edge, and the shank. At this stage, a smaller hammer is used more, giving the workpiece an outline reminiscent of a sketch of the future blade.

How to make forged knives from a file or cable?

The file is made of wear-resistant steel, and therefore knives are often made from this tool. Such blades will have a good cutting edge.

A knife forged from cable is inferior in its characteristics to others, but the blade has an unusually beautiful pattern, reminiscent of Damascus steel.

The first step is to clean the tool from scratches and rust. This action can be done using a grinder. If necessary, you will need to cut the workpiece to the required length from the file. After this, the product is welded to a reinforcing rod and inserted into the stove. The product must be heated to the required temperature, after which it will be possible to begin rolling the product to the desired thickness. Next, the tip and cutting edge are made. It is recommended to make the shank of the knife from this tool under the attached handle.

The cable must be split until it is red, then removed from the oven and sprinkled with borax. After this, the cable must be heated to 1000°C, removed from the oven again and started forging. The blows are applied with a hammer, and it is important to try to keep all the fibers together.

Knives - all about knives: High-speed steel knives

One of the popular materials used for the manufacture of knives is alloy high -speed (abbreviated as high-speed cutting ).

Considering the characteristics of high-speed steels, it should be noted:

• high heat resistance at temperatures below 6000C;
• high hardness up to 70HRC;
• increased wear resistance at high temperatures;
• resistance to deformation (fracture).

High-speed steel of different grades for hunting knives

knives are indispensable tools for a hunter, applicable for protecting against an attack by an animal, skinning during butchering, and making a way in the wild forest .

The length, shape of the blade, as well as the material for these knives depend not only on the type of hunting, but also on individual preferences. The most common are knives made of high-speed steel P18.

P18 steel is a high-speed tool steel, where P denotes tungsten, and 18 is the percentage of tungsten in the steel .

It is used for the manufacture of tools that retain their properties when heated during operation up to 6000C and blades of hunting knives. Knife models Bison, Varan, Gusar, Mongoose are produced with blades made of high-speed steel P18 , hardness 64 HRC.

Blade length - 145mm, spine thickness - 4mm. The handle is made of various materials - wenge ebony, ebonite, leather.

Knives made of quick-cut steel are also popular ; they are easy to grind, have excellent cutting properties due to the ductility and increased viscosity of the steel, these include:

• hunting knives of the Berkut model, made of quick-cut P12, have a blade length of 155 mm, a thickness of 4 mm, the handle is made of black hornbeam with indentations for the fingers;
• Vostok knife, steel R12M, hardness 67 HRC, blade length 155mm, spine thickness 3.2mm, handle made of hornbeam;
• knife , steel R12M, blade length 135mm, spine thickness 4mm, handle made of wenge, blade shape with a lowered tip suitable for cutting carcasses and making skinning easier.

Hunting knives with blades made from quick-cut R6M5 have a high hardness of 67-68 HRC, increased toughness, the cutting edge of the knife holds its edge for a long time and does not need to be straightened. Popular models:

• hunting knife Zimardak - blade length 120mm; Hunter knife - blade 109mm long;
• Oksky knife - blade 147mm long;
• Bison knife - blade 180 - 190mm long, spine thickness 3-5mm, handles made of hard African bubinga, burl, walnut, black hornbeam, wenge wood and cupronickel.

R18 steel knives, in comparison with R6M5 steel knives, have greater hardness, superior cutting properties and hold an edge longer, but have lower toughness and strength.

Basic models of folding knives

Folding knives are practical and convenient; you can always take them with you, placing them in almost any pocket. Such knives perform a variety of functions and differ in the following types:

• classic folding knives with a hollow handle without a locking mechanism;
• folding knives with a locking mechanism, open with two hands, are inconvenient in extreme situations;
• tactical knives open easily and quickly, which is why they can pose a danger to the owner;
• automatic folding knives open by pressing a button or lever, are compact and easy to use, and have a high cost.

Folding knives made from quick-cutting knives are in no way inferior to hunting knives in quality.

Manufacturing procedure

Having decided on the materials and steel grade of the future blade, it’s time to get to work and make a knife from a drill. Don’t forget about fireproof gloves and goggles; scale will fly when forging:

1. A mandatory process that is rarely mentioned is annealing. During production, the workpiece undergoes hardening; it is necessary to relieve the stress from the metal. After heating the oven to 600-700 °C, you need to put a drill in it and hold the part for 3 hours. Afterwards, let it cool on its own.
2. After cooling, the workpiece is ready for use. Heat the oven to 1000 °C and place the drill in it. Having acquired an orange color, the workpiece is heated, we take it out with pliers and clamp it in a vice with the shank. Use a wrench to grab the top of the drill and turn the metal into a straight plane. All movements must be performed quickly - cooling of the workpiece is unacceptable.
3. The product cannot be allowed to cool down; by constantly heating it, we begin to forge. Keep an eye on the color of the metal; if it has tarnished a little, put it straight into the oven. We cut it into a strip of the required thickness of 3-4 mm. We extend the shank in length.
4. Having reached the desired butt, we begin to work on the tip and blade. We gradually round it in the area where the blade rises, pulling the metal towards the tip. The process is complex and requires certain skills.
5. Forging of the RC is carried out with a small hammer; with careful blows, you need to achieve the minimum thickness.

The process of making a knife from a drill.

The procedure for forging a knife from a drill at home, materials and tools

Is it difficult to make a knife yourself? If you approach the process correctly, you will end up with a reliable and durable product. It is important to choose the right workpiece material. Metal drills are often used for this; they are almost ideal for forging a knife. Both household models and so-called designer products are made from drills.

Adviсe

What else should you consider when making a knife from a drill? The most common mistake is a blade that is too thin. During processing on a grinding machine or during sharpening, it is likely to break. The optimal blade thickness should be 2-2.5 mm.

It is also recommended that the following conditions be met:

• Holes for attaching the handle can be made by drilling or electrolysis. The latter option is more convenient if the tail section is made of 45 steel.
• To give a good appearance, GOI paste is used.
• As a workpiece, you can use not only a drill, but also a part of a car spring or a file.

Sharpening is best done first with a grinder, and then “finish” the edge of the blade manually with a whetstone.

You also need to remember that according to the law, a knife is considered a bladed weapon with a blade length of more than 90 mm. A double-edged blade of 50 mm or more also requires a permit to carry and store.

This is very important, since the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation provides for measures for the illegal manufacture, storage and carrying of bladed weapons.

Knife forging tools

What tools are needed for forging:

• large hammer up to 4 kg and small hammer up to 1 kg;
• anvil;
• welding machine and grinder;
• grinder;
• bake;
• pliers and an adjustable wrench.

Damascus steel knives.
Knife made of tool steel rod. Blade forging. Forged knife blade. Decoration of a forged knife. Artistic forging of knives. A forged knife is a souvenir. You can buy a stove, or you can make it yourself. The main requirement for such a stove is to obtain a temperature from 900° to 1200° for quite a long time. Thick sheet metal is best. A mandatory tube for air to enter the stove. You can heat the stove with regular charcoal.

Required materials and tools

The material is not easy to process. People's opinions are divided, but forged steel is definitely more productive in use. Required material:

• wood block;
• masking tape;
• epoxy adhesive;
• motor oil in a container;
• large drill at least 20 mm in diameter;
• stain or oil for wood treatment.

Knife craftsmen are all different. Others prefer to stop at the process of turning the drill and then work with a cutting tool. The quality of the product will be good.

But the decision has been made - we will forge. You will need the appropriate tool:

• anvil, blacksmith's tongs, vice;
• large hammer 4-5 kg, small hammer 1-1.5 kg;
• angle grinder, welding machine;
• grinding and grinding machines;
• oven or forge;
• adjustable wrench;
• sandpaper with different grains;
• drill with a set of drills;
• files will come in handy.

You need to immediately decide on the type of handle. A professional look at the tools and materials will instantly realize that it will be mounted and made of wood.

View from the second side

0 The master put his mark on this workpiece. It will be visible as processing progresses.

0

Removed the top burnt layer. And I just thinned the workpiece, it was too thick, more than 6 mm.

0

This is what happens when you remove metal on a grinder (belt grinder). You work for 5 minutes, remove the chips for a minute.

0

Getting closer and closer to the desired thickness.

Basic requirements for an effective process

To make a good cutter, you need to follow some rules and instructions from famous craftsmen:

• To forge a knife, first of all, high-quality steel is required. It may also be secondary raw materials. It is necessary that it meets all points in terms of reliability, ductility and strength. Otherwise, you won't get a sharp and strong cutter.
• You must have all the necessary tools for forging: a large hammer, a hammer up to 1 kilogram, an anvil, a vice, a grinder, a grinding tool, pliers, a sharpener. You also need a stove or device on which heating will take place.
• Before making a forged knife, you need to draw a work plan. It will show the shape of the tip and the handle. For inexperienced craftsmen, it is better to prepare a mock-up that will help form an idea of ​​the future blade.

Heating in the oven must be done very carefully, otherwise the product will melt greatly. To determine the moment when it is necessary to remove it from the stove, craftsmen recommend holding the steel up to the light: it usually darkens or turns red.

It is best to make a product forged with an iron hammer outdoors or in a garage. You may not be able to forge knives the first time, but after gaining experience, everyone will be able to do it masterfully at home. Don't forget to wear protective gloves and a mask.

Finishing

After finishing the forging manipulations, let the blade cool. You should move on to grinding work. We remove carbon deposits and level the slopes. We do preliminary sharpening of the blade. Final works:

1. An angle grinder with a cutting wheel will definitely help you adjust the shank to the mounted handle. Mark and cut as required.
2. An important stage that gives the blade the quality of hardness and wear resistance is hardening. After heating the workpiece to 500-700 °C, it should be quickly lowered into oil. Be careful - the oil actually splashes and there is a risk of fire.
3. Tempering of the blade is mandatory; it should be carried out at a temperature of 200-220 °C for 2-3 hours. Upon completion, the blade should be treated with fine-grained sandpaper.
4. We make the handle from a block of wood, drilling holes in it and fitting the shank. It should be given the necessary shape. After making sure that the parts match perfectly, pour epoxy glue into the hole in the handle and hammer the blade with the shank inward. Let the glue dry for a day and treat the handle with oil or special impregnation.
5. The final stage is sharpening the blade for finishing. It is preferable to perform these manipulations on diamond stones. The process is long and tedious, but the result is magnificent.

Learning to forge a knife from a drill yourself is not an easy task. There is no need to be afraid to learn. Live and learn. It’s not for nothing that they came up with a saying. We wish you to overcome all the difficulties of this skill and show the whole world the products you made by hand.

DIY rapid knife

High-speed steel of different grades for knives

The knife consists of two main parts - the blade and the handle. Both parts are important. This article is aimed at the cutting part of the knife. The steel grade plays a vital role in the technical characteristics of the final product. The process of making the blade is no less important.

Rarely do people talk about pre-selection of workpieces. According to knife craft professionals, the mandatory and initial stage is screening out defects. The test is carried out by simply throwing the blanks onto a wooden surface. This must be done several times; products that have succumbed to cracks are rejected.

Finding steel from a high-speed saw in Russia is quite easy. Discarded factory-made products, grandfather had a product from the USSR lying around in his garage, or purchase a new “quick cutter” on the market. Quite suitable options. High-speed steel grades have many suitable varieties for the manufacture of blades.

Steel P18 and knives made from it

Rapid steel P18 is rare. If you are lucky enough to find a saw or a plate, the “knife addicts” cry with envy. Steel with a strength of up to 1000 MPa retains its cutting properties when heated to 600 degrees Celsius. In production they are used for cutting tools: drills, thread cutters, taps, countersinks, reamers and cutters.

Can be forged and hardened. Making a knife from a P18 steel saw is not difficult. Cut out the template, make the slopes, the steering wheel and the handle. No hardening required, no vacation needed. Users have only positive feedback; they have been working with knives for 15-20 years.

A damn good material in terms of strength and durability. The difficulty in sharpening applies to any rapid steel. In this case it is no exception. Afraid of corrosion, requires maintenance.

High-speed steel knives P12

Direct substitute for P18 steel. Industrial application is in drills, taps, reamers and other options. The structure of P12 is close to its “brother” P18. Despite the close similarity, there is a slight difference in mechanical properties.

The heterogeneity of the carbide affects P12 in ductility and toughness. The cutting properties of a blade made of this material are definitely high. Sharpening is slightly easier. Brittleness is characteristic of rapid steels; you should not make a “machete” or an ax. The P18 analogue is perfect for kitchen work.

Steel is quite popular, it is not difficult to find. Used in cutting and sawing tools, copes well with shock loads. There are several varieties according to GOST. Basic rapid properties are present in all grades of R6M5.

Opinions differ on the use of blades made of this material. A dull blade is difficult to sharpen and will create a lot of difficulties during a hike. It is recommended not to take it for long events. Kitchen or cutting - its purpose. Definitely good at woodworking.

How to make a knife from rapid with your own hands

Steel grades: P10, P12, P14, P18 and the P6M5 family are excellent for creating cutting elements. The fragility of saw blades is somewhat exaggerated. You should not make blades that are too long and use them to dig into sewer manholes. There will be no problems with the knife in future use.

Rapid alloy is quite resistant to loads and is designed for long-term loads. Proper manufacturing of the blade guarantees all its available qualities. We will give brief instructions on how to make a blade with your own hands from common steel grade R6M5.

Required materials and tools

The alloy is quite resistant to mechanical stress. Difficulties during production will definitely arise; it is not appropriate for a Russian master to be afraid of them. Materials needed:

• wooden block and epoxy glue (for the handle);
• a piece of brass, bronze or copper;
• impregnating varnish, oil.

Hacksaw blade steel grade R6M5 - blank. Protective glasses and gloves; the work ahead will be dusty and labor-intensive. Toolkit of the following type:

• Grinder angle grinder, set of discs for various purposes;
• vice, hammer, jigsaw, files, pliers;
• sharpening machine, wheels for it with different grains;
• needle file, drill and set of drills;
• marker, sandpaper, clamp;
• container with water.

A horse-drawn handle is ideal. The choice to stop is on her.

Manufacturing of the main profile

You should not use a template; it is better to draw with a marker on the canvas itself. The specific qualities of the steel will allow you to make cuts in accordance with the image. And use pliers to break off pieces of steel along the cut. The drawing is carried out together with the shank.

Properties of drill steel

I would like to say about drills that they are classified as high-speed tools. Definitely, the steel is high-strength and refractory. Prepared in production for operation in conditions from 600 to 700 °C. The drill knife has gained popularity among blacksmiths.

Drill marked P6M5.

A product made from it will captivate the owner with its durability and practicality. Don't forget to look at the product label. It will provide a lot of information about the structure of the drill steel. Running material is called material marked P6M5.

The abbreviation indicates the content of tungsten and molybdenum. Professionals consider the ideal grade of steel to be one containing cobalt. A letter with the number “K5” is added to the name.

Blades made of R6M5K5 metal, with proper hardening, reach 64-65 Rockwell hardness units.

Curved descent at the tip

0 I removed the curved trigger at the tip and the part of the blade that is adjacent to the bolster/guard. Ganz. ru tells you that this is called the edge of the trigger and the sub-finger radius. Well, or a rounded rectangle in my case.

0

0

This is what the blade profile looks like now.

How to choose the right material for making a knife?

Figure 1. Design of a forged knife.

To make a high-quality blade, you need to choose the right steel for it. The cutting characteristics of the knife and its strength will depend on the choice of material. To select the correct metal, it is important to know what properties such a material has. You will need to focus on 5 main properties of steel:

1. Wear Resistance - Steel's resistance to wear and tear through use. This property will depend on the hardness of the material.
2. Hardness is a property of a material that indicates its ability to resist the penetration of solid materials into it. It is worth knowing that solid material is less subject to deformation. Strength can be measured using the Rockwell scale.
3. Strength - the ability to maintain integrity when exposed to atmospheric forces.
4. Plasticity is the ability of a material to absorb and distribute kinetic energy upon impact and deformation.
5. Red resistance is the resistance of a metal to high temperatures and the ability to retain its properties during heating. The minimum temperature for forging steel will depend on the material's resistance to heat treatment. It is recommended to choose hard grades for which the operating forging temperature is greater than 900°C. It is worth knowing that the melting point of this material is approximately 1500°C.

All these characteristics are interconnected. The predominance of one of them leads to the deterioration of the others. Each property of a material will depend on the content of alloying elements and additives, which include silicon, tungsten, molybdenum and others.

Figure 2. Types of knife profiles.

The presence of all alloying elements and their use in the required proportions in the steel manufacturing process, as well as knowledge of their properties, allows us to create steel for the required purposes. Each of these steels has its own marking. It is worth noting that Russian and European brands have different designations.

Russian manufacturers, which are often used in the process of forging blades with their own hands, include steels marked U7-U16, R6M5, X12MF and others. European grades include steel 1095, M-2, A-2 and others.

A detailed description of the metal grade can be found in the “Brand of Steel and Alloys”.

DIY wood carving knife from an old drill - Do it yourself

25.10.2019

Wood carving has centuries-old roots, reflects national traditions and is currently popular. Figurines, panels, and other carved decorations fit perfectly into any interior.

To create amazing masterpieces, professionals do not use super-devices; all the main work is done by ordinary wood carving knives, which, although they have the same shape, differ from each other in size.

A cutter, a Geismus, a cranberry, or maybe a graver – let’s try to figure out which of these tools is suitable for a novice craftsman.

Features and purpose

A product intended for wood carving is an indispensable component of the arsenal of a craftsman who makes decorative objects from natural wood.

The tool differs from a regular kitchen knife in that it has a shortened blade.

When working with wood, a significant load is placed on this part of the tool, so the shorter the metal element is, the lower the likelihood of it breaking under pressure from the cutter.

In addition to the carving itself, there are other options for influencing the wood surface, including sawing, drilling, and gouging. All these operations are performed with other tools and are auxiliary, allowing the carver to fully realize his plan, adding significant elements to the overall picture. The nature of the work determines the choice of the necessary tool.

Kinds

In the arsenal of masters of artistic carving there are a variety of tools - each of these products is intended for a specific type of operation, and may differ in shape, specific sharpening, and functional features. All of them are divided into 3 main types - hand-held, power tools, and devices for machining. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages.

Manual

Hand tools include numerous knives that differ in design, as well as chisels and auxiliary tools. Tools must be made conscientiously, from high quality steel, in which case they will not crumble or crush the wood. A prerequisite is excellent sharpening, which makes the work of the master easier.

Cutter

The cutter is a universal knife for cutting wood, which is used by all beginners and professional craftsmen. It is used when forming the main part of the product, and then for more delicate work. Its blade is elongated, straight or curved, and the butt is curved.

The main distinguishing feature of the cutter is the sharpening angle of 35˚. A type of product is a European carving knife, one of the most popular and simple models. It has a smooth cutting edge, a curved butt, and an elongated handle. This knife for wood carving allows you to perform various operations - from roughing to the most delicate finishing operations.

A more modern tool is a knife with interchangeable blades of different shapes, which allows you to perform almost any operation on wood. These elements are easily changed using a collet clamp.

Jamb

A jamb knife is the second basic tool of any carver. It is characterized by a cutting angle of 60˚ and a beveled blade shape, which allows significant effort to be applied in the work without the threat of breaking the tip.

Knives for wood carving are convenient for making geometric patterns, roughing and finishing products.

Dimensions can vary significantly, depending on the types of wood used and the specifics of the work performed.

Bogorodsky knife

This tool is shaped like a European carving knife, but its blade is longer and the handle is shorter. It is designed for roughing and fine finishing work. The cutting edge is smooth, the sharpening is partial, the blade size can vary from 3 to 9 cm. The knife got its name from the Bogorodsk carving, its shape is ideal for performing this technique.

Auxiliary Tools

In addition to the tools listed above, craftsmen use a wide variety of devices listed in the table.

The auxiliary tools may also include sandpaper of various sizes, rasps, scrapers, and metal brushes. All this will be required for the initial, rough processing of workpieces.

Tool sets

For ease of work, especially for novice carvers, you can purchase a complete set of tools. Products from the same manufacturer include products of the same strength with identical handles. The choice of the composition of the set depends on the specifics of the carving that the master is going to do:

• for garden sculptures you will need chisels, mainly impact ones, hacksaws, large cutters;
• when working on relief paintings, you cannot do without straight and curved chisels and rivets;
• power tools, especially an engraver, are suitable for operations with three-dimensional figures.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the material of the tool and the manufacturer.

Power tools

This is energy-dependent equipment: engravers - manual and laser, flexible shaft. The first power tool is essentially a lightweight electric drill with a set of 2-6 mm attachments and a chuck for them.

Most models are equipped with a flexible shaft with a collet clamp at the end - this is an analogue of the drill that every dentist's office is equipped with.

 The engraver is indispensable for volumetric, relief, and flat-relief cutting.

The flexible shaft can be purchased separately to complement a conventional electric drill, which will allow you to perform carvings of any complexity. The product is equipped with a 1-6 mm cartridge and weighs no more than 1 kg. For example, from TM Bosch you can find 1.25-meter flexible shafts with 3500 rpm.

Modern laser engravers are capable of creating exact copies of finished works or new figures based on the designer’s drawings.

The devices read the shape of the structure, converting it into a digital code, and the actuators already translate it into a finished three-dimensional product. Engravers can process not only wood, but also plywood, plastic, even marble.

The advantages of the device include high productivity, minimal labor costs, and ease of maintenance.

Machining

Planing, jointing and milling machines are used for mechanical processing of wood. Their cutting tools are special knives:

• planing or jointing are metal strips with a sharpened edge and soldered hard alloys;
• milling - metal teeth installed in special holders.

The former are used when processing elongated linear parts, the latter - for creating various recesses, for example, in the manufacture of doors.

Sharpening methods

One of the main criteria for a quality tool is sharpening. If it is done with high quality, working with wood will bring joy to the craftsman, all cuts will go strictly according to the plan.

A knife for wood carving is sharpened like this:

1. First, you need to level the working surface of the product using coarse sandpaper or a circle, maintaining the geometric shape of the blade and the sharpening angle.
2. After coarse sanding, touch up the coating on the fine-grained surface. When using emery, avoid overheating the metal.
3. Proceed to sanding with fine-grained abrasive materials, from more to less grainy, for example, fabric sandpapers 400, 600, 1200.

The final finishing is carried out on felt or leather with a grinding mixture such as GOI paste.

When the cutter begins to chip or crush the wood instead of cutting it in even layers, this is a signal that the tool needs to be sharpened. Using dull knives will require a lot of effort during the work process and can completely ruin the final result.

Position of the chisel when sharpening: 1 – straight chisel; 2 – semicircular and flat; 3 – chisel – corner Position and movement of the tool: a – on straight chisels; b – on semicircular and sloping chisels: 1 – external chamfer; 2 – internal chamfer; c – on corner chisels: 1 – internal chamfer; 2 – external chamfer

Criterias of choice

Currently, we offer the widest range of knives for wood carving, which is represented by products of domestic and foreign production of very different prices. To select the appropriate tools, you need to decide on future tasks - what type of thread will be used, what material will be used.

• To begin with, you can purchase a minimal set - several knives with straight and semicircular cutting edges, then, as you progress, specific tasks will arise, and you can select a tool for them.
• Before purchasing, you also need to consider the main manufacturers, select the size of the knife for wood carving, the grade of steel, the material of the handle, which should be ergonomic, comfortable, and not slip in the hand.
• Among the manufacturers on the market are the following:

• “Tatyanka” is a domestic supplier of high-quality knives with a comfortable beech handle and a blade made of 65G tool steel;
• Flexcut – produces sets of cutters and chisels;
• Frost – produces knives and spoon cutters;
• Dem-Bart – manufactures tools for finishing stocks;
• Narex is a manufacturer of quality kits;
• “Petrov and Son” – produces several types of knives;
• Pfeil - a variety of knives made of the highest quality steel.

Among the variety of products, the final choice can be made by comparing the purpose, quality and cost of the tool.

How to make it yourself

Craftsmen who have worked with ready-made cutting tools see their shortcomings in relation to the technology used.

It could be the length of the blade or its shape, someone doesn't trust the hardening of finished products, or they don't like the configuration and material of the handle. In such cases, you can make a wood carving cutter with your own hands.

To do this, you will need a little experience in handling metal and a fairly simple set of tools:

• blade from a hacksaw or circular saw (2.0 mm thick);
• a piece of wood;
• electric sharpener.

What tools are needed to forge a knife with your own hands?

To forge a blade, you will need to have a special blacksmith tool, but you can also use amateur tools:

1. Hammer 4 kg.
2. Hammer up to 1 kg.
3. Vise.
4. Machine for point.
5. Stove.
6. Anvil.
7. Welding machine.
8. Bulgarian.
9. Blacksmith's tongs or ordinary pliers.
10. Adjustable wrench.

Forging tools: hammer, vice, adjustable wrench, blacksmith's tongs, chisel, tamper.

You should know some nuances regarding the stove. You will need to reach a temperature of approximately 1000-1200°C, which cannot be done in an ordinary oven. In this regard, it will be necessary to improve the stove. The structure is made of metal with thick walls, after which a pipe is attached into which air from the vacuum cleaner will be supplied. Coal is suitable as fuel.

Before making a knife you will need to make a sketch. A knife is a simple object that consists of a blade and a handle, but these elements have many components. In Fig. 1 you can see a sketch of the structure with all its components. Existing types of profiles can be seen in Fig. 2. Once the appropriate profile has been selected, you can proceed to creating a sketch. Professionals do not always use drawings, but beginners will need them.

Forging knives at home with your own hands, forging technology

A good knife is a cool, necessary and beautiful thing. A good knife with your own hands is no longer a thing, but a symbol of the person who made it. It’s not easy, but if you set a goal, it’s possible to succeed in forging knives of your own design.

Despite the fact that we are talking about hot forging technology using high-quality alloy steel, preparing work and making a knife are processes that are quite accessible to every person. The main thing is to make a decision.

What is a good knife

First, let's agree on the functional purpose of the knife that you are going to make with your own hands. Most likely, the best choice will be to focus on making a high-quality hunting knife. With hunting knives, we also need clarity: which one is the most versatile?

Forging a knife from a rope.

He will be the most suitable. After analysis and surveys in hunting sources, a description of the average hunter’s knife appeared, which can be considered the most universal.

For Russian hunting conditions, this would be a knife of medium size with the following dimensions:

• The blade can be from 12 to 14 centimeters long, and no more than 3 cm wide.
• The thickness of the blade is approximately 3 - 4 mm.
• The total length of the knife ranges from 23 to 27 centimeters.

Steel and only steel

The choice of metal is limited, or more precisely, you have no choice at all. Only steel for forging knives, no options. Let's figure out what steel is in principle: it is an alloy of iron and carbon. The typical carbon content range in steel is from 0.1% to 2.5%. The higher the level of its content, the stronger and more resistant the steel is to external influences, but it immediately loses its ductility and toughness.

Properties of steel that have the most direct impact on the good quality of the product:

• High wear resistance depends on the hardness of the steel, which in turn depends on the carbon content of the alloy.
• High strength – maintaining the integrity of the product under the influence of external forces.
• Hardness is its resistance to deformation.
• High ductility is the ability of a steel product to bend under the influence of external forces and then restore its shape.
• Red resistance is the resistance of a metal to high temperatures. Hard grades of steel are the most red-resistant.

Forging tools. Blacksmith tool. Scheme of forging a knife Dimensions of a knife for forging. Relief surface on the blade.

It is important that all five indicators are closely interrelated. The more ductile the steel grade, for example, the lower its hardness. The properties of alloys can be controlled using additives and alloying elements.

Now about doping. This is the targeted addition of additives to metal to change various properties for the better. What steel is not alloyed with: nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, etc. We are interested in alloyed tool steel, which has the properties described above. There are many brands of high-quality metals; their characteristics can be found in numerous reference books and manuals.

It is enough for us to understand the general principles in order to find a suitable steel for our knife. You don’t need to go far to get it; a knife is forged from bearings, files, springs, drills and even metal cables. In each case there are technical nuances, but the general rules for forging knives at home are the same and strict.

Forging a knife from a chain.

This is not about beauty, but about the shape of the blade, which must be selected and sketched at the start of the preparatory work. There are few basic forms of blade profiles: dagger, straight spine, profiles with a raised or lowered spine line, finca or bowie, goat leg, tanto.

Let us immediately note that, for example, “tanto” or finka and “bowie” refer to bladed weapons.