Hey guys, I watched a video the other day to learn how to forge a basic knife out of steel. The problem is the guy used a belt sander to make the bevel on the knife. I have all the tools and ability to make the blade, but I don't know anyone who has a belt sander and I can't afford to buy one. Does anyone have some sort of alternative to make a bevel?
You can look on Craigslist for used sanders. Also check auction sites. For example I got an industrial Baldor belt sander for 75 dollars (overkill for your needs but large is good!). You can also use a bench grinder if you must.
An angle grinder and a few flap discs can also work well for smooth metal removal. You can find grinders used too.
An angle grinder is more versatile than a belt sander and with cutting discs and other accessories can do many jobs.
Wear a face shield when using any grinder.
If you wait patiently and hit garage sales, flea markets etc you can find many tools for little money.
>>918853
Will definitely check thanks!
For anyone wondering, this is the video.
https://youtu.be/ervAg4plXDI
>>918857
You could use a file.
Cheap, but will take longer
Walter sorrels has a video where he uses a file to form his knive. Explains which files he likes.
His videos are pretty good.
here you go.
A remarkable technology, its called the file.
Also, I'd avoid angle grinders, they're abysmal for detail work, and worse for finishing. They can fuck up the steel rapidly, or you.
a good belt grinder is a lifesaver, but its by no means essential.
A file on the other hand, it takes real talent to injure yourself with or damage the metal too much.
>>918848
I got one for cheap on harbor freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html
I can use wet belts on it too. It's worked well for the knives I've been making from stock removal. Prior to getting this, I was using a file.
Fuck using a file.
>>918848
>>918853
Don't forget, you can also make a stand for the handheld type, you don't have to hold out for a stationary belt sander.
I'd suggest using the angle grinder to rough out the bevel, then >>918880.
Or you can just get sandpaper, glue it down, make a guide and rub it back and forward. Basically the same thing without the belt sander motor doing the moving for you.
Could one make a DIY belt grinder from a 15 volt DC drill motor and some sand paper?
>>919259
you could, but if you can, get a washing machine engine, those things are awesome for belt sanders, bench grinders, etc. and you dont need more than 1 engine to power multiple rigs...that is if you dont mind assembly them everytime you´re gonna use them
Use a standard metal file. Thats how I got into making straight razors.
>>918848
Well fuck, I was looking at buying this Clarke sander yesterday, £100 brand new and a Rage 3 saw. I thought I would hold off for a few weeks and may get one in a sale.
I have access to a lot of C67 0.67% carbon steel, is this good for making knifes?
I have a 500x500x6mm sheet in my garage or can get hold of any size.
>>919477
If im not mistaken c67 is equivalent to 1070. Its decent for knives.
>>919481
No idea what that is but I like research, I was planning on making old replica weapons or currency, but i might ttry my hand at a knife when i get my tools.
>>919485
The 10xx series is the most popular choice for carbon steel used in knives. They are very durable.
1095, a popular high-carbon steel for knives; it is harder but more brittle than lower carbon steels such as 1055, 1060, 1070, and 1080. It has a carbon content of 0.90-1.03%[8] Many older pocket knives and kitchen knives were made of 1095. It is still popular with many bushcrafters and survivalists due to its toughness and ease of sharpening.[58][59] With a good heat treat, the high carbon 1095 and O-1 tool steels are often considered better than all but the most exotic and expensive stainless steels.
1084, carbon content 0.80-0.93%
1070, carbon content 0.65-0.75%[8] Used in machetes.
1060, used in swords. It has a carbon content of 0.55-0.65%[8]
1055, used in swords and machetes often heat-treated to a spring temper to reduce breakage. It has a carbon content of 0.48-0.55%[8]
Ok so i found this info, not to find out if I can heat treat it, the supplier said something about it might make it to brittle?
>>919487
Heat treatment has two parts. First you heat, then quench the blade to harden it. Second, you temper it in an oven for a couple hours, to soften back ever so slightly and allow internal stresses from the quench to dissipate.
Both processes involve a lot of research and expertise, and are easily the single most important part of making knives.
>>918848
You heard of files, right? If you have the patience and the elbow grease it works great. That cross-eyed knifemaker on YouTube (gough?) has a tutorial on how to make a simple jig so you keep the angle consistent.
Remember: You don't always need the right tools if you have the will. It's all about being resourceful.
>>920410
Yeah here it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9iNDRwwBQQ
>>919477
amature knife maker here.
Anything above 0.5% carbon is considered a "high carbon" steel and will be useful for making a blade.
Simple carbon steels are easier to heat treat so they're usually a good starting point for beginners anyways.
6mm is pretty thick though. You'll have a lot of work ahead of you thinning that out.
