Danz409 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 (edited) Im basicly posting this to show my first knife / first peace other then my fire poker. that if made with my new hobby. made from a simple railroad spike. theres clearly better knives out there. but as a first time smithing peace i don't thank its all that bad. if you see any work that can be done that can inprove this. or something thats just not right about it. please feel free to post it. i could use all the education i can get. this was made with no training from an outside sorce other then what i can gather from watching a few youtube videos and hanging out here at IFI ^^. look forward to doing more projects! tools that could of been usefull for this would of been a much better belt sander. the one i used had a metal backing on it and restriced what parts i can sand. an anvil would of helped for the curves on this thing. i dont have any heavy peaces of metal that even resemble a horn. closest i have is a segment of track Edited August 30, 2009 by mod07 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double_edge2 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 nice work. was it hardened and tempered? making more will give you more experience, giving you the result you want. keep up the good work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisG Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 very nice first try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old South Creations Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Nice first try. It takes time. Keep at it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danz409 Posted August 30, 2009 Author Share Posted August 30, 2009 tools that could of been usefull for this would of been a much better belt sander. the one i used had a metal backing on it and restriced what parts i can sand. ok, i may have found a cheap salutoin for this... im acculy supprised at how cheap.. does anybody have any expernace with this sander? Harbor Freight $40 sander. if so. please fill me in on the details. i wouldnt mind getting this if its not a pile-o-scrap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecart Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I have a 1"X42" Dewalt sander like that. Not the best for knife making, but it works once you learn how to use it. But keep in mind that this is primarily a woodworking tool and the sanding belts I have experience with are made for woodworking. They don't last very long when grinding steel. I've gotten to the point that I use a file more than the sander if I can get away with it (should be read: if I have the patience for it at the time ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kashmire Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 i use a 4 1/2" angle grinder for almost everything. grinding wheels for serious metal eating and flap disks rock for finishing aspects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danz409 Posted August 30, 2009 Author Share Posted August 30, 2009 thanks kashmire, i see angle grinders for mega-cheap on harbor freaight i might pick one up with some disks/ sanding pads. im also going to need a vise eventuly too. so i might head to some flea markets tommarow to look around and try to find a vise so i can do twists in the handles an such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Why not buy yourself a couple of good files. A bastard and mill bastard would do all you need for simple knives. With practice your hammer marks will get smaller and the amount of filing needed will reduce. Keep at it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckster2.0 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I am about to finish my first knife made out of a railroad spike! Though I tried to keep the head intact. Are you going to put a handle on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danz409 Posted August 30, 2009 Author Share Posted August 30, 2009 nah, im acculy kinda satisfied with what it has now. its round and grip is pritty decent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 To help in finishing work on your hammer technique. The less dings you put in the blade the less that you have to clean up later. A flatter will help give a better surface also. The Harbor Freight grinders are OK, but don't expect a lot from them. They are what they are. I have picked up good quality grinders at flea markets, automotive swap meets, auctions, and garage sales. Check your local Craigslist under tools. In the last month I have bought numerous blacksmithing tools including anvils, tongs, forges, hardies, fullers, etc... With the down turn in the economy there are a lot of used tools for sale. Might also check the local pawn shops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outsider Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 pretty cool stuff, looks like it was a tool i have for carpentry! i got this grinder from harbor freight on sale for $49 and it's ok and not enough ass to get on it with steel but it is ok otherwise and has been a big help on my fingers which have been cut up on the angle grinder and pad sander! check out this one:- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices otherwise like you say the angle grinders are cheap and do a good job and harbor freight has a ton of cheap wheels for the grinders. just so it is known, i do only shop harbor freight since i have no money to get good stuff but soon that will change and i will try to buy American products.....if theres any left that is???????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason L Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 I actually have that grinder Dan and it's ok. As was said it's not the best thing for knife grinding but it does work and it's much cheaper than a KMG. The motor is a little weak so you can bog it down fairly easily and the belts are a bit too small but if it's what you can get, go for it. It's still faster than filing and it does a relatively good job. I like working with it myself but I'm still planning to make a 2"x72" eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollow Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Hello I'm new and I'm also just starting out with blacksmith but I love it already. I need some tips on knife making like what kind of forge would be good and if I can make. Next is that I'm in Oak Harbor and need some more training and was wondering if you could help find one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckster2.0 Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 Hello I'm new and I'm also just starting out with blacksmith but I love it already. I need some tips on knife making like what kind of forge would be good and if I can make. Next is that I'm in Oak Harbor and need some more training and was wondering if you could help find one. Look up washtub forge. Then after getting tired of buying charcoal, look up how to make charcoal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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