I'm making my first neck knife from an old Nicholson file. I annealed it with a torch and have the basic shape cut out with a dremmel and files. Tonight I'll try to get the bevel started and possibly finished but I'm still a little iffy on hardening and tempering afterwards since I no longer have access to the torch. Is it as easy as the annealing process or do I stand a greater chance of screwing up all my work in this step.
I'm also leaning towards a paracord handle just for ease and fit, what are your thoughts there.
Thanks
I'm going to pull you back to the top and someone will help.(Come on Guys)
I'll just say its much harder than annealing,and you will probably need some help.
I suggest finding someone in your area that makes knives and listen close.
I'll be the first to say I AIN'T no pro!!! I have made several knives from files.
If You can use charcol with a forced air source and gently heat to non magnetic temp before quenching. then temper in Your oven (without causing seperation from the significant other!)
I personaly go 2 cycles of 2 hours at 400 degress.
You can make a useful knife. Here is a link to part one of 4 parts of making a knife the old fashioned way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ysKd1cswlo
also search here on heat treat and temper this is a great resource.
Hope I helped and did'nt hurt C-Ya Bob
Emmons(I think) has a thread on here about doing a file knife from start to finish.
shortstroke
I live in dallas, i've made a few knives, now i'm not a pro at all, but if you are near dallas i can help you as much as i can, i have a new forge and a oven, i think we can get it done, let me know
dana
I'm soryy I hav'nt spoke up. I have been snowed under. Just do like they are telling you. Take your time getting ready and then go through the motions deliberately. I have to go somewhere, but I'll be checking back in a couple of days. Lin
Sent a PM DANA.