OK had a few inquirees on using carbide bits... Today I decided to put one to the test, 90 holes, probably 3/4 of em thru 1084 and the rest 1084/15N20 damascus.
 
I bought 50 of these bits, 9/32" if I remember right, for like a buck apiece years ago from one of the discount machine tool places. Don't remember brand or anything else but still have a dozen or so left. Now I'll be the first to admit they can be broken by a little too much pressure or miscalculation but over all I can't imagine going back to using HSS for drilling high carbon steels.

Like I said 90 holes in like 15 minutes and there is still life left in this bit. It'd be tough without a drill press but at 2300 rpms and steady down pressure you go right thru.

Look at all of those future knives!

Makes your mouth water don't it Vermonster?

WOW thats alot holes right there. Nice looking steel BTW Doug.<><

Sure does as do a lot of the knives here.

You use cutting fluid at all?
Dan

Doug, Are those annealed blades?

No cutting fluid Dan, with the heat generated because of the speed I doubt it'd do much anyway.

Yep Doc, it's prehardened annealed steel.

Guys, you better wear your glasses when using carbide, it can shatter.  You need to wear your glasses regardless.  I'm a die maker and machinist by trade and I've seen some nasty happenings on the drill press and in a shop.  Tape your blades too!
Good stuff though Doug!

tape your blades?  please explain

Tape your blades, masking tape over the cutting edge.  Or else your hands could look like one of our other Trad knife guys on here a couple of months ago, he got 30-something stitches.  I won't mention his name hoping to save him any further emarrasment.

Yes tape your blades!!! I posted it as a cautionary tale! LOL! All healed up now! Nice scar though!

Thats impressive I know I've dang near wore out a Drill Doctor resharpening bits. It works great but often wondered about carbide.