I'm no knifemaker but with a couple coaching me I did manage to come up with a few things that hold a edge and work well.
I started out trying to build some blades for some leather splitters. They are used to split thick leather thinner for things like knife sheaths. I sent what I ground out off to be tempered.

I had ok results but not as good as the old blade were before the wore out.
I quizzed a ABS Master Smith and he advised I try 01 tool steel.
Then with a little coaching from Doug Campbell I set about heat treating them myself.
Here's a few of the tools I came up with.
A heelshave (used for wood or leather) with a mountain mahogany handle. A blade for a spokeshave (the handle is done and I've used it a bunch in the shop) This works very well to even up the edge of a sewing line on things like sheaths. Both these tools work well building self bows also. And a blade.

This second blade is  a palm blade, works in your hand like a sewing awl. This is the second one I've done and they leave a couple fingers free to hold something without setting your blade down. Just like running two needles and a sewing awl at the same time.

Pretty rough by knifesmith standards but I had fun.  

Very nice craftsmanship.  I think they all look great.

Great job!

Very nice work there Robin!!!

great work :0)

Good lookin' knives, and the braided end on the bottom knife is a great touch!

Nice knives and a great sheath!

Thanks guys, I can blame the work you have posted here for giving me the bug to try to hammer out a couple knives.
I picked up the steel for doing leather tools and I'm still working on several.
Thanks again.

Looks like an All Robin St Judes Project coming up    Great work...Doc

nice!

Doc, I'm perfectly content to let Doug build the knives, he knows what he's doin    

Pretty fun to try to think up a different sheath each year for the auction. I'm not gonna mess up whats working for the kids, pretty cool to get to handle what Dougs sends every year.  

Keep it up bud...You'll make a livin some day    

 "STUBBIER is BETTER"

:D  Vance
The one with the knot went to another test d  uh, guy. Nevada damage hunter promised to give it the wringe out on lions    
I'll keep you posted