farrier's file camp knife in progress...

[Scott Roush]

somebody on the *********** wanted a big camp knife made from a farrier's file and this is what i have so far.  forging from these files is kind of delicate work! not much in cross-sectional thickness...  not sure if i would use one of these files again for a knife of this length... 13.5" OAL

anyway... he wanted something with a straight back that matches one of my 'little big' knives i've posted before... and he ended up with. and he wanted a good camp knife to take on boundary waters trips.

so... just wondering what people think about the profile on this blade... something is bothering me about the ricasso area. not sure what...

looking forward to getting some input!

(btw... i have to mention that due to an injury to my left hand... my incredible wife is handling the tongs like a champ.... i could get used to this)

[prarieboy]

From here it looks good!Big ol chopper!

[osageo]

what was the name on the rasp? and did you get the info i sent you?

[Scott Roush]

the intact file in the picture is 'save edge USA' i 'tested' this one by getting it above critical and water quenching.

the forged blade is a nicholson.

pm sent

[Steve Nuckels]

Scott, I think it looks great!  Waiting to see the finished knife!

I finally epoxyed the handle on my rasp knife and made some new wire Inlay tools, so I should be finishing it and making the sheath soon!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
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IN GOD WE TRUST

[Scott Roush]

thanks steve... i'm gonna grind the handle profile to a slightly different shape i think..

looking forward to seeing yours!   how have you quenched other farrier files??  mine is a nicholson...

[razorback]

Did you forge the edge or is it ground. I have some rasps that were given to me by a farrier and I want to make a knife from one to give him as a thank you. Should get started on it.

[Scott Roush]

it's forged to shape... you can see how the edge extends beyond the ricasso. the edge of the ricasso is the actual width of the file.  and the bevels were hammered in... although not much... not a lot of thickness to work with.  i ended up grinding some of the handle shape because i've got a bad left hand and it stresses it heavy working it on it's side.  my hand is still throbbing from doing the tip!

but i've since hammered a different shape into the handle. flows mo better now...

[Steve Nuckels]

Scott, that was the first!  I used my new quench oil, however dur to warpage I ended up quenching three times!

I would opt to quench in water next one!

Steve
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Potomac Forge
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IN GOD WE TRUST

[Scott Roush]

i've just started learning about doing 'interrupted' quenches when using the faster oils and water... i guess it can help with warping and cracking.  i just added that to my post above.... hoping to learn more...