Bevel of a knife blade

[Kingoftheflock]

ive got everything else down in my head for the knife that im trying to put together, but theres the problem of the bevel. im afraid its gonna be uneven, and the information on the internet that i found about it is vague. ive seen metal files, but the websites never eally said what kinds. id like to hear some ideas/info or something from you guys. it wouldbe appreciated

[LDS]

Your bevel will be uneven. Most first attempts are uneven. Many custom knives are uneven. (That does not mean they should be)

A lot depends on how thick the blade is. If the blade is close to 1/4" thick I will actually draw a center line where the edge will be. I will also draw grind lines on the side to use as reference.

If the blade is thin I will still use reference lines on the side of the blade and grind from the edge back to those lines, keeping an eye on keeping the edge centered as I grind.

If you are shaping with a grinder you will have better luck grinding with the edge UP so you can see the edge form. Use uniform preasure and a steady stroke along the grind-device.

If you are forming using files you need to learn the art of drawfiling. Clamp the blade down and stand with the point aimed at your body. Lay the file on the surface of the blade and PULL the file toward your body in a steady stroke. This will give you much more control than pushing the file across the metal.

I learned my metalworking at a time when apprintices worked for a year with files before they were allowed to touch a power tool.

An 8", single cut, mill bastard file is all the average person will ever need to complete most jobs, knifemaking included. I have made many knives using only a file, a C-clamp as a holding device, a charcoal grill and the kitchen stove.

[Kingoftheflock]

ill try that out. how thick do you think i should make the blade? i was thinking .125 in but wasnt sure what a good thickness would be. its gonna be a type of combat knife/smaller sized machete.

[LDS]

What are you making it from?

Combat knives are usually quite thick. 1/4"
Machettes are usually your 1/8" or close to it.

[Kingoftheflock]

i was thinking 1200 carbon steel, i wanted to make it a higher quality then previous ventures. so i guess i would make it 1/4." im currently trying to get my hands on materials, but ive been saving a few on the list until i can get enough info/money. nobodies hiring, so its kind of difficult to get a job, so ive been doing random things that people pay me for.

[LDS]

If you are going that thick think about using a lawn mower blade. The better ones have pretty good steel.

If you are going thin try a hand saw blade. You can get them at flea markets and yard sales. The good ones have excellent steel. I have made some good machettes using cross cut saw blades.

[coon4492]

would a lawn mower blade be thick enough to make a good machete I have a few I could turn into knives. I saw on the internet a guy made a celtic sword from a lawn mower blade it was kind of poorly made and historically inaccurate.

[Kingoftheflock]

where would i get a good one? im pretty sure that my dad wont let me take the blades out of the lawnmower, and im sure that the hardware store wont let me take out the blades of a lawmower and just buy those. unless of course there are replacements for sale somewhere.

[coon4492]

they sell individual blades at any hardware store you don't have to pry one off a mower I might have a few extra in my barn I could give you.

[Curdog]

I have a knife I forged out of a lawnmower blade- it is tough and hods an edge well. I tempered it with a softer spine and a harder edge.

[LDS]

would a lawn mower blade be thick enough to make a good machete I have a few I could turn into knives.

Machettes are not suposed to be thick. Most machettes have blades 1/8 - 3/16" thick at the most.

If you have something with a blade 1/4" thick and 30 inches long it is a long axe with a short handle.

Get your lawn mower blade and make one ot those faccine knives we had a thread about some time ago. (Tike the Gerber brush cutter) That would be very usefull, and easy first big knife/utility chopper project.

[Kortoso]

More information than you really need:
http://www.cutleryscience.com/articles/ ... eview.html
Enjoy.