There is always a first time in every learning process. As a blacksmith, there is a first time you would start forging materials on your own without any supervisor. Forging knives is one of the first projects beginners in the blacksmithing business often embark on while learning. Do you wish to learn how to go about knife making for beginners?
However, the knife making process can be slow, delicate, painstaking, and frustrating if you don’t have the right guide on the proper steps to follow. Knifemaking does not require super design or outstanding forging skills; all you need are the essential blacksmithing tools, the right metal or steel, and necessary blacksmithing skills.
Here is a simple guide that can take you through knife making for beginners. All you have to do is follow the simple steps highlighted below.
Sketch The Pictorial Design Of The Knife
You may have the picture of the knife you want in your head. But as a first-timer, it is best to put it down to help you have constant sight on your desired knife designs. This is one of the most crucial steps during knife making for beginners.
Get The Needed Materials And Tools Ready
Now, you have to choose the best type of materials, including steel for your knife. You should still use carbon to improve the overall output of your work. You should also ensure you get your tools ready. It would be best if you only make use of essential tools that you are familiar with already. You would need a vise, a drill, angle grinder, hacksaw, necessary protection, hammer, and anvil.
Rough Cut The Blade
Rough cutting the blade is another crucial process in learning knife making for beginners. Start by cutting your edge with a hacksaw or jeweler’s saw before you slap the blank on a vise and start grinding. Make use of the hard wheel on your angle grinder to get rid of excess metal from the blade. Use the flap wheel with flaps of coarse sandpaper to grind the edge before drilling rivet holes. You can then heat treats the metals after this to finish it.
Heat Treating
Heat treating the blade is one of the most technical parts of knife making. You can use any coal forge, gas forge, and a torch. Heat treating involves two steps, which are hardening and tempering.
Get The Handle
At this stage, you should get a suitable handle for the forge. You can start by cutting the handles into a forge, file it down, and then sandpaper it depending on the steel type you are using. Getting the handle can be somewhat challenging during knife making for beginners. So, take your time to learn.
Get Your Edge On
A blunt knife can be quite frustrating. Working on the edges of your knife is to get the sharpness that you desire. Alternate between the two sides of the blade to get a balanced sharpness that you want.
Conclusion
You don’t have to panic or be tensed while forging your first knife. Knife making for beginners is not rocket science; neither is it as difficult as most beginners perceive it to be. The few steps above can serve as the much-needed guide to forge your desired knife without stress.