Most of the custom knives I make are made from O1 tool steel. It’s a great steel and even better for beginners since its so forgiving. I buy it in 36 inch lengths in either 1/8 or 3/16 thickness. It even comes with the recipe to heat treat and temper right on the package. Its very common and easy to get.



If you want to continue to make knives from reclaimed (repurposed) steel, you might want to consider circular saw blades. Ive made a lot of knives that way. Also large diameter diamond coated concrete saw blades work well. Your making me consider posting some knife making tips and steps and final work.

hey man nice knife I made one to but not that nice. did you use epoxy or quik steel to get the blade in the handle just wanderin.. but awesome lookin knife congrats:party0005:

I just used some weak glue I had around the house. The plan was to just use the glues to hold it while I drilled the pin holes but I ended up having the take the handles off and anneal it.

I finally got the pins in. Now I have to get it all polished up again.

Getting closer on the first one.


Did one from a saw blade today. How do you get the chipping to not happen on the bit exit? I tried tape........didn't work.

Drill a smaller hole than required for the pin. Drill it all the way through. Then come back with the proper sized drill bit and drill from both sides but only half way through. No more break-outs.

Ahhh common sense huh

Thanks.

It's not so common these days.

Not everybody has this problem, but I have a lot of leather scraps around my shop. "bedding" scales or pistol grips in leather so the bit comes out into the leather instead of out into the tray port works quite well also. DIY's "double drill" method works great too, if you don't have scraps.

Another tip for you, Brad point drill bits help or even mortise bits, I dont know if they have them small enough for the rivets though. Now as far as knife handles go I would make the exit holes on the piece you drill to come out towards the blade side. So if it does tear out it will be covered by/behind the knife handle.