Rob Davis

Finished this one.

Annealed a bunch of files. Started shaping and grinding!

Annealed a bunch of files and shaped a few too!

Being admittedly ignorant about this blade, I say, when in doubt Black Walnut.

Built my version of a knifemaker's vise. I don't weld so I used pipe clamps for the basic structure. One side for holding blades the other side for holding handles.

Thanks!

I tried to search for an answer to this question but struck out. How often do I need to replace my quench oil?? Are there sign/symptoms that the oil needs to be changed?

I really appreciate all the help. You guys are an amazing group. Thank you!! I think they turned out OK.

Yes, I meant air cool. Thank you! As always( for me ) the steel came from old files. Thanks again!

I am making a batch of 6 knives. They are shaped and have an initial grind. My plan was to to take them all up to magnetic 3 times/air dry then heat quench and temper. I got half way through cycle 2 and ran out of propane. Some of you may recall my last question about delay between quench and temper. I had planned to do all of them tonight. Do I just start over from the beginning tomorrow (after a half day delay) and heat it 3 times air dry then heat and quench?? Or do I continue from where I left off? I don't want to screw up this batch.

Thank you. I have some research to do. I did heat it up to non-magnetic 3 times before the quench. It sounds like I got it to too hot 3 times.

There was a slight bend in this blade that didn't become apparent until after I put the handle on it. I put not a lot of pressure on it in an attempt to straighten it and it snapped. Granted it's a pretty thin blade. Does this steel grain speak to anyone?? If so what does it say? Can anyone tell where I might have screwed up in the heat treating process? I could jump to a conclusion that it needed more tempering but the grain does not seem to be consistent. Any thoughts?? As always (with me) this steel started as an old rusty file (Nicholson I think, but can't remember). Sorry for photo quality, it's a picture of a picture.

I saw a picture of one in an estate sale about a month ago. I think I broke light speed trying to get to that house, but sadly it was already gone.

Is there anybody out there who might know more about this old hand vise, than I do?? I believe it is pretty old. Either way I'm pleased to have it.

Finished this one. Could be better but it's better than the last one. Mahogany turned out nice.