Making a dagger...

[nine9jack9]

Got a commission to make a dagger. Never attempted one before. Something along the lines of a Applegate-Fairbairn or EK. 1) how difficult? 2) how to layout lines, dykem or sharpie? 3) how to get lines to converge symmetrically at tip? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Doug Lester]

Lesson #1: never take a commission on something you're never done before. Difficulty: moderate. You will have to keep four bevels and two edges lined up and centered. I think that you could lay it out with either dykem or sharpie. To keep the outline of the blade symmetrical make a pattern of half the blade split on the longitudinal line. Trace one side, flip it over and trace the other.

Doug

 

[Calvin Robinson]

It's easyer than you think,make a prototype to get all the bugs worked out before you make the one for sale.

 

[Jeremiah Rostig]

Lesson #1: never take a commission on something you're never done before. Difficulty: moderate.

I agree 100%!...I mean what are we talking about?...it is not a job like painting Your kitchen door blue or baking a cheese cake... we talking about grinding daggers!....if never done before difficulty is very high.
done several times, difficulty becomes moderate but this will never be an easy job.
I saw fully embelished, engraved upgraded daggers, very expensive pieces but with a blade grind that was not worth a dime....all depending on the level You want to reach....

do one first, develop some respect and then You will ask different questions......

 

[jkf96a]

I just did my first two. I used a work rest and a push stick, seemed helpful. Make a trial run before you do the commissioned piece. The are not crazy hard, but they take some attention to detail. If you've got the equipment to do it, consider grinding after heat treat rather than before. Makes it harder to mess up

 

[nine9jack9]

So thanks so far for everything. Good advice on the commission. I already grind post heat treat, seemingly grinds cleaner and doesn't grab or tear. I just figure the belts are a consumable that I need to incorporate into cost of final product. Really took it on for the challenge and because a well executed dagger is something to behold. Thank you very much and I hope to talk some more with you folks in the future.

 

[GHEzell]

I say go for it! Dykem will last longer than sharpie marks. A word of advice, leave a flat down the center of the blade, and slowly push your grind to it, removing it with your finest belt during your last grinding phase. Make two, and use the best for the commission....

Good luck.