If you use a simple carbon steel (1075-1084) you can HT it with a torch and a gallon of warmed canola oil and make a useable knife. That's what I've done for 10 knives. All skated a file before tempering (basic hardness test)
For stock removal all on your own, you should probably get a 4x6 metal cutting band saw, a decent drill press, and a few files and sandpaper. If you plan on building a 2x72 grinder, you will really need a band saw to cut the steel.
Here's our tutorial section, with a few ones listed on how to make a fixed blade:
http://knifedogs.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80
Thanks GM I had planned on using the tutorials here. There's just too much good info here to pass up.
I'd suggest 01 steel. It's available *everywhere*. It normally comes precision ground in is available in a mind boggling assortment of sizes and thicknesses. It is very forgiving in heat treat. If you mess up the heat treat, just do it again. 01 doesn't mind. It's simply a very good steel. I'd suggest you do your best to copy the classic designs. That will build a lot of skills and those designs that are classic are that for a reason -- they work and are well thought and are (usually) visually appealing.
Keep us posted on progress. Ask lots of questions. Have fun.
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Yeah it was O1 I was thinking about, don't have the slightest idea why I said D2, probably because I'm getting a knife this coming weekend and that is what it is. Getting it from one of the members here, matter of fact, Mook is his handle here. We are almost neighbors...35 miles apart!!
Yeah I plan on sticking with the classics in design. There are just some minor alterations I want to try. That is why I said Nessmuk, Drop, and Spear designs. Maybe some clips not real sure about those though. Still I will probably try them.
I wish I had 1500 bucks when I started. The coot, drill press, bench grinder, a metal band saw, files and sand paper. Oh yea you got to be stubborn as a mule and have the want and not get discouraged. I know you will do good.
Frank, It will be come Tax refund time. That is why I am trying to get a jump on things, This isn't something I want to just jump into. For those kind of bucks I want to do some planning. I figure it will probably be spring before the first one is started even. Just want to have plenty of time to get my facts straight before even a dollar is spent. My first expense is going to be some graph paper and drawing tools, start playing with ideas. I have a lot to learn first.
I've been scanning the Pawn shops looking at prices of some basic tools there, Some of the chains are next on my browse plan. Lowes, Sears, Home Depot,etc. Sometimes it's a deal at a pawn shop,sometimes a crap shoot. Mostly looking at drill presses, and bench Grinders, some hand tools there.
