Tool Steel – Knife Making
ENGR 45 Fall Semester 2010 Dr. Younes Yataiiyan
Presented by: Noah Nordhoff Joseph Easterbrook
Choosing the right steel:
Ability to harden, anneal and work Specific Properties
High Carbon (.35%+)
Stainless
Tool – 1095 (Ka-Bar) 440 (A B C)
Alloy
Preliminary metal tests: High Carbon (see dark carbide area) Large File - pre-anneal
Low Carbon- Alloy? (see light ferrite area) Small File – post-anneal
From file to flat stock:
Anneal & test softness
Kiln – Cone 4 (over 2100 deg. F)
http://www.claymentality. net/index.php?pagekey= conechart
Remove Ferrous Oxide
Sand to remove more burrs – desired finish
Remove Ferrous Oxide and test softness
Shaping the blade
Rough out design
Grind
Sketch on blank Cut off extra material Rough out shape Thin desired sections Start to form the blade
File
Smooth ground sections/ define blade structure
Grind & File
Safety First!
Quenching
Need to add hardness
Use blow torch to heat blade Quench in water Alternate: Wrap blade in clay except for sharp edge, then place in kiln at ~2000 deg F and quench
http://evergreen-rentals.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_40
Form Handle
Create “pommel” or finger guard Create shoulder at end to prevent hand from slipping Will later cover in wood and rivet or epoxy in place
Conclusion
Absolutely have to use hard metal such as high carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc. Must anneal high carbon steel Form steel to desired shape Harden blade for long lasting sharpness
Acknowledgment Many thanks to my sister Ruth and her boss for letting us use the Kiln, also to my Dad and brother for the files and tips for grinding.
Questions?
