My wife bought me a knife forging course for Christmas at Wasatch Forge near Salt Lake City.
My busy schedule forced me to spread the 4 classes out over a few months but it was a blast and learned a lot. The blade is 5160. I've already forgotten what the scales were made of. Some exotic wood I hadn't heard of.
Really happy with how it turned out and surprised at how sharp it is and how well it holds an edge.
After a fair amount of use, it's starting to get a nice patina.

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Impressive!

Thanks, I had intended for it to be about an inch bigger but had trouble getting the grind right. The instructor kept telling me "there are no mistakes, just smaller blades".

Looks good.

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
Impressive!

^^^^^^^^^^

That is very nice. As they say, "you done good"

I really like the blade design. I am surprised there are not more knives made like that. Very versatile.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross,

Keep going! Make more forged knives!!!

I've seen quite a few early attempts from guys wanting to get into knife making, usually plunge lines and handle seem to be the area in most need of improvement.

You nailed both of those, knife looks very nice for a first time piece.

Heck there are folks who are full time makers that don't seem to have such nice work as this one.

Looks much better than my first or even tenth attempt at the same turned out.

You should post that pix in the thread of Para's about carrying a fixed blade.

Thanks for the kind feedback. I'll definitely keep making more as time permits.
Would like to make a slightly smaller edc blade.

I will say you “ got the Knack “. Well done! Strong side/ weak side replication is not an easy task. I like it, I can see a lot of use outta it!! You have been BIT

That looks very nice. Doesn't look like anyone's first knife. I like the grain on the handle.

Nice work on the ricasso!

May I ask how you did the grinding? New knifemakers have a horrible time making those primary bevels w/out a jig.

Lastly, but not to be critical - but wondering what’s going on with the tip? Is that just normal patina/oxidation, or is that actually in the alloy? What steel was used?

It sort of looks like a different crystal mixture i.e. perlite instead of Martensite. I do this on purpose in some blades w differential heat treat, so that’s why I ask.

Like others have said, that looks much nicer than anybody else’s first attempt!

Edit: saw 5160 as your steel. My bad for not reading thoroughly. That steel does oxidize despite the 1% chromium. So I’m assuming that’s patina.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SIGnified,

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
Nice work on the ricasso!

May I ask how you did the grinding? New knifemakers have a horrible time making those primary bevels w/out a jig.

Lastly, but not to be critical - but wondering what’s going on with the tip? Is that just normal patina/oxidation, or is that actually in the alloy? What steel was used?

It sort of looks like a different crystal mixture i.e. perlite instead of Martensite. I do this on purpose in some blades w differential heat treat, so that’s why I ask.

Like others have said, that looks much nicer than anybody else’s first attempt!

Edit: saw 5160 as your steel. My bad for not reading thoroughly. That steel does oxidize despite the 1% chromium. So I’m assuming that’s patina.

The grinding was the most difficult part. No jig and I did have a hard time. I screwed up the bevel a couple times and ended up taking about an inch off the length and making the tip thinner than initially intended.
It's 5160 steel. I sanded and polished it to a mirror finish. Brought it home and decided to test it in the kitchen on a tomato and onion which ended up leaving a patina in the steel. I was surprised it stained so easily but I guess that's carbon steel for you. I intended it to be used so I kinda like the character of the patina.

The first ones start out big and get smaller and smaller, lol. GREAT job!!!!!!!

I think you will find high carbon steel to be the best cutting edge you’ll ever meet. (I.e. 1084, 1095, W2) etc.

When you add in common alloying agents like nickel, chromium, vanadium, etc. the carbide formation creates larger grains which doesn’t make the edge quite as smooth IMO.

I work a lot with shallow-harding steels for hamon creation. They will all patina, especially cutting acidic food.

If you ever get red rust formation (the wrong kind of iron oxide that pits, versus the other iron oxide you want which is gray like vintage tools), just boil the blade in hot water for 10 mins or so. Not the handle!

Traditional care it’s just to wash it with hot water and put it away dry and warm.

No question that at first, your knives get shorter than you expect. Lol

Well done!

Kudos to you. That is a very cool looking knife.
I watch Forged In Fire reruns over and over , and I am impressed by the craft.
Continue in your craft.

That looks amazing. Great job.

Nice!