Building a drop point hunting knife.

[Nolan Wilder]

I was out in the shop today, building a knife, and decided to take some pictures of the process to show you all.

I started with a 1/4"x1.25" O-1 tool steel.

[Nolan Wilder]

Then the blade is shaped. The blade is given a very rough profile, and is beveled so the cutting edge is thinner then the spine. That makes grinding on the fine cutting edge much easier.   

[Nolan Wilder]

The full profile tang is beginning to take shape.

[Nolan Wilder]

Then the blank is cut from the mother stock, and let cool over time.

[Nolan Wilder]

Then it is profiled on the grinder, next I'll grind in the blade....

I'll post more pictures when I get back to work on in.

[DandJofAZ]

Thanks!!  We like follow along with pictures on this site....

Doug

[William]

Very interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing the completed knife. What are you planning on using for the handle?

[Nolan Wilder]

I'm thinking walnut for the handle, or maybe curly maple.

Next step is grinding in the cutting edge.

[Nolan Wilder]

Then I punch holes for the pins, and stamp my makers mark.

[Nolan Wilder]

This is right after the oil quench.

Now the steel is vary hard, and needs to be tempered back a little softer.

[William]

I'm digging the process so far and am glad you took the time to post the pictures and give us a play by play.  What type of edge do you put on to your knives?

[Nolan Wilder]

I'm glad to do it!

I start by forging the edge in, and then grind it in fine. its just a gradual taper from the spine to the cutting edge. It makes for a very strong knife.

After the quench I clean it up for the temper. Also, I did a bit of altering on the profile.

[Nolan Wilder]

Then I start the temper, the blade is heated to a light straw color to increase strength.

[Nolan Wilder]

A little cleaning, and its ready for a handle!

[William]

That needs a Sambar stag antler handle, it came to me in a dream.