Tool Steel – Knife Making Presented by: Noah Nordhoff Joseph Easterbrook ENGR 45 Fall Semester 2010 Dr. Younes Yataiiyan

Choosing the right steel: Ability to harden, anneal and work Specific Properties  High Carbon (.35%+) Tool – 1095 (Ka-Bar)  Stainless 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) net/index.php?pagekey= conechart 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  Sketch on blank  Cut off extra material Grind  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

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?