u/CastoroGamer

I posted a few weeks ago that I’m making my first knife using stock removal. I don’t have a lot of free time and I’ve had a few challenges on the way. I wrestled with some leaf springs and that was interesting, but ultimately I decided to make my life simpler and bought some 1084 stock (2”x24”x.094”).

I designed the knife and prototyped it in cardboard and then I cut out the profile and then ground the bevels to an edge thickness of about 1.5mm on the blade. (I’m now repairing my belt sander with some new bearings…but that’s a separate story). Anyway, I heated the blade to non-magnetic and then quenched in canola oil. Most of the blade is hard, it definitely skates a file, except for the heel.

I’m posting a short clip of me quenching the blade, and I think the issue is that an ammo box isn’t a great container and I didn’t do a good job of getting the heel in quickly. Sorry my camera work is t great. I’m recording the process for my dad (it’s a gift for him). I’m not a YouTuber…

Can I salvage it? Is re-heat-treating a thing? Do I have to anneal it first? Or should I just cut out a new piece and start over?

My father’s 80th birthday is coming up, and when he visited recently, he was admiring the knife handles that I had made from various kits. He asked if I could do one for him. I’ve decided to take the plunge.

A friend of mine sent me some spring steel he cut from a leaf spring, but I’m finding it very difficult to work with, given my limited tools. Just in case, I ordered some 1084 24”x2”x.094” steel. I’m thinking of doing a simple everyday kitchen knife for him. He doesn’t really hunt anymore, although he’s a pretty regular bird watcher.

Any advice before I jump in? Would it be interesting to share my progress here? I’ve attached a few images of the knives I’ve put handles on. Some are micarta, some are kiaat wood.

Bought this in early 2000’s and have moved all over since then, including overseas. Not sure when I lost track of it, but found it in some fishing tackle I hadn’t used in almost a decade. Just a bit of surface rust. Cleaned it up quick and used some 3-in-1 oil to free up the action. Worth considering as my EDC? Any obvious upgrades I should make? Or should I just keep it OG and store it somewhere more memorable? Date code 0200.