Christmas File Knife

[Compressorguy]

I never know what to get my father in law (Jerry) but know he likes knives. So today I finished up his Christmas present, including His initial “J”. He’s worked construction and metal all his life so I think the file is fitting. Will make a sheath for it later this week. This one is 5-7/8” inches long with 2-7/8” long x 3/16” wide blade, 3” handle.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

It looks great! Did you anneal and re-temper it or leave it hard? I like the way you left the remnants of the file on it.

 

[Compressorguy]

Thanks, I’ve done them both ways. This one I just annealed the handle so I can drill the pin holes and left the blade hard. I really like the shape on this one.

 

[Banjoman]

 

[2 shots]

very nice. my initial is M , just so you know

 

[centershot]

Was that shaped on a belt sander? Or.........?

 

[Compressorguy]

Was that shaped on a belt sander? Or.........?

Yes, it was, a modified 4”x36”

 

[BillyC]

Very nice and thoughtful gift. He will be pleased I’m sure

 

[centershot]

Yes, it was, a modified 4”x36”

Modified? Could you post a pic or two of the modifications please?

 

[Compressorguy]

Basically removed the side plastic housings and notched the sides to the width of the belt to cut the bevels in the blade. I also made a jig to aid in grinding the bevels.

 

[bptactical]

Basically removed the side plastic housings and notched the sides to the width of the belt to cut the bevels in the blade. I also made a jig to aid in grinding the bevels.
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Thats slicker than deer guts on a doorknob!

 

[bud in pa]

Did you increase the size of the drive pulley to get more power out of it? Plenty mods on YouTube.

 

[Compressorguy]

Hi Bud, no I kept the mods to minimum not knowing how involved I would get with it. Seems most serious hobbyist/professionals go to a 2x48 or 2x72? set up. I figured I would play around with this 4x36 set up as is for now, no more than I do, then step up/ build something more serious.

 

[longcruise]

What grit and type of grit do you use? I have quite a few old files that are pretty much done and I'd like to make knives out of them so I'm picking up tips here and there.

 

[Compressorguy]

I cut the preliminary shapes out with an angle grinder with cut off wheel. Then use 40, 60, 80, 120 on the belt sander with ceramic oxide belts to grind the bevels and usually finish polish by hand with 220, 320. Keep the blade cool by making a few passes then dip to cool. This becomes more critical as the blade thins, it heats very rapidly at the edge.

 

[longcruise]

Need to order some of those ceramic oxide belts.