I am not a metal worker but...

[Loghead]

I have lost my marking knife, which was an old, chip carving knife, pressed into service. I fancy making a new one, similar to the type I used when I first took up woodwork in 1950; at school of course. They had a handle that was much like a shoemaker's knife, with the short blade that was bevelled on one side. (Left or right handed of course.)

I think a machine hacksaw blade would do for the blade. Cutting it would be a problem, so does anyone know if a Dremel cutting disc would manage? (I don't have an angle-grinder, and don't particularly fancy my competence at my age! :eusa-pray:

Thanks in anticipation

John bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[novocaine]

snap it in the vice jaws.
your dremel will cut it, but it will be slowwwwwwwww.

I use a scalpal, perhaps one of those blades would be a good starting point for you?

 

[Loghead]

That's fine Dave. Thank you. As for slow, that's me... but very sure!

I saw a guy on the tube who cut the 'mushrooming' damage off an old, laminated plane iron, using a hacksaw. Would that have been a special saw-blade?


Regards John bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[novocaine]

That's fine Dave. Thank you. As for slow, that's me... but very sure!

I saw a guy on the tube who cut the 'mushrooming' damage off an old, laminated plane iron, using a hacksaw. Would that have been a special saw-blade?


Regards John bscene-drinkingcheers:

laminated, so quiet likely the bit he was cutting wasn't hardened.
you can cut hardened steel with a hacksaw, but you'll go through blades like there is no tomorrow and it will be a slow process (think 1 blade per 5-10 mm of cut).

 

[Lurker]

Is buying a simple bench grinder out of the question?

 

[Woodbloke]

snap it in the vice jaws.
your dremel will cut it, but it will be slowwwwwwwww.

A grinding disc thingie in a Dremel will cut it easily, but as N mentions, it'll be a slow old job and then you've got to clean up and shape/grind the blade. If you haven't got the necessary kit to work with hardened steel, it's going to be an even slower job - Rob

 

[AndyT]

If you'd rather buy one, they are still made, in Sheffield:

https://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/ac ... ml#SID=538

£7.01 and you can choose right or left handed. That price seems to include UK P&P, so maybe it's time to treat yourself!

 

[Mike G]

Make one by all means for the fun and experience, but it's a lot easier and cheaper to just buy a cheap Kitchen Devil -type vegetable knife and cut the end off.

 

[Raymedullary]

The key is left or right handed. The bevel goes on the waste side. A kitchen knife or craft knife will not give you that. It's all in the detail. Make A proper one!

 

[Mike G]

Yeah, that old chestnut. Do I have to draw it for you?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

:lol:

 

[Loghead]

Lurker: You mentioned a bench grinder. No thanks me ol' mate. I used one of those in the sixties, when I was even less aware than I am now. Almost lost a digit! Just misuse I suppose, but I am plain nervous of them. That's why I bought a Tormek.

Mike: As a new blade for a machine hacksaw, is more expensive than a new knife; it's a no-brainer! Thanks for the suggestion of using a kitchen knife, a la Paul Sellers.

Yes Andy that is precisely the type of knife I am used to, albeit mine was slightly more robust. Thanks for that.

Ray... Do I use it bevel down or bevel up? :lol:

Phil. Did I say summat funny? bscene-drinkingcheers:

John bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[Lurker]

Ahh! So you have the means of sharpening once you have shaped it then.
Later on I will post a photo of mine

 

[TomTrees]

I've a set of those wee knives.
Very soft iron, likely the softest piece of sharpenable tool steel I've ever came across.
So much so, that these taught me how to sharpen them properly.
They were only a fiver when I got them.

No skewing the bevel on these whilst on the hones, or I loose the tip.
bevel positioned on the hone like a chisel in a guide for me any more.

 

[Lurker]

Here’s a selection of mine.
I search charity shops for old table knives, the one at the top is the best sort.
They make excellent scrapers by just snapping off the end and grinding square.
Third down is a marking knife but it’s good for other jobs too, I have several so no need to be too precious.
Fourth down, the blade is made from a jigsaw blade. I have made narrow chisels from these as well.
Fifth is made from a wide hacksaw blade, left and right at either end.

 

[Loghead]

Here’s a selection of mine.
I search charity shops for old table knives, the one at the top is the best sort.
They make excellent scrapers by just snapping off the end and grinding square.
Third down is a marking knife but it’s good for other jobs too, I have several so no need to be too precious.
Fourth down, the blade is made from a jigsaw blade. I have made narrow chisels from these as well.
Fifth is made from a wide hacksaw blade, left and right at either end.

Lurker:

Is the bottom one a 'push-me pull-you'? Exit stage left! :eusa-whistle:

I have just ordered a knife from Flinn's.

Merry Chrimble!

John