How to Make a Knife Out of a Saw Blade

Knife-making is a rewarding hobby that many do-it-yourselfers take up either for pleasure or out of necessity for a specifically designed knife. The knife-making process is a relatively simple process that turns into an artform as your knife takes shape. Many intuitive knife-makers have turned to circular or band saw blades as a readily available, cheap alternative to buying knife blanks. This article will guide you step-by-step through the process of building your own knife out of a saw blade.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Used saw blade cutting torch Permenant marker 1-inch by 1-inch oak lumber (for handle) Grinder Whetstone

1. Procure your "stock" material (i.e. the saw blade). Lumber yards and saw mills often sell you their old blades for a small price or just outright give them to you, so check some of your local sources. Try to find stainless steel if you can, but carbon steel works as well. You need a large enough saw blade to accommodate your proposed knife.

2. Using the permanent marker, draw an outline of your knife on the saw blade. You can be creative here if you like. This is your knife and you are designing it, so it can be as creative or conservative as you want it to be. Remember to include a "tang" or section of knife to attach the handle to.

3. Cut the knife out of the saw blade using the cutting torch. Grind off the torch marks leftover from cutting.

4. Use the grinder to thin your knife and shape its blade to your liking. You want to grind the "sharp" edge down to a fine point. (If you are making a double sided knife, you, of course, will need to grind both sides.)

5. Attach a handle to your knife either by drilling a hole in a 6-inch piece of the 1-inch by 1-inch lumber and glueing the tang into the wood OR by cutting two 6-inch pieces of lumber, sandwiching the tang in between them, and bolting them all together.

6. Use the whetstone to hone your newly manufactured knife to a sharp edge and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Dremel tools also work well for cutting out your knife blade.
• Always wear gloves, a protective apron, and eye protection when cutting, grinding, or sharpening you knives.

Resources

• Informative Article on Knife-Making

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[jeremiah2012]

on 8/13/2009 that is a great idea because the saw blade is made from carbon steel and super strong. I have also found some great knife making ideas at http://www.knifemaking.us