How to Make a Crooked Knife

Crooked knives

Once an essential tool for survival, the mocotaugan, or crooked knife, is still used today by carpenters, craftsmen and carvers. This versatile tool can be utilized for a myriad of woodworking projects. Furniture, bowls, musical instruments--anything made from wood and requiring an organic shape would be made better with a crooked knife. Your tool box will not be complete without it. So gather your supplies, and make one of your own today.

Things You'll Need

• High carbon steel 1.5-by-1.75-by-11-inch block of hardwood (birch or balsam work well) 2-by-1-½-inch stainless machine bolts with square nuts 10-by-10-by-2.5-inch thick ceramic wool Sand paper Propane torch Black marker Hacksaw 8-inch and 6-inch files Drill press or drill 3/8-inch drill bits for steel Wood mallet Vise grips 1-¼-inch diameter by 12-inch piece of hardwood dowel Small bucket filled with water

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of steel 3/4 inch by 1/8 inch by 6 inches and lay it on half of the thick ceramic wool. Using a propane torch, slowly heat the steel, keeping it at a red orange color for about 5 minutes. Place the other half of your ceramic wool on top of the steel and let it sit overnight. If you cannot bend the steel the next morning, repeat the process.

2. Draw a line across the middle on both sides and lengthwise down the center of one side of the prepared steel. On the tip end of your soon to be crooked knife, draw two curved lines that will allow you to shape your knife. On the other end, designate two bolt holes, one 1 inch down from the center line and the second ½ inch from the end of the steel.

3. Drill holes over the points and fit the stainless machine bolts. Cut the curved pattern on the other end of the steel with a hacksaw and file down to shape your crooked knife.

4. Take your block of hardwood and draw a line 6 inches from one end, taking off the bottom corner. Shape the top of the block so that the surface is parallel to the bottom leaving a thickness of 7/8 inch.

5. Place the steel on the handle with the center line of the steel flush with the top of the curved wood. Trace the outline and carve out a 1/16-inch niche for the blade. Drill 1/8-inch diameter holes straight through the wood for the bolts. Assemble the steel to the wood handle.

6. Place the blade in the vice grips and file both sides, beginning with the 8-inch file and finishing with the 6-inch file, beveling the edge as you go. Finish-sand the edges and sharpen with a stone if needed.

7. Secure the hardwood dowel in the vice grips, place the tip of the knife on the dowel and shape gently using the wood mallet. You know have a crooked knife. Harden the steel by alternately heating with the torch, then placing it into room temperature water. Repeat this process twice and your crooked knife will stay that way. Shape your handle as you see fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Make sure you wear eye protection.

• Do not let the hot metal touch your skin.

Resources

• Learn about the history of crooked knives.
• Here are instructions and images on how to make a crooked knife.