How to Make a Survival Knife From a Cleaver
A survival knife usually looks very similar to a Bowie knife. Making a survival knife out of a cleaver is simple in theory, but challenging in practice. Knowledge of blacksmithing or metallurgy is required to transform a cleaver into a survival knife.
Things You'll Need
- Cleaver
- Belt Grinder
- 120, 250, 400 and 600-grit grinding belts
- Vegetable Oil
- Power jigsaw
Instructions
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1
Normalize the blade by submerging it in a medium-hot fire for 24 hours; normalizing removes hardness and temper. High heat is not necessary. Remove or protect wood, leather or fabric on the knife's handle before placing the blade in the fire. Normalizing allows you to shape the blade to your desired specifications, and heat-treat it upon completion.
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2
Draw the design of your knife on the cleaver blade; cut it out using a power jigsaw. Building a new handle is unnecessary; the cleaver's original handle will suffice.
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3
Grind the edge bevels of the knife. Use a belt grinder to give the blade the cutting edge you desire. Use a 120-grit belt; hold the knife edge to the grinder at a 15-degree angle.
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4
Heat the knife in a furnace until it is a dull orange color, and then quench it in a bath of oil. Heat the blade again to 350 F, and quench it in the oil bath. Repeat two to three times. This process is known as tempering. It gives the blade flexibility without making it brittle.
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5
Polish the blade using progressively finer sandpaper. Start with 120-grit paper, and move on to 250, 400 and 600-grit paper. This gives the blade a nice sheen.
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6
Finish the handle by wrapping it in leather or the material of your choice. Survival knives often have handles wrapped in fabric. Fabric is easy to replace and provides a good grip.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a respiratory mask and eye protection while grinding. Metal shards can permanently damage your eyes and lungs.
