I want to start on a bowie knife what size of steel do I need to get 1/4 X 2 , 1/4 X 1 1/2, 1/4 X 1 or is there another size of steel I need?
thank you
Johnny
I use 1/4x1 1/2 or 3/8x1 1/2, 1075 with very good results. It depends on how big you want to make it.
I want to work on a JS Performance Test knife. I know I got a 2 years to work on the knife before I can be able to do Journeyman Smith performance test.
Johnny
|quoted:
I want to work on a JS Performance Test knife. I know I got a 2 years to work on the knife before I can be able to do Journeyman Smith performance test.
Johnny
Johnny, I asked the same question when I first joined. the answer that seemed to be the most prevalent was 1/4" x 1 1/2". I did order that size however if you have been forging for very long you will know that you can only pull that cutting edge down so far without a power hammer. I never could get the edge of 1/4" stock down that whole 1/2" for the test size knife. 1 1/2" stock is plenty wide to pass the test and is what I will use again but I would go with 2" if I was trying to replicate exactly the size the requirement.
Just my thoughts, Jared
P.S. don't quench the edge too deep. I failed my first try and will try to retest in April or May sometime.
thank you johnny
Hello, In the same vain, as the size material to use, is there a formula or method by which the size of the initial raw material/stock size can be determined to achieve a planned and predetermined forged blade size?
I.e. What size raw material would you start with to make a 12" Bowie with a hidden tang. At the moment i seem to be wasting alot of material.
Johnny, I passed my JS performance test using Aldo's 5160, .25"X1.5". The forged blade was 2" wide at the choil. Full tang, camp style, with a short clip. Full quench, three one hour temper cycles. I drew the spine with the edge in a water bath. I drew it three times. The first draw was with the spine to red in the dark. The next two draws were to a usual blue running just past half way to the edge. The blade performed great!
Best of Luck!
Bob
thank you Bob
on the temper cycle what was the degree?
Johnny
375
I made 2 blades. I tested the first one at home before I heat treated, tempered and drew the second one. I wanted to be sure I had it down right. There are some older threads that have good info on making the test knife,etc.
Bob
