How to Make a Knife
Making your own knife is one of the most manly things you can possibly do, but where do you begin? If you are interested in learning how to make a knife but have no idea where to start, continue to read as the knife building process is explained right here.
First: Design your knife and gather your materials
The first and most important step is to design your knife. As accurately as possible, sketch out how you want your blade shaped. Once you have drawn your knife out, it is time to choose a material for your blade. You want to use a carbon steel (definitely not stainless steel). You should start with a slab of metal at least 1/8 of an inch thick.
Second: Rough cut and finish your blade
Using a hacksaw, cut a rough outline of your blade and shape it accordingly with a hard, steel-cutting wheel. Using course sandpaper, gently and evenly grind the edges of your blade. You should then finish your blade with a finer grit sand paper (this takes a long time).
Third: Heat treat your knife
You should now heat treat your knife to anneal it properly. Make a coal fire and heat your blade until it is glowing red. Let it air dry until cool and repeat the process two more times. After you have heated your blade a third time, quickly and carefully take your blade out of the fire and place it in an oil bath. Your blade is now hardened and needs tempered. Place your knife in the oven at about 425 degrees and let it temper for about an hour
Fourth: Finish your blade a second time.
With your knife now hardened from the heat treatment you are ready for the final finishing. Using a fine grit sand paper (about 220 grit) finish your blade as in the previous steps. Once finished, use a polishing wheel to polish the spine and sides of the blade. Congratulations, you have now completed your knife! Add a custom handle if you wish or leave it bare, it is up to you.