The Homemade Knifemaker’s Dilemna!

Stainless steel knife blades are considered a compromise by some knife making or bladesmith enthusiasts. Knife making is a pastime which can be experienced by old and young. Constructing a brand new homemade knife can be a very creative as well as enjoyable undertaking. A handmade knife may be easily crafted from an existing hand saw, or maybe a well used circular saw blade. The tempered steel will make an excellent old-fashioned knife. This circular saw blade is usually a tool steel with a significant carbon content. Customized knives made with high carbon steel are, usually, easier to maintain an exceptionally sharp edge.

Picture yourself creating, using your very own hands, a new kitchen knife that’s so razor-sharp that you might cut the tomato slices “too” thin. You just need to have one’s own hard work, sweat, tears, and possibly a little bit of blood.

Making an excellent hand crafted knife can be quite a work of patience. It truly is both an art and a science. A great knife is lots of very hard work, dedication to finely-detailed workmanship, and necessitates a person to understand the science of metallurgy, along with the skill of blacksmithing and design.

And so, why not stainless steel alloys? Stainless steel might be a smart decision! There are many stainless alloys with diverse properties which could improve a custom made knife. The most significant reason an increasing number of custom knife makers are starting to adopt a stainless alloy, is the well-known challenge of rust.

Stainless steel is described as such if it’s more than 13% chromium. However, the ASM Metals Handbook says it only has to be above 10%. This variance is likely a reference to “free” or accessible chromium.

Carbon and stainless steels can be equally good if properly alloyed. The high carbon steels are often the steels which are forged. They may be differentially tempered. This property supplies the knife maker more options. He can much better manage the hardness of the cutting edge, and still enjoy a tough knife with a springy back.

However… having stated this, give some thought to a few of the more well-known stainless alloys. The 440 series, especially 440C, and also the Japanese ATS-34 stainless alloy. In addition, stainless alloys which have a higher vanadium content will be much more wear resistant and maintain an edge better, however they are usually more difficult to work.

Knives, for an experienced knife maker require anywhere from a couple of hours for a smaller utility knife to many months for other, more inticate knives. They are an investment and may last a lifetime. Custom knives in many cases are set apart by the distinctive materials utilized.

Knives have continuously existed in one type or another. As you grasp the handle of a perfect knife, the objective is to have that knife perform as an extension of your arm.

There’s possibly been at least as many knives created by individual knife makers, doing work alone, down throughout history, as have been manufactured by all the manufacturing facilities now creating knives.

Consistent sharpening and maintenance of a knife will continue it looking good, functioning well and further increase it’s life. No matter whether stainless, or high carbon, or something in between, creating a custom made knife is surely an extremely satisfying endeavor.

Author Bio: Dennis Darger at Wet Jet Precision can be reached toll free (888) 707-5077 or at http://www.my-waterjet-cutting-service.com to discuss cutting your custom knife blades blanks. Remember waterjet cutting is a cold cutting method and does not produce a Heat Affected Zone.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Custom Knives, Water Jet Cutting Services, Water Jet Cutting, Water Jet, Waterjet, CNC Water Jet

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