Rebel Chick's Knife [Archive] - Wilderness Survival Forums

crashdive123

09-23-2009, 12:22 PM

As many of you know, I have recently made a couple of knives. Rebel Chick made a post asking if somebody on the forum would make her one. She was brave enough to let me try my hand at it. The first picture is what I drew up based on the description she gave me. Now, drawing it and making it – I might end up with two entirely different things. Here’s the progress so far.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife002.jpg

I wanted to soften up the steel a little so I tried it by heating in a fire and then allowing it to slowly cool down.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife3002.jpg

The next step was to take the drawing and transfer it to the steel.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife3001.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife002-3.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife003-1.jpg

I still need practice on thinning and stock removal.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife6004.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife6003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife6001.jpg

On to the heat treatment and quench.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife7003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife7005.jpg

That’s it so far. Next step is to clean up the blade, make some micarta scales, attach and sharpen the blade.

pocomoonskyeyes

09-23-2009, 12:32 PM

Man That is totally awesome!! (Not the blade design I had envisioned though).
What kind of steel did you use Crash?
I can see a Definite improvement in your workmanship. By the time you make 3 more you'll be at the top pro level if you keep making those kind of advances Crash!!(your work has always been good though) Is that a chimnea you are using? I like it! It is one wicked looking blade!

crashdive123

09-23-2009, 12:38 PM

pocomoonskyeyes

09-23-2009, 12:42 PM

OK I have to ask.... Where you got the steel from, did you tell them what it was going to be used for? Think you could "let your fingers do the walking" and ask them? LOL Laughing so hard I can barely type!!!

COWBOYSURVIVAL

09-23-2009, 01:20 PM

Very nice work Crash, I see you still have the bug. I am still working on one just taking my sweet time.

rebel

09-23-2009, 01:47 PM

Lookin good!

Pal334

09-23-2009, 01:56 PM

I dare say , it appears that you have gotten out of the rookie category and are busting out in to the pro arena!!! Nice work

Rick

09-23-2009, 02:05 PM

Looking good. That ones got a bit of belly on it. Are you going to sharpen the top of the blade or did you just thin it some?

crashdive123

09-23-2009, 02:30 PM

Planning on sharpening it on both edges.

Rick

09-23-2009, 05:56 PM

Man! That will be wicked. I look forward to seeing it finished.

Ole WV Coot

09-23-2009, 06:02 PM

You do good. That blade is strange to me with the false edge sharpened. Did you thin down the first inch or so? Reason I ask is it's kinda pointy and if thinned I just don't understand the purpose of the blade shape. Anyone know where this shape came from?
To me it looks, except for sweeping blade made for killing and very utility. Just curious what other folks think.

rebel_chick

09-23-2009, 06:11 PM

Wow Crash! That really looks great! It really is going to look wicked! I can't wait!

I don't know any real particular use for that shape of blade, but I personally used both sides on the one I used to have, for just about anything. But mostly its for show I think. I liked the one I had and wanted another, thats all.

oldsoldier

09-23-2009, 06:31 PM

I'm honestly not sure what type of steel it is. (I can hear the real knife makers cringe) It is the same stuff that I made Oldsoldiers from. This time I just had them put a sheet of it (1/4" & 3/16") in the drop sheer and cut off a two in strip. I figure that after I get a little better at it I'll order some "known" steel. Oldsoldier did say he cut down a couple of trees with his before it was stolen, so it looks like the hardening works OK.
Cut down a couple of sassafrass trees about 4" through, cut several mulberry shoots that were coming up, used it to "trim" off a bunch of limbs off some fruit trees, and just for the heck of it split a couple of the sassafrass trees just to see if it would!!! I had "tweaked" the sharpening when I got back from jamboree, and it was still almost that sharp after the "abuse test" whenit was stolen. Crash you definately know your stuff!!

panch0

09-23-2009, 06:34 PM

That shape is good for slicing. If its not too late mabe you could take the grind alittle higher to improve the cutting a bit since it is kind of thick stock. I personally like the shape and have made a few like it. I have recieved alot of good feedback on this style. You are improving and can't wait to see how it turns out. 1084 and 5160 remember these steel types and get some. Great Job!!!!!

COWBOYSURVIVAL

09-23-2009, 06:41 PM

Crash,

I would be glad to send you some 5160 leafspring if you want to compare steels. I have a several leafsprings around. Be my pleasure after all the tips you have given that helped me on my way. Just a thought...PM your addy if your interested or maybe at the SE meet and greet..

crashdive123

09-23-2009, 06:41 PM

Crash you definately know your stuff!!

Nah. I just followed the directions of those more experienced.

@ OWVC - This is what was described by RC for one that somebody had started for her but never finished. At 3/16" thick it will be kind of heavy. I was a little concerned that the tip would be too thin with sharpening both edges is why I went with a thicker steel. The blade design isn't one that I would have chosen, but I must say that I kind of like it. We'll see how it turns out.

I just put the scales together - blue, yellow, and a little red. They should be ready on Friday to start shaping.

COWBOYSURVIVAL

09-23-2009, 07:14 PM

Crash I think we posted simoutaneously and you missed my post. check back 2 posts.

crashdive123

09-23-2009, 07:18 PM

Generous offer CS. Thank you. Let's save the shipping costs and do it at one of our trips. Thanks again.

Rick

09-23-2009, 08:35 PM

I just watched a great show on the History Channel about axes, swords and knives. The title is Modern Marvels: Axes, Swords and Knives. I guess the original air date was some time in 2002 so I'm late as usual. Anyway, they interviewed a sword maker from Pennsylvania who said magnetite can be combined with charcoal to make steel. Magnetite is super easy to locate. It's also known as black sand and can be picked up with a magnet. Has anyone tried to combine the two to make their own steel? (http://www.history.com/minisites/modernmarvels)

crashdive123

09-30-2009, 06:38 PM

Here’s the progress on the knife. I have noodled out a few things during the process. The flat grind is still kicking my butt. I think I will take OWVC’s advice and use a draw file on the next one. I still have to clean this up a little.

RC – do you want a sheath with it? (I know, I know – silly question)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8002.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8004.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8005.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8006.jpg

…….and with the scales darkened a little.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8007.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8008.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife8009.jpg

COWBOYSURVIVAL

09-30-2009, 06:56 PM

Those scales look great! Kickin' myself for not trying it...working on some hardwood scales now. Thinking of boiling them in pine sap as a treatment?

canid

09-30-2009, 07:18 PM

that is a burly thing crash, and it is beautiful. well done.

RC: congrats.

FVR

09-30-2009, 09:05 PM

Wow, that's nice.

Rick

09-30-2009, 09:12 PM

You could go into business just making scales. Those things are awesome. I like the whole knife but your scales are kick a$$.

rebel_chick

09-30-2009, 09:39 PM

That is georgous! I love it! Thank you so much.

panch0

10-01-2009, 12:13 AM

Crash. If you want you could get a piece of 2x4 about 4" long and grind an angle on it and screw the knife to it. Scribe your lines first then just pass it on the grinder backand fourth until you get to the lines. You should leave about the thickness of a dime. I use this when I am doing a grind that is only going up half way or so, but can also work for a high flat grind. Just my .02. It is looking awesome by the way. I really like the handle material. Great job!

crashdive123

10-01-2009, 07:05 AM

Great idea Panch0. I was trying to noodle out some kind of jig to make - that helps. Thanks.

pocomoonskyeyes

10-01-2009, 08:25 AM

That is a REAL WORK OF ART!!! Man that is a real beauty Crash!! Next thing you know you'll be getting orders,have to set up a website,etc........ LOL Way to go,real nice work Crash. Each one looks better than the last one,You definitely have a short learning curve.

rebel_chick

10-01-2009, 12:33 PM

No kidding poco! Crash if you were closer you would really have to be showing me how to make those!

finallyME

10-01-2009, 01:21 PM

hunter63

10-01-2009, 01:31 PM

Very nice, a real work of art.
I guess I don't have the patience.

I should post a pic of my first knives, just to show how not to make one.
LOL
They were butt ugly.........still use a couple, but they are ugly!

Rick

10-01-2009, 03:33 PM

The next time you set yourself on fire, hunter, just hold on to the knife and you can heat treat it while they put try to put the fire out.

canid

10-01-2009, 03:42 PM

you know what they say; build a man a fire, you keep him warm for a night, set a man on fire and you keep him warm for the rest of his life...

Ole WV Coot

10-01-2009, 05:05 PM

You done good. I still don't get the blade shape but if it works??? You are doing good work, keep it up.

hunter63

10-01-2009, 05:35 PM

The next time you set yourself on fire, hunter, just hold on to the knife and you can heat treat it while they put try to put the fire out.
LOL
Well, I should have done that when I was fooling around with the alcohol stove, I guess.
I like to try stuff, and generally work hard at it, but sometimes it's just better to move on if you know what I mean.
Everyone has their strong/weak points, and sometimes I just don't have the patience to produce a work of art like that.
Anyone would be proud of that knife.

crashdive123

10-01-2009, 06:48 PM

On the heat treat, did you just put a bunch of bricks together in an oven shape and stick the torch in the hole? I got to try that.

I recently found an old saw blade (7 1/4 inch circular with bad carbide tips) that someone threw away. I have decided to give it a whirl for my first knife. I stuck it in a fire to soften. Now for the shaping, etc. But, I don't have a forge yet, so looking for another quick/easy way to heat treat. I just want to make a small carver.

Anyways, I love the scales, and the rest too. Thanks for posting.

Yep. Just fire bricks sitting on a couple of cinder blocks with two propane torches for heating. When they cool off (about three hours after tuning of the torches, they get stacked in the corner. I am gathering the parts to make a forge --- someday.

COWBOYSURVIVAL

10-01-2009, 06:55 PM

On the heat treat, did you just put a bunch of bricks together in an oven shape and stick the torch in the hole? I got to try that.

I recently found an old saw blade (7 1/4 inch circular with bad carbide tips) that someone threw away. I have decided to give it a whirl for my first knife. I stuck it in a fire to soften. Now for the shaping, etc. But, I don't have a forge yet, so looking for another quick/easy way to heat treat. I just want to make a small carver.

Anyways, I love the scales, and the rest too. Thanks for posting.

Finally,

All you need for a forge is a hairdrier and a metal pipe the blower will fit in. Dig out something similar to a dakota fire pit insert the pipe in the horizontal position under your fire pit. Pile dirt around the pipe to seal it, load the hole with charcoal or harwood when coals start to produce cut the hairdrier on low. You can find plenty of demos on Utube.

b storm

10-01-2009, 07:18 PM

that is one beautiful knife, crash you could sell those, at jamboree's or on the internet

b storm

10-01-2009, 07:20 PM

all u really need to heat treat is a coal grill and lots of coal

finallyME

10-02-2009, 03:59 PM

Thanks cowboy, I might try that, or crash's. Either way, I think I can make one without spending any money.

COWBOYSURVIVAL

10-02-2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks cowboy, I might try that, or crash's. Either way, I think I can make one without spending any money.

Despite opposing opinions if you go the route of using coals you will need the air blast to reach critical or non-magnetic a simple fire is not enough.

finallyME

10-02-2009, 11:46 PM

Despite opposing opinions if you go the route of using coals you will need the air blast to reach critical or non-magnetic a simple fire is not enough.

Well, I don't have a hair dryer that will fit in a pipe. My wife uses one that has a long narrow exit, not a tube exit. But, I did try something tonight that might work. I simply took my little power fan that we use to blow air on us in the summer, and put it on high over the coals. Those suckers got real hot for a while. I don't know if it was hot enough. But, it looked cool.

crashdive123

10-10-2009, 04:49 PM

I’ve started working on the sheath. It probably won’t be anything fancy, but decided that I would use some bees wax to seal it. Since I had a bee job this week/weekend the opportunity presented itself to get some wax. I’ll post a few pictures of the process that I use to separate the honey from the wax. Sadly, the honey is contaminated and can’t be used. The hole you see is in the ceiling of a first floor room. I pulled about 75 pounds of honey and comb out of the overhead. The hive was about 7 feet long.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/Bees008.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/Bees007.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/Bees006.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/Bees010.jpg

Rick

10-10-2009, 05:23 PM

7 feet?! Man, those little cowboys have been busy for a while. You have to find a non-contaminating spray or something. That's a LOT of honey to go to waste. Imagine what that would be like in your pantry. Mmmmmmmm.

crashdive123

10-10-2009, 05:27 PM

Sometimes I can remove a couple of slabs before I kill em. This time, with kids in the house - didn't want to take a chance.

Rick

10-10-2009, 05:28 PM

Kids, Smids. It's honey! Besides, the kids will keep the bees busy while you scoop up the honey and the wax. Just keep the kids tied up close by and....oh, wait....never mind.

tonester

10-10-2009, 06:19 PM

crashdive123

10-10-2009, 08:18 PM

mmmm! man that looks good! to bad kids were around. that reminds me, theres a tree stump thats about 8ft high off a trail in the hills behind my house thats full of honey comb. im too scared to mess with those guys though, i have no bee gear so they can keep their honey.

While the bee suit helps, if you make em mad enough you will get stung. Got about six today - that's OK though, I charge by the sting.

Ole WV Coot

10-10-2009, 08:59 PM

I've cut a few bee trees and it ain't worth it. Hard work with an axe, dirt & bees in the honey and plenty of stings. A couple of hives, queen excluder to supers and above all those sweet Italian bees, not the mean black ones.

Rick

10-11-2009, 12:08 AM

They are pretty easy to tell apart. The Italian ones say things like Arrivederci or Buongiorno while the mean black ones says things like, Yo! Waz up? Just sayin'....

pocomoonskyeyes

10-11-2009, 12:14 AM

Crash have you ever thought of using a Smoker like Beekeepers use? It does help to make them a little more docile.They also make a full body suit that will prevent stings, at least they used to. Might be too hot in summer though. Almost all my Uncles had bee yards when I was growing up,I even helped one on occasion. This is a site that has all the basics. Suits,smokers,meds, ETC.
http://www.beekeepingstarterkit.com/

Rick

10-11-2009, 12:17 AM

And, of course, there is the self flaming suit that is sure to keep stings to a minimum.

http://www.avalonwine.com/zanzibar-burning-man-fire-400p.jpg

crashdive123

10-11-2009, 03:32 PM

Poco - I have used a smoker, and it does help. This was not an application where I could use one. I do wear a full bee suit. The problem was twofold. One - it was in the mid 90's, so I had sweated through the suit and the wet cloth was just sticking to me. Two - they were really pizzed.

crashdive123

10-11-2009, 03:33 PM

The next step is to separate the wax and honey. Using a vertical press (I’ll make one for my next batch) is more efficient, but this is what I had on hand. The comb is kind of like little packing bubbles, except they are filled with honey. By pushing the comb through the hardware cloth it breaks all of the individual cells. The netting catches the wax, allowing the honey to drip through to the pan below. It should be ready in about 3 days. All of the bee parts that are in the wax will be skimmed off during the melting.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife9001.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife9003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife9005.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnife9006.jpg

panch0

10-11-2009, 04:18 PM

That looks nasty! Like barf. Its really cool though. I have never even thought of attempting this and would like to see this process. Thanks for posting pics Crash!

Rick

10-11-2009, 04:45 PM

Sweet! (get it? Honey? Sweet?)

Can't you vacuum the bees out of the hive and save the honey? Probably won't be too good on the bees but you kill them anyway, right? Looks like you could rig up a vacuum machine that would save the bees, honey and wax. Then you could sell the bees and keep the honey and the wax. Win/win/win/win (if you include the bees' point of view).

crashdive123

10-11-2009, 05:42 PM

Rick - if I can access the comb without any treating at all - just smoke - the bees can be gently brushed off with a paddle or stick. It's when I have to spray first that I end up with dead bees mixed in the comb. An example would be that feral hive that Your Comfort Company found. Just harvest one or two pieces of comb. You will always know where the store is for more honey when you need it.

your_comforting_company

10-11-2009, 08:02 PM

thanks for posting those pics. thats a neat setup I could come up with from stuff around the house. Please keep us posted with more pics as you go through the process.
It is too bad about the bees, they are such a vital part of our ecosystem.
just fyi, beeswax down here is about 7 bucks a lb.
there was a fella over in the next town who had a nest about that size in an old chimney. It was in a room they never use so they hadn't noticed till the beez started coming through the door into the house. heck, you might have been the exterminator they called for all I know lol

crashdive123

10-17-2009, 05:32 PM

Here’s the finished product. I’m still learning as I go. Hopefully the next one will be better. Hope you enjoy it RC.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnive10002.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnive10003.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnive10004.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnive10001.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Knife%20Making/RebelChickKnive10005.jpg

canid

10-17-2009, 06:21 PM

beautiful, as i expected.

Rick

10-17-2009, 06:34 PM

That is BAD! I mean PHAT! I mean COOL.

Nice job on both the knife and sheath....as usual.

panch0

10-17-2009, 06:41 PM

No Rick like this. "That is just sick dawg, and the sheath is twisted mang. Yo yo yo homie..."

Crash, that is looking good. Each one is getting better and better.

pocomoonskyeyes

10-17-2009, 11:11 PM

Crash That is One Heck of a Knife!!

rebel_chick

10-20-2009, 10:26 PM

Crash you are the most awesomest person in the whole wide world! hehehehehehehe! I love it! You do some damn good work!

rebel_chick

10-20-2009, 10:40 PM

Hey Crash... did you sign or initial that knife, I want people to know you made it when you become a big famous knife maker!

crashdive123

10-20-2009, 10:44 PM

Nah. About the only name that gets on blades that I've made is Dewalt when I use a saw blade.

panch0

10-20-2009, 10:50 PM

Better start designing that makers mark crash. You are on the way to the dark side. They have danish there. The pastry not the peeps.

NCO

10-21-2009, 07:24 AM

Ok, it is looking great, even though I can't understand why the handle is blue and made of what appears to be plywood..
Also, whit that curve of the blade it probably wont be much good at wood work or any form of cutting. Except maybe slitting throats. What is the desired function of that knife?

crashdive123

10-21-2009, 07:44 AM

The handle (scales) are made from denim (old blue jeans). As for the purpose of the knife - it's not mine, so I can't help you with that.

Pal334

10-21-2009, 09:19 AM

Looking good, I see a new career on the horizon :) (for you)

Old GI

10-21-2009, 09:59 AM

Crash: When you do get rich and famous, please remember your friends at WSF. You know, the ones that made fun of and degraded you so often; also remember it wasn't me.

Themeek

01-12-2010, 04:15 PM

pocomoonskyeyes

01-12-2010, 04:19 PM

Hello Meek! would you be so kind as to read this thread and then Make an Introduction? Thank you.
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7813

crashdive123

01-12-2010, 10:31 PM

Just gotta start with... WOW!!!
I was wondering and I hope I didn't miss this elsewhere, but how did you make the handle? The knife looks awesome and I want to try my hand at it, but I have no idea how you made the "scale" pattern.

The process I used for the handles is in this thread. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7094