My brother made a knife and gave it to me. I tried to talk him out of it and told him he should keep it it’s so nice.
He used a leaf spring from a triple axle dump truck so he assumes that it’s probably 5160. The man doesn’t have any power tools at all save for a dremel I bought for him last Christmas so he does it all by hand which also means the blade isn’t forged because he does the stock removal thing, with files. I made the handles out of black micarta. I know, that front pin is dangerously close to the edge of the handle so blame that on me. The handle is also a little large for my hand but David said it fit his well. He is quite a bit bigger than I am and his hands correspondingly so. Obviously, he was going to keep it for himself.
I sent the blade to Peters Heat Treat in Pennsylvania for him and had them cryo and heat treat it and I have to say, this damn thing is tough. The guy from Peters said he could cut his way out of a car with it and I believe him. I have absolutely beat this thing to near death on treated 4x4s and locust branches, tin roof panels, rope, an old metal gas Can, and more and this blade just destroys $#!t. It holds its edge very well with not a single chip yet and stays sharp enough to cut a free hanging manilla rope. Yeah, I got all of my ideas from forged in fire.
I sharpen on waterstones that I sharpen my Japanese woodworking tools on and surprisingly, they work very well with the steel.
I sort of got my brother into blade making, I’ll make small woodworking blades from time to time when I need a certain shape for an oddball job. He was at a very bad time in his life and I was worried about him so I had him help me one time with my little homemade forge and he really got into it. I’m glad he did. I really like this knife. 2017R-22
That’s beautiful. 5160 is a great steel for that type/size of knife. I use a belt grinder as I don’t have the patience to file by hand but certainly respect those that do.
Thank you. I think it’s a beauty too. I really like the blade shape. My brother has more patients than I do for sure. I keep trying to get him to forge some stuff but he really doesn’t have the space for all of the extra equipment that goes with that but man, I bet he would be good at it.
I can’t photo that knife worth a damn, I’ve tried. It’s actually even better looking than my crappy pics.
Thanks for looking though.
That is a beautiful chopper. Is he taking any more work, or is this just a family gift?
I am sorry to hear he was having a tough time. He should be very proud of this knife.
Nice. Reminds me of this:
https://predatorpongleague.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/billy-predator-knife-cut.jpg
That is a nice looking knife. Your brother has some skills.
I did a small 2.5" blade knife that I filed, the blade is a little off center but it really works.
This summer I’ll have some extra time and I plan on trying again.
Tell your brother to keep it up!
David doesn’t try to make money from his knives, I think he could. I think he gives most of them away. He does it I think to occupy his mind, therapy sort of. He makes all kinds of jigs for holding his files and scavenges for steel and one thing leads to another.
He has come a long way with his knives, in more ways than one. I’m so glad I showed him how to make a small blade that night. He has taken it and ran with it.
It is beautiful. What an amazing gift. Clearly your brother is massively talented.
Nice edge my friend. I have bought several Kukri that were made from Mercedes Benz springs. If I remember correctly. Bought them from Himalayan Imports via Blade Forum. Nice work on your brothers part.
PB
Good looking blade! Those handles are pretty snazzy as well.
One of these days I’m going to try my hand at making a knife.
That’s a beautiful brute of a knife. You and your brother should be proud. Nice to hear that you were there for him when he needed you, and it sounds like worked out.
I thank all for the compliments. I think it’s a very nice knife, it’s why I tried to get him to keep it but my brother is about the most non-materialistic person I know. I guess I admire him for that. He has certainly made a very nice blade in this one, probably why he gave it away.
Thanks for looking everyone.
That’s a really nice blade! With only a dremel, and his hands I am sure it took him a while. That’s a great gift
I’m not sure how long it took him but I’m sure you’re right. The only part I believe he used the dremel on was the handle. I introduced him to draw filing and I think that’s the main technique he uses but I’m not positive.
Not sure why I can’t see the images.
Bona fett, sorry. I seem to have deleted my attachments accidentally. I took some more pics. I warn you though, I am no photographer.
That’s a great looking MRE opener. He should consider doing limited edition customs.
I second that motion.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
I am definitely going to show my brother this thread, I think it would really give him a biiiig boost. I have tried telling him that he really has a talent and to give this a try, even if just on a limited basis. I hope you guys responses will convince him of his abilities.
Thanks everyone.