Hey Everybody,
I've been reading forums here for the last 6 months or so and finally decided I would create an account.
I wanted to post a couple pictures of my first 2 knives - it sure seems like a lot of guys start by making two for some reason. Everything I've done has been by hand with the exception of drilling, I've used a hacksaw, some files, and a little bit of blood and sweat.... more blood than sweat. They were heat treated in a BBQ forge me and my friend built, and seem to skate a file, although I don't expect it to be high quality steel. Both were made from a file only because I didn't have any known steel to use. I've already got some 1084 on order for the next few.
The kiridashi style knife was sort of just a test bed to use for trying out different ways of filing, sanding, and heat treating. That said, I've given it to a friend who works in a warehouse and he says it sees regular use daily and has been holding its edge with no breakage and the other one sits on my shelf. The second knife I made, I spent a bit more time refining. I actually went back after these pictures and ground off a bit more excess from the blade after I realized it couldn't slice an onion (it was sharp, but way too thick) and did a little better job of sanding. Exactly why I made these, learn the little quirks, and hopefully get better with every knife.
I know that these aren't pretty "finished" knives, and moving forward I do plan to put proper handles on the rest, but let me know what you guys think.
I really enjoy seeing other peoples first few tries too, so if you have any pictures and/or stories throw 'em up.
