my homemade machete for zombies

[mystic_1]

Just to be sure I'm understanding properly, the file test is done after hardening but before tempering, yes?

mystic_1

[Storm Crow]

Just to be sure I'm understanding properly, the file test is done after hardening but before tempering, yes?

mystic_1

Yeparoonie.

[Gixxer1237]

A file will remove metal on a hardened and tempered blade, especially one that big because you would want to temper it back to be a little softer and more springy. If you made em hard enough to not be filed how would yu finish the shape? You can't harden a knife that is sharpened because it will most likely crack and probley overheat the edge and make it less durable or loose carbon. If you use a belt grinder you got to be extra careful not to over heat the edge. If you use stones be prepared to take a couple weeks.

My method is to shape down to 90% on the anvil(I forge), leaving the edge about 1/8 inch thick. Then normalized 3 times, harden, and temper 3 times. Take a file to finish shaping and put the final edge on with a slack belt set up. I have made a lot of knives this way and don't own any expensive tools. I need a belt grinder bad. The anvil was a gift and before that I used a peice of RR tie. My burner cost under $100 off elliscustomknife.com I think. It was a kit. I built a fire brick box to forge in. You can build knives on the cheap and still use good material. 1075/1080 from admiral steel is real cheap, easy to harden, and a known factor. all new makers should pull as many unknowns out as possible.

Now, all that said I like the design, and the craftsmenship seems good for a first knife. I applaud you. Now go get some known steel, build another and test both of em and see if/when they fail. I have destroyed more knifes than I have given away(never sold a knife...yet). Know when they fail, and learn why.

[SSG Pete C.]

Looks like an oversize straight razor haha

[KromeZombie]

Dude
Great job. I like it.

Go hit a few cocconut and tree branchs and see what happens? If it breaks try again. If ends up not damaged then you have a good knife.

[blades7558]

THIEF!!! lol it looks a lot like mine i did the same as you and ive used the thing for cutting down trees and it still has a good edge. you did a good job keep it up!

[H. neanderthalensis]

i have created my backup weapon for use under extreme circumstances like if both my primary weapon aand secondary weapon were to run out of bullets. it is a two handed machete (kinda) that can easily be used one handed it is 29'' overall with a blade length of 17'' and a handle length of 12''. it is very sharp and goes through water jugs and coconuts very easily. any coments that you have on it would be appreciated so tell me what you think.

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That's amazing. Great work! Please, make me one.

[Valarius]

Storm Crow, talk with a ZS mod about putting your posts in one all-inclusive thread and attaching it to the top of the forum. I'm planning my knives all pretty much based off what you write, and it's a real pain in the ass to track down every useful thing.

[mccaw69]

Great work dude,whatcha make it out of?Really a sweet blade.

[Storm Crow]

Great work dude,whatcha make it out of?Really a sweet blade.

Face palm. Can someone get me a good Picard face palm, please?

[foxx]

Great work dude,whatcha make it out of?Really a sweet blade.

Face palm. Can someone get me a good Picard face palm, please?

[Storm Crow]

Great work dude,whatcha make it out of?Really a sweet blade.

Face palm. Can someone get me a good Picard face palm, please?

Perfect! Thank you, sir!

[azrael99]

this is a lovely shape there, make me remember the shaolin sword and a Tibetan sword.

[MrFord]

If it had been left to some of the people in this forum, we would still be in the bronze age. Good job Dude! Want to see some of the coconut tests, they sound like fun.

Old Curmudgeon,
Mister