The Shade Tree Knife Mechanic (2000)

At a glance..

This resource tells you how to transform a piece of appropriately chosen scrap steel into an excellent cutting tool without using a lot of expensive power tools. Even if you never use this information to make your own knife, it will give you a greater awareness of what constitutes a good knife.

The details..

In The Shade Tree Knife Mechanic, Dick Baugh shares his expertise on transforming scrap steel into high-quality knives with minimal resources. He explains the importance of edge holding ability and hardness in creating a durable blade that maintains its sharpness over time. With this knowledge, readers can gain greater awareness of what constitutes a good knife even if they never make their own.

Baugh provides detailed information on raw materials such as plain carbon steel type 1095 or L6 from old saw blades, which are relatively inexpensive and easy to heat treat at home. He also emphasizes the importance of blade design, recommending shorter blades no more than three inches long with tapered tangs that fit snugly into handles.

Readers will learn about different mechanisms that cause knives to become dull including mechanical abrasion and chemical etching. They'll understand how stainless steel razor blades last longer due to their resistance against chemicals in shaving cream but may not be ideal for other uses like woodworking or meat cutting where harder edges are required.

Overall, The Shade Tree Knife Mechanic serves as an informative guide for anyone interested in making their own knife or gaining insight into what makes a quality blade. Through step-by-step instructions and valuable tips on everything from choosing raw materials to filing the bevel, readers can create custom-made knives tailored specifically to their needs.