Blades from old files and rasps

[bent-stick]

On another thread someone posted a link to Greenpete's site and he mentions making blades from old files ...superb idea. I can get as many of those as I want - they are always turning up in boxes of junk at car boot sales for a few pence each.

He anneals his in a log burner over night. I don't have a log burner...how hot and how long will it take for the steel to lose it's temper. If I chucked one in the embers of a weekend campfire would that do the trick?

(as if I didn't have enough projects on the go)

 

[Snufkin]

Ideally you want it to get red hot and then cool it down slowly but I think in the heart of a good campfire should do it. Do make sure they are old files because some of the cheapo modern ones are very poor steel.

 

[Ogri the trog]

Err, yep, t'was probably me
Your common or garden camp cooking fire might not get sufficiently hot to anneal a file, but with a bit of work you'll have exactly what "Iron-Age" man had!
Build the sides of the fire up to hold the heat in, possibly even be ready to add a top to keep as much heat as possible where you want it. Arrange for any wind or draught to fan the fire as hot as you can get it. Have plenty of fuel to hand as theres nothing more frustrating than running out of fuel before you get to your required temperature.Burn charcoal (proper stuff, not the "self-lighting" chemically enhanced gear) to get a good even hot temperature - that should do the trick.
Another trick is not to bother too much - I've made a few knives just grinding the teeth down on my works grinder and finishing on the linisher. Yes it gets too hot to hold comfortably, but a pair of gloves sorts that out!

Next you'll be wanting to know all about heat treating and tempering - theres no magic to it if you can get your fire hot enough - half the fun is in experimenting.

I'd recommend everyone to have a go at making your own knife - its a very satisfying project and eliminates any mystery should you want to regrind or rehandle a knife in the future.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Pignut]

get a good heap of GOOD QUALITY Charcole on the BBQ, that is all I have ever used! seems to work for me (mind you the files are 100+ years old!)

 

[bent-stick]

I'd recommend everyone to have a go at making your own knife - its a very satisfying project and eliminates any mystery should you want to regrind or rehandle a knife in the future.

Ogri the trog

I've already had a go at handling some blades. There's a couple here.

Knife

Zebrawood

I fancy the idea of giving some of the old files I see rusting away a new lease on life though.