This is part 3 of the knife forging tutorial. In this part we clean up the knife, make the handle, drill it and get it ready for hardening and tempering

If you came directly to this webpage you can start this tutorial on page 1 right here: Forging a knife part 1

I also have a pair of videos that show this whole process. You can watch them here.

Ok, let's clean this knife up and get it into shape. Because you annealed it you can work on it. So use whichever tools you have available to clean it and further refine it to it's final shape. Here are four quick looks at tools you can use: Grinder, Belt sander, File and Emory Paper.

The Handle

Lets take a look at the finished handle so you can understand what I did. You don't have to make a handle like this though. If you want an easier handle you can check out my tutorial on making a knife by the stock removal method. That has a simpler handle.

Here is a closeup look at the knife handle I make in this tutorial. This is how we will do it.

The handle itself is made of two different parts: the bolster which is the dark wood and the handle which is the lighter wood.

There is of course actually four pieces of wood because on the other side of the handle you have these two pieces again.

These four pieces of wood are glued in place and pinned by brass rods.

The brass rods in the bolster are 1/16 inch and in the handle they are 1/8 inch.

Now we need to drill some holes in the handle. And this will of course depend on how you want to make your handle. I have drilled four holes in mine. Two holes are 1/16 of an inch and these are for the bolster. Two holes are 1/8 inch and these are for the actual handle.

Now using the knife itself as a template you drill holes into pieces of wood that are rough cut to the approximate size of the bolster and handle pieces. Then attach them to the knife with wooden dowels. You don't want them to be pinned permanently. You just want a temporary pinning.

This picture shows the rough handle installed onto the knife. All four pieces are installed and we are ready to shape this handle to its final shape.

Now use some tools to shape the handle and bolster to the desired shape and size. A rasp works really well here. You can also get a lot done quickly with a belt sander. As you get down to the details and it is almost done you can switch to sandpaper to get a nice finish on it.

Once it is to the correct shape you can remove the handle and bolster pieces and set them aside.

Now its time to finish off the blade. You grind it with a successive series of emory paper. This is a polishing of the blade to give it a great and smooth look. I start with 100 grit and move through all the grits to 600 in 100 grit increments.

Optionally, once you are done with the emory paper you can buff it on a buffing wheel. Be cautious and safe though, a buffing wheel can be very dangerous. It can grab that knife and fling it at you.

Ok, lets finish off this knife, harden, temper and mount the handle

Rosewood Knife Scales -

• 5 inch Rosewood Scales Handle Set Pair Handles Material for Knife Making Blanks Blades Knives Rose Wood

I have more Knife Scales right Here

Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century (Medieval & Renaissance)

Few historical icons can match the evocative power of the medieval suit of armour, and this epic new book is a complete course in the tools and techniques of the modern armourer's art. Through more than 1,000 detailed photos and clear instruction, Brian Price presents a working handbook for aspiring and active armourers who want to develop their skills in the production of medieval armour in the style of the 14th century. The book is divided into four sections: a sweeping history of armour and its production from its medieval roots to its modern revival; a practical introduction to all the tools and supplies necessary to equip a modern workshop; a thorough review of key techniques; and a series of actual courses in constructing armoured defenses for the head, body, arm, hand and leg. Taking the reader through the construction of an authentic medieval harness from conception to completion, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is a vital addition to the libraries of serious craftsmen, historians, collectors and researchers.

Do you like making projects and exploring a variety of hobbies?

Sign up for my free newsletter. I give you regular updates on hobbies and projects you can make. it is totally free and I don't share your email with anybody.