A draw knife is a great tool for carving, debarking, and shaping wood. It is also useful as a creative artistic tool for the wood sculptor.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a draw knife from a saw blade. It will take some time and effort, but the results are well worth it!
Blade
You can turn a saw blade into a draw knife with some creativity and some handy tools. Youtube woodworker John Heisz took an old circular saw blade and turned it into a beautiful draw knife that looks like it came out of a high-end shop.
First, trace a pattern on the blade using a piece of chalk or soapstone. This will help you keep your tangs at a consistent length, as well as ensure that the blade is even.
Next, cut a rectangular shape from the blade using an angle grinder. This will be your blank to start your knife design on.
Once you have the rectangle blade, sand it down to rough it up and finish shaping it. You can use a power grinder or a file to do this.
Once your handle is shaped, glue it in place. You can use a mixture of slick micarta composite, stabilised wood, horn or bone. You may also want to add a hole for a lanyard.
Handle
Using an old saw blade as a base for your knife is one of the easiest ways to make a draw knife. They’re available for a reasonable price at swap meets and garage sales, and you don’t need to treat the steel.
Handles are available in a variety of materials, from wood to plastic. Generally, the best choice is to choose a handle made from hardwoods, such as walnut, birch, maple, burl wood, or pakkawood.
Some brands use stabilized woods, which are a form of plywood that has been injected with polymer resin and compressed under high pressure to create a material that is dense and durable while still offering the natural look of wood.
Another common material is G-10, a composite of epoxy filled with woven glass fiber that provides a wood look and is resistant to fading and discoloration. It also is waterproof and can be tinted to a wide range of colors.
Scales
A scale is a rule that is used by architects, interior fit out specialists, land surveyors and other design professionals to accurately and quickly convert measurements in scale drawings. This is done by lining up the zero mark on the scale with the start point of an object being measured, and then adjusting the ruler until the rounded off number matches the starting measurement.
Once the scale has been matched with the starting point of an item, it is then transferred to a paper drawing. The drawing may be printed or drawn by hand.
Architects, interior fit out specialists and other design professionals often use scale drawings (blue lines or plans) to display and convey large areas of space or structures. These drawings are sized according to the available space and the proportions one wishes to convey on them.
Sheath
A knife sheath is one of the best ways to keep your blade safe and protected. It’s also an expression of your personality, so it should be a good quality sheath that shows off the beauty of the blade and complements its style.
There are many different kinds of sheaths, some made from kydex and others from leather. Some are even designed for specific types of knives like fixed blades or pocket knives.
The most important aspect of making a sheath is the fit. A sheath that is too big or too small can cause the knife to hurt or dull when inserted. It can also make it hard to carry. Buying a sheath that is well made and fits your knife perfectly will ensure it lasts as long as possible.