This is a simple project, nothing incredible but useful for doing finishing work on your knife handle. It can be used to block the knife and not spoil it while doing filing on the blade shaft or handle.
The vise is fully adjustable, 360 degrees rotation on three independent axes for a perfect position to do any detail or procedure on the knife. The soft cork jaws prevent denting of your knife when clamped.
1. Anvil
The anvil is the most important part of any blacksmithing kit. It is an essential tool for forging knives and many other metals by hand. It can also be used to shape various pieces of metal into different shapes and sizes.
There are two main types of anvil bases, wood and metal. Both of these are durable and long-lasting when taken care of.
In my opinion, metal is a better choice as it will last for a lifetime if you take good care of it. However, wooden anvil bases are also nice to have as they are more pleasing to the eye.
The only thing that can be done wrong when using a tree stump as an anvil base is to make it move when you’re forging. This is not only bad for the anvil, but it can be dangerous for the blacksmith as well.
2. Clamps
Clamps are essential tools for woodworking, especially when working with large-scale projects. They provide a secure, non-marring surface for your workpieces and help you hold them in place until the glue has set.
Some clamps are more useful than others, and often they require specialized hardware. In these situations, a homemade wood clamp can save you money and give you a solution that works for your particular needs.
For example, a corner clamp can be used to secure mitered corners at right angles and other ‘odd’ shapes that ordinary bar clamps may not handle. You can also make a set of strap clamps, which are perfect for working with angled or beveled edges.
If you’re a busy DIYer, you might be looking for a versatile clamp set to keep in your toolbox. This one includes four handi-clamps with a built-in trigger, two Mini Bar clamps that provide 150 PSI pressure, and two spring clips.
3. Base
A knife vise is the latest gizmo to hit the market and is a staple in the modern benchtop maker’s arsenal. These large and heavy duty units are built to last – the bearings, steel and welds are all made from the highest quality materials.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a full-time professional, this vise is the best way to make sure your next project turns out just right. Its multiple axes provide perfect positioning for everything from file-working to hand serration, checkering and assembly retention.
This ain’t a quick fix so be sure to take the time to build one for yourself before you start cranking out your next custom blade. Taking the time to do it right will pay dividends in the long run. Be sure to use only the best materials for your project and do your research before you buy anything – it’s worth the investment in the long run. The end result is a genuinely functional and impressive item that will be a talking point in your workshop for years to come.
4. Handle
A handle is an essential part of any knife, and it should be made from quality materials that feel good in your hand and are tough enough to hold up to daily use. It should also help you cut safely and efficiently.
You can make a handle out of wood, but for a knife maker it’s more fun to try different types of materials like micarta, G-10 or brass. You can even mix and match the material to personalize your knife and create a unique look.
Once you have your material you’ll need to prepare it for the final cut. First place your blade on a piece of masking tape and cover the sharp section in the tape to protect it from getting scratched.
Next take one of your Handle Scales and mark a line from the edge on each side of it, a little less than a square inch. Then draw the same line on the other half of your scales, lining it up symmetrically for a symmetrical Handle on both sides.