Armour Cutlery

      I would like to claim my knives were made by some mystical and enchanted process, but they're not.

Here's a basic rundown of my knifemaking methods.

More Process Pics Coming Soon!!

I start out with a piece of O-1 drill rod or

other piece of steel.

I hand forge the bar to it's rough state.

(Note: I just noticed I didn't have my glasses

on-make sure you wear eye protection

when working!)

A dagger blade rough forged. I still need to refine point and draw out the tang

I then rough grind the blade with an angle grinder, then refine the shape with files.

Then comes a initial polish with sandaper before annealing and coating the blade with fireclay, leaving the edge exposed.

The blade is then heated to the correct temperature and quenched in oil followed by a double temper cycle-once in an oven, once with a torch.

The blade is then finished to 400 grit with sandpaper, etched to  show the temperline caused by the clay or to give it a "rustic" look, then masked off.

The next step is to rough fit the guard and handle before securing with epoxy and pins/bolts.

I finish the handle and guard then touch up any spots on the blade.

The last step before sharpening is to construct a leather sheath.