General Help/Advice Needed
I am a 75 years old, retired, fed up and discovered knife making, it has boosted my will to do SOMETHING instead of watching TV constantly.
I have made some knives ALL from heat treating files, some worked out sharp and some NOT very sharp which I se as my problem.
I clean old used files from market type sales
I cut them to length
Put into my home made firebrick propane furnace until bright red, take them out and let cool overnight in kiln dried sand
Mark out the shape and rough grind on a 1 x 30 and a 4 x 36 flat grinder, drill holes for handles
Put back into furnace until bright red, touch with magnet, if it does not stick I put quickly into new car engine oil while stirring, wipe off oil and put back into kiln dried sand overnight.
The next day I rub a file over the blade and find it really hard
Put it into my electric toasting oven for tempering at 1 hour at 400 degrees
When it comes out I bash it with hammer to straighten, OK so far
I let it AIR cool for several HOURS
I now try to grind a FINISHING bevel on a HARD blade on my 1 x 30 using a rough belt then worn out ones,
it will hack through wood really good but not cut paper, it will cut through rope but struggles, it seems to fail on actual sharpness, keen edge.
I sharpen loads of carving knives and they are fantastic.
I know this is a lot to ask but I am desperate for help.
Thank you in anticipation.
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