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The Newbies Arena Are you new to knife making? Here is all the help you will need.

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  #1  
Old 08-02-2016, 05:52 AM
jake387 jake387 is offline
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Dagger symmetry

Hello -

I know symmetry is key when designing and creating a dagger. That said, are there any special tips/tricks you use to mark up a blank for profiling to ensure symmetry? Any tips/tricks for symmetry when actually profiling a blank? (Assuming we are using the stock removal method)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 08-02-2016, 08:09 AM
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MVPeterson MVPeterson is offline
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Make 1/2 of a pattern, trace it on your steel, then flip it over to trace the other side. I haven't made a dagger, but I made a garden shovel/knife for someone that was symmetrical. This method worked well for me.
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Old 08-02-2016, 08:34 AM
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Ray Rogers Ray Rogers is offline
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Hopefully, this isn't your first knife. Daggers are arguably the most difficult blades to grind. As with most other knife making challenges, success comes with lots and lots of practice ...


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Old 08-02-2016, 10:11 AM
dtec1 dtec1 is offline
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I had this problem to the point the first 2 I tried were junk. I found making the blade with straight lines so it comes out kinda like a triangle makes it easier and it came out looking really good I still have a tough time with this although mv petersons suggestion seems like a very simple answer (wich usually work the best) I wish I would of thought of it! but some one (cough cough ray) told me nothing beats practice and he was right....practice your design on some mild steel first or even a thin piece of wood....
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Old 08-03-2016, 05:41 AM
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Crex Crex is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MVPeterson View Post
Make 1/2 of a pattern, trace it on your steel, then flip it over to trace the other side. I haven't made a dagger, but I made a garden shovel/knife for someone that was symmetrical. This method worked well for me.
Or....you could "paper doll" it. Fold your paper in half, cut out your half pattern, open it up and you have a full pattern with a built in centerline.

Just a note - I've found forging in the bevels easier than grinding them, but that's just me.


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Old 08-03-2016, 06:50 AM
jake387 jake387 is offline
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Thanks for the half pattern idea

Thank you all for the suggestions. It's going to be a fun project.

Using the half pattern idea, I drew it on a computer. Once I had what I wanted I duplicated it, flipped it and connected it to the original...effectively giving me a perfectly symmetrical version of the dagger. Then printed it out and used that for the profile.

Thanks again for the half pattern idea. When this thing is finished, I'll post a pic...uh, unless of course it turns out like complete rubbish.
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Old 08-03-2016, 08:26 AM
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I know of no 'tricks'.

It just takes a good eye and attention to detail.


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Old 08-05-2016, 09:38 PM
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SVanderkolff SVanderkolff is offline
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One of the "Tricks" that I read years ago was to paint the wall behind your grinder white. Then when you are grinding you can hold it up and see whether your grind is good. Works well for non daggers as well.
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blade, blades, dagger, daggers, design, first knife, forging, grind, grinding, knife, knife making, made, make, making, pattern, post, problem, profiling, project, simple, steel, stock removal, symmetry, tips, wood


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