making my first knife

[4pplepie]

my dad has been a blacksmith for a while, until he retired a few months ago. he just gave me his gas forge and anvil, and I'm thinking of making a knife for my first project
I wanna make one of those big kitchen knives (at least 8.5"), what do you think the best material for this is, and where to get it?
Any advice is welcome!

 

[anvilabuser]

1095 or 1075 steel are great choices. They're strong and not too hard to work with when heating them. You can find these materials online from places such as OnlineMetals or USA Knife Maker.

 

[crucibleking]

That’s great advice, 1095 was my first choice for blade steel as well. It's simple to heat treat and really takes a great edge.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

You didn't mention how much blacksmith experience you have had. A knife using high carbon steels as a first project can lead to problems if you haven't done that project before. When I teach blacksmithing classes, if the student(s) want to make a knife, I start with having them hammer out a knife from a 3/4 inch thick, 8 inch long bolt with no threads. That teaches them hammer control, how to hammer the blade to keep it tapered, flat and a proper distal taper to the blade. It teaches them when hammering the edge, how to keep the spine straight without the knife blade curving upward looking like a simitar. It teaches them how to work off the anvil working only on the blade and not hitting the handle. Unlike 1095 which has a narrow window of staying at the proper color when forging (too hot and you burn it, too cold and you can crack it). The bolt is more forgiving and they make a really nice and interesting looking knife in the end.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[Alan]

That’s excellent advice. Starting with a bolt is a clever way to master hammer control and blade shaping before diving into high-carbon steels. Safe and effective method for developing those skills.