How to make a knife from a file with an angle grinder

[@TonySeverioKnives]

I hope this helps inspire someone that may not have the tools to get out there and try this. You can do it! If you have any questions just give me a shout. Thanks for watching!

[@bashkillszombies]

Might I suggest a broken back seax design, leaving the "blade" edge untouched with the cutting wheel, thus regulating the temp far better, and instead removing material from the spine?

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Here ya go, a Seax for ya. 👌 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eamXloNuqdySgqMsi=O9uW6epR93bEBAra

[@justingoodman5600]

Great job Mr Tony. Like ADVENTUREFEVER said “No more excuses people”. They have seen it done and now they can use a hair dryer and pvc drain pipe to make a sheath for it. Totally functional and hand made. Total cost under $50

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you my friend. I made several of my first knives with a file and sandpaper. I heat treated and tempered them with a torch. It’s slow but also achievable. This is another method that eliminates everything but tempering and a little hand sanding. I plan to make a simple kydex sheath for it which is also very easy and achievable by anyone. Thanks for watching!

[@Duckrabbit_Forging]

Something to consider for anyone who tries this is that some files, especially newer ones, are case hardened. This means that only the outside is hard and the core is still soft. Thats good for files because it means they don't snap as easily. It also means you wont get a good knife out of it without hardening it. Just something to consider.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Yep. That’s why I used an old Nicholson. Thanks for watching!

[@Gilgamesh_King_Of_Uruk]

Good tip. I've been buying a couple old files for a buck or two everytime I go to a flea market and breaking it a little on the tip ofthe ones you're considering using for a knife let's you check out the interior grain and you can always just clean up the tip after on case hardened ones and use them as files anyways if they're not too dull.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@Gilgamesh_King_Of_Uruk yes indeed. 🙂

[@johnrhodes3350]

The significant point it that you can't through-harden it, because the core doesn't contain enough carbon and or other alloying elements. The centre is a mild steel.

[@Duckrabbit_Forging]

@@johnrhodes3350 yes and no, depends on how the file is made

[@MundoMixOficial]

Nice work. I have a line of survival knives that follow this style of paracord handle. This lashing is simple, but it is one of the most visually appealing and the easiest to release and reattach. Congratulations.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. Yeah it’s simple but effective. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@tinycuisine6544]

A master. And with good music.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. 🙂🙂

[@ChrisR676]

Very impressive, the handle notches made the wrap look spot on! Great job

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. Yeah that helps keep it in place and keeps it from being too large. 😁

[@TheOGfrenchy]

Great video Tony!!! it was because of a similar video that I got started making knives started with a file! Videos like this are great to inspire people to get into the craft!!!!!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks! It was my hope to inspire folks that may want to get into the craft but don’t have the tools yet. Thanks for watching!

[@TheOGfrenchy]

@@TonySeverioKnives later today I’m going to review a new 2 x 42 belt grinder from grizzly! Tons of features for 300 dollars! I have a feeling this machine will be the go-to for people who can’t afford a 2x72 and are sick and tired of their 1x30 like myself! 😂 come check out the video later today! Thanks Tony!!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@theogladouceur1986 awesome man! Can’t wait to see!

[@oldbonesbushcraftrodjackso474]

You are very good . I am not that good with a grinder . But i have all other sanders . I reall am going to practise with the grinder it is fast .I love file knives they are always the first to sell . Explain heat treating they buy any thing . I kneed to get some buffalo shin or wild hog . Tough dense bone .WOW it is a beautiful knife wonderful design

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! 🙂

[@willardjames2685]

Thanks for taking your time to make this video Mr. Severio!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

You’re welcome my friend!

[@cseverio]

Awesome video!! Love the music, loved the blade, and the hard work constantly put in on these!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you buddy!

[@janneskruger001]

Thank you. That was downright impressive!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@lc1717]

Respectable skills. Well done.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! 🙂

[@TewaAya]

So this is how those tourist trap blades are made. Although a diamond sharpening tool could help sharpen a better apex for those 65+ hrc metals.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

I’ wouldn’t know how those blades are made but this one was properly tempered and no longer close to 65 Hrc. It sharpens just like any other blade. 🙂

[@bobbyvjones2045]

I appreciate your dedication to knife making. Totally inspired!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you my friend.

[@dannyspring5146]

Looks great to me.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks! 🙂

[@ambushthesniper5729]

Very inspirational and thanks for showcasing your skills sir. Look forward to making my own file knife using the same methods.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Awesome! I’m glad you got something out of it. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@RockSteel-mi3ib]

A gorgeous knife, you did a great job.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you!

[@richardbranton190]

You will be surprised of the knives people make with hardly any tools. I made my first knives with a modified 4x36 sander and they turned out really good. I used two map gas torches set up facing each other to do the heat treat. Don't let not having good tools keep you from having fun. Good tools just make the job go easier and faster but you don't need them 👍 great video

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Got that right! Did the same thing when I started. Used a file and sand paper then graduated to a craftsman 4x36. Then I bought a cheap 2x72 and made a good many. I now used what’s left of that first 2x72 on my surface grinder. 😂

[@seribas]

Super cool man really liked the video

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! 🙂

[@AaronCain-y6d]

Absolutely awesome 👌 thank u & what a great video & job!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks! You’re welcome. 🙂

[@ChrisBarnard-vd2fj]

I would brag about it, great work, thank you for sharing 🙂

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! 🙂

[@adrianpike7336]

U re a genius,u re old but i can see a real man...only few left these days. Respect!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. 🙂

[@SemicrazyMagatrucker]

Excellent love the wrap

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks!!

[@zachreavis1345]

I have the exact same ceramic and rod. I love it!!!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Sweet! They are hard to find now. Hang on to it! 🙂

[@robertmceuen3630]

I have a knife my friends dad made from a file in the 60's. In Idaho as we were skinning elk, my buddies kept asking me why I didn't have to keep sharpening my knife...

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Them old files had great steel. 🙂

[@willardjames2685]

This is a great idea!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you!!

[@user-Rockstar1]

Very nice one thing I learned about using files though as they rust easily I don't know if that was just mine or what I made two or three of them and they tended to rust I mean I used them outside but they got Rusty even in the drawer 10:47

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks! Yes they will rust. But that’s normal for any high carbon steel. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@pr0faker]

@@user-Rockstar1 dry it off and a little bit of oil after use goes a long way.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

For sure! 🙂

[@JayWye52]

an idea; make your sheath with an oil-soaked liner,like chamois;every time you insert the blade,it gets oiled,and the oil in the liner keeps moisture away from the steel. disclaimer; I have not tried this.

[@davidergle9320]

Nice video, good looking knife.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! 🙂

[@rahman.3457]

excellent My teacher 🎉🎉🎉😍

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. 😁

[@adeh503]

When the knife comes out of the oven at the start, is that just left to cool naturally?

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Yes. It’s tempered then allowed to cool.

[@adeh503]

@TonySeverioKnives thanks man, you made a highly skilled profession look very easy...,kudos to you 👏

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@adeh503 thanks. 🙂

[@jenncon2012]

I didn't see it.. maybe I missed it.. was the knife tempered at the end?

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Yes, I mentioned in the vid.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

It’s tempered first.

[@ShabanSabra1]

May God always enlighten and grant you success I am following you from Egypt If the hand was plastic, it would be better instead of floss

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you my friend. 🙂

[@Nathan-hb3pu]

People go on and on about what steel is better for knifes, swords and axes. The never stop to think that the Egyptians only had bronze and they slaughtered thousand and thousands of people with bronze 👍

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Well yes, prior to steel and even bronze civilizations were lethal. Stone cutting tools being the most prevalent. Even up to the 1890’s in the US were Native Americans using stone cutting tools. But none of it is superior to steel. The best steel is a the one you have. 🙂

[@pr0faker]

Yes but a dull sword blade will still mess a body up bigtime, but you're comparing the edge on a steel knife with using the known materials back then. Its comparing apples to oranges. You dont have to have shit steel knives nowadays, just a bit of knowledge about steels and how not to ruin a tempered steel.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Yes you need the knowledge to heat treat and temper steel. When I tested for my ABS journeyman Smith stamp, you can bet I had to have the knowledge and the skill. Many folks read and see but fail to ever DO. 😉

[@aberdeendh]

For those experienced with angle grinders, what safety equipment should one have? I have impact resistant eye protection and a ton of leftover N95 masks. What else do I need to minimize the risk of injury?

[@TonySeverioKnives]

A leather apron is a good choice. Gloves and face shield.

[@aberdeendh]

@@TonySeverioKnives Thank you! Going to hit up Harbor Freight and Amazon!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@aberdeendh there ya go! 🙂

[@RD-qb2qt]

How much time between the two tempers in the oven ?

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Not too long. I cool it down to room temp then go for round two.

[@warlockuk6939]

Hi, Just out of interest what was the total time needed from start to finish of this project ? Thanks.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

With the tempering, about 5 hours

[@warlockuk6939]

@@TonySeverioKnives Many thanks.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@warlockuk6939 you’re welcome 🙂

[@josephsedgedtools6464]

Very Nice Shop Shank! I foresee many packages being opened and this knife outlasting anything bought in the store for the same purpose! Just one question . . . did Bubba duck tape your angle grinder sideways???

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks buddy. I’ve seen similar sale all day long at gun shows. 😂😂 Yeah. Uh yeah Bubba did that!

[@checoleman8877]

This is for all those people that say "well anyone could make a knife with $10,000 worth of equipment". :)

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Very true! 😁😁

[@RaulHernandez-kn4lm]

Where do I get a scribe like that to score the blade.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

This is one I made but you can get one at a hardware or big box store in the tools section around drills bits and other small tools. You can also make one from a broke drill bit by sharpening it to a point.

[@RaulHernandez-kn4lm]

@@TonySeverioKnives Thanks for the response.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

@RaulHernandez-kn4lm you’re welcome 🙂

[@commonlogic2864]

Even know that I have 2x72 and another 3 belt grinders ,I make the most of my knives with angle grinders....it's more funny...😁

[@TonySeverioKnives]

I don’t make any from an angle grinder unless I’m trying to show someone they can. 😁

[@cookiemonster8877]

Sir, could this project be done with a horizonal 4.3-Amp 4"x36" belt sander or a 5-Amp 8" variable speed bench grinder? If so, would one be better than the other? If at all applicable, how would either one stack against the angle-grinder? The reason I ask is the angle-grinder scares the crap out of me. I have access to one, and I have used it before, but it felt like I was holding onto way too much power. The sander and the bench grinder, I don't have either one, but both appear to be relatively inexpensive. I just want to avoid a trip to the ER. Thanks🙂

[@TonySeverioKnives]

You probably can but the KEY thing is not to overheat the file or it will ruin the temper. Be careful and good luck! Thanks! 😊

[@yuuuoppp5130]

Haven't you used a file and the tools you created to make sharp edges? I just looked back at your old clips and wanted to follow along, but I don't have any. That's a lot of money to buy a good sandpaper polisher. I think what you did It's like a manual knife sharpener. It's pretty good and the price isn't high. I want to be a knife maker.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

I started making knives over 30 years ago using just a file working in a tiny garage closet. I worked and saved until I could get another tool. I did that for years until I got the tools I wanted and needed. It didn’t happen overnight and no one gave it to me. I had to work hard and save to get what I needed. It’s what I wanted to do. But this vid was to show that you could use a cheap angle grinder and an old file to make a knife. Now I make knives for a living. I need the tools I have and use to do that. It didn’t come easy or cheap. 🙂

[@yuuuoppp5130]

@@TonySeverioKnives Thank you brother for giving me directions on how to speak. I translated it. It might not be very accurate. Because our languages ​​are different, I watched your clip and was really happy at my house. Knife craftsmanship is considered an art. For one type, the price is reasonably high. I can pursue it as a career to support my family. Thank you for the great story, I also watch you do this and I remember what you did. Thank you, brother.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Oh I understand my friend. I appreciate the conversation and interaction between cultures. Language is always a barrier that we can overcome by sharing. Knifemaking is rewarding for me as an artist and for the last several years my full time career. It can be done but it has many challenges like any business does. We have to consider not just the ability to make the knives but the marketing of yourself. It all takes time. But persistence will pay off. Thanks for watching and participating my friend. 🙂

[@segamakar3893]

Буду делать по твоему рецепту😅

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Dav624]

Its so stupid people sell knives for 1000 bucks when u can buy all the literal equipments for 1000 bucks that can make u any knife u want as well as a forge for other metal working tools in less than an hour it just baffles me i mean this knife from a file can pretty much outperform all these folding 1000 bucks knives ur literally not paying for quality but just for the brand like absolutely only for the brand there is no way a folding 1000 bucks knife will outlast this knife from a file its just not gonna happen

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Yeah wait until you see the automatic liner lock folder I make from a file and a side grinder. 🙂

[@smudge7057]

I'm sorry who is buying $1000 knives, folding or fixed? Rich people, maybe. I prefer ones that are $50-100, of which there are many options.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Oh quite a few. I make a living making and selling them. 1000’s of people make knives and sell them for way more than 1000 dollars.

[@Dav624]

@@smudge7057 I'm not talking about who is buying them because the answer to that is obviously whoever can afford them and wants to buy them what I'm saying is that many people will buy expensive knives without looking at the quality at all and saying "oh it's expensive it's better than anything else that's cheaper than this" That's what I'm talking about

[@TonySeverioKnives]

MOST people who buy expensive knives, know what they are buying. You should see what custom built firearms cost. I used to custom build 1911’s. They were way better than anything you could get off the shelf. But the clients know that.

[@ed6837]

"Nothing to brag about" I was impressed it's pretty nice. If only my GF will let me use the oven!!!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks. It was just to show what you can do with minimal tools. Not how I normally make knife but hopefully helps someone out there. The oven I use is in my shop. The wife has zero say in that area. 😁

[@segamakar3893]

Мужик лайкос тебе , я такой хуйней тож люблю заниматься👍

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thanks! Yes a lot of fun. 🙂

[@bashkillszombies]

Looked lovely right up until the horrible paracord handle. Those things SUCK in the hand, and serve no purpose. Just put scales on it!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Thank you! I appreciate the awesome feedback! I just did a Napoleon Dynamite YESSSSSSS

[@ellzey312]

Effortless!!!!!!!!!

[@TonySeverioKnives]

We’ll just a little. 😁😁

[@jamescraig8601]

One of the 1st things taught in making cutting edges, Never put the steel in water. It ruins the steel. Thumbs down for teaching this.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

It’s not quenched in water buddy. It’s just kept cool. It’s not transforming anything in the steel. As an ABS journeyman smith, I think I know how and what it takes to make a cutting edge and one that performs. Thumb up or down, either way, it pushes the video. That’s also taught in KZbin algorithm function. 😉