Making a Simple DIY Knife from a File No Forge Needed

Hey everyone! Here's another quick knife, this one is made from an 8 inch file. I wanted to show you how I would go about making a knife with only a bench grinder, but what really happened is that I realized how much I love using the bench grinder to make knives. What do you think about more knives done on the bench grinder?
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
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Nicholas Tomihama
P.O. Box 354
Camas, WA 98607

[@lewiswereb8994]

I've ground a little steel in my 80 years, (and read a few books on it) and I've seen a few nice knives made from files and such. And Nick's is a nice one. Takes skill to get a blade like that without jigs involved. What Nick means by "too hot" will show up as a BLUE IRIDESCENT color on the steel.That means the steel has reached 900 degrees F. Almost impossible to see on the surface of the file until the "teeth" are gone, but easily seen on the "shiny" part. Blue color doesn't matter much on the handle area, but avoid it on the blade.Keep using your water dip. Every blue spot will be a soft spot which will stay there unless the knife is heat treated again.

[@paxtinspencer3024]

*hears no noise* *turns volume all the way up* "HELLO FELLOW BACK YARD BOWYERS!"

[@l3ryceyt343]

Relatable

[@hunterevans5521]

I did that too...

[@tylerparker3024]

Haha me too

[@benjaminschmidt2676]

Me too

[@nathancrossen2224]

Same

[@McGowanForge]

Made my first file knife the other day and I can say that file knives are perfect for food or small camping stuff

[@aldenunion]

I found one in a barn sale box(6 inch folding knife) ..Made From a file in 1840's and carried in the US CIVIL WAR...(Expert realized) Had name scribed and a Heart on one side and Diamond on other which were the Union Army Regimental emblems he fought with. If you get Old era files,NOT WOOD RASPS...(You want Nicholson's,Black Diamond etc ) not Case hardened ,you can make a blade as fine as any you can buy.. I get Pre 1970 Files for Mill metals from my local salvage yard..Even some that are 19.5 inches and all High carbon..Many of those are 1095 steel,(same Tops and Ontario uses)...If made properly,they can be and have been through history,the very finest..You can take the rat tail of the file,heat it glowing red with a hand torch and quench it in warm water or warm oil...Then place it in a vice and hit with a hammer...If it bends over it is JUNK AND DO NOT USE IT FOR A KNIFE....If you bang it with a hammer and it snapped like glass,it is HIGH CARBON CONTENT and use it for a knife....You only do the rat tail,and clamp vice in fat part of file that is left alone because that part you leave alone..Bang,snap,great for knife.......Bang, bend it is junk and Probably low carbon wood rasp or case hardened..Slammer knives that have great edge retention from files....If someone messed up,is because they used bad file or did not have good process...Go see Tops or Ontario knives,that is how great you can shoot for to get your file, because most likely the same 1095 steel the file is made...

[@billmc1965]

Very cool. I highly suggest EAR protection as well.. I have MAJOR tinnitus from NOT wearing ear plugs when I was a younger lad.... I am VERY VERY sorry for it now.... PLEASE protect your hearing!! Nice knife!

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

I have watched natural cure, chinese massage technique videos on here and it helped me out a lot. Good luck brother.

[@jonathangardner4135]

Underrated comment. Nothing manly about being deff or that high pitch eeeeeeee. Protect your senses folks, its smart not weak.

[@KennethKustren-lr6tg]

what .. ??

[@badger8128]

I worked in a spring factory as well as law Enforcement and I will second the hearing protection as tinnitus is horrible...

[@oldeays5085]

Are you his mommy

[@brendonmoore1619]

So I'm about to make a knife using an old file that's broken in half. I'm gonna keep the tang on it and fit it into a piece of hammer handle then pin it and sand it right down :) Very simple knife mate, sexy curves and a nice compact cutting edge. Well done. Iv pinned your vid for later inspiration.

[@DanGoodShotHD]

I had a whole drawer full of old files given to me. I had no clue what the hell I was going to do with em. Well... now I know! lovin' how that came out! You have some skills my man.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

You've inspired me to try and make a knife from an old file. Thanks for sharing. Great video

[@lewiswereb8994]

I wannna make a file from an old knife.

[@Whoozerdaddy]

That's a sweet little blade! A couple of items you left out of your list of required tools -- an eye for shape/form and a sure hand using power tools. Some people have both naturally, others have to work at them, but anybody can have them both if they're willing to put a little time into it. Really enjoy your videos.

[@zl14l41]

The best use for old worn out files!

[@germancarspotter4514]

It's so amazing I will defenitely do this. Next week I will get aelectric grinding machine. And this is the first thing. Gonna do with it xD

[@ralexlu]

Nick, you have a seriously good eye for that type of stuff! My attempts would be seriously jacked up.

[@tjrubicon5463]

Crawfish traps all over the wall! I like it!

[@chubbyninja842]

Thanks for making this video. It inspired me to give it a try for myself. I used a combination of a bench grinder and an angle grinder. I was so excited to get started I neglected to make a video. It was a lot of fun. I decided to add wooden scales to the grip. Right now I've got the wood clamped to the grip with epoxy. I'm going to let it cure overnight before I attempt to shape the wood to make it more ergonomic. I've learned a lot from this build so far. I think my next one is going to be better. I didn't take much time to plan this one out. I just sketched up a reasonable knife shape and jumped into it. :) It's a 10" total length with a blade length of 5 3/4". The scales are hickory. I'm not pinning it this time. Between the wood grain and the file surface on the grip, I think the epoxy should hold just fine. If it ever falls off, I can revisit it.

[@user-yh3rl5el1y]

Cool and understandable!

[@owenrigotti6592]

hey nick i just searched up how to make a knife and you were the first one that i saw of how to make a knife and i really liked how you explained everything. you have now become one of my favorite you-tubers ever.

[@scrapmechanicboy1859]

I do not know why i like nice simple shaped knives without handles. Good work. : )

[@RoeRoe123]

I love this design.

[@Landrew0]

Beautifully simplistic and utilitarian.

[@BackyardBowyer]

Landrew0 Thanks for watching!

[@nathanstrobl5928]

Literally such a nice job. Can’t believe how good that grind is, if you didn’t tell anyone no one would have known it was eyeballed.

[@DonylynKnives]

You, sir, are a true craftsman. You never cease to amaze me with what you create with such simple tools.

[@chrisarnold462]

Dude, I love the simplicity of all your stuff. I always get so caught up in the finer details in other knife making videos. Yours remind me that I actually don't need a $10,000 shop setup. Keep it up!

[@MNDAS-iu2kf]

Excellent craftmanship.

[@FASIGMAN]

I enjoyed that my friend.....I especially enjoyed the absence of complications and bs thank you. Just subbed.

[@jdhreiss]

Great job, Nick. I'll be making an attempt at one of these this week. Keep the vids coming for us guys with limited blacksmithing tools (and talent}. Joe from Kelso

[@waynecurie71]

Just bought some large files from a stall at a festival here in the UK so im going to try your simple method dont get me wrong yours looks awsome but ill definitely be puttung a handle on it good job brother and thanks for the video

[@josephadams5993]

very nice. a welcome addition to any kitchen.

[@itchyjohnson3328]

You are the best!! I've made knives for years that didn't work out. Here I go again and I have all the tools.

[@siahmartin2448]

Ever since I watched this video like a year ago, I have made tons of knives from files

[@Heisenbrick]

Nick, Your videos Never disappoint, I know your name will be spoken among the wood and metal working community more and more as long as you continue to share your knowledge with us! Thank you!

[@lachlanbruce1290]

Excellent job , very impressive.

[@kevchristhan]

i achieved ultimate relaxation when the rain storm kicked in at 3:13

[@MrLamigra1337]

Wow fingershooting like a badass over here

[@user-ew2xh1wp2q]

I like that you make it very simple ..nice simple knife

[@DANVIIL]

By tempering the entire knife to a bronze - tan color means that the spine is as hard as the edge. You could make the blade much tougher and therefore less likely to break by taking a cheap propane torch and running it up and down the spine until it turns blue but the edge stays at a straw color. This gives you a differential heat treat which makes a hard edge but a tough spine, so it's much less likely to break the knife.

[@bobmcbob8732]

I've done this with a half round 1/4 file, ground both sides to a stout blade going to a point(like 3inch dagger) but still kept the width then in oven for 50mins then heat the tang to melt back the plastic handle. Absolutely great for awkward plastic packaging, cutting cable ties without slicing your fingers off

[@MrMaguyver]

Masterful knife! I absolutely love the finished product.

[@superdooper9200]

Absolutely brilliant mate, I love it, I have a bench grinder and an old file so I’m going to give it a go and let you no the know the results…..

[@aloncr1796]

Very nice project. Thanks for sharing!

[@kirbylane9451]

I made a knife from a file probably 30 years ago. It still holds a great edge and has dressed out more deer than I could ever remember. It's a great way to make a nice knife for practically nothing as you can pick up an old file anywhere. They can be a little tricky sharpening though as the tempered steel is extremely hard and it takes a little while to get a razors edge.

[@njoysuccessnow]

Great Job, Nick. I really enjoy all of your work as well as your books. You are building a legacy, man.

[@abefrohman1759]

Very cool afternoon project.

[@eetuvuorenmaa9464]

Oh my... That knife looks amazing!

[@sKKKKKKKKK]

Waited about 20 seconds at the end of video waiting for the release, thought it was slow motion lol. Cool video man.

[@MacQ1955]

Like all your knife making videos.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+MacQ1955 Thanks!

[@joseffroula7415]

You do beautiful work. I like the simplicity of your method. Thank you for posting this!

[@joea5729]

Lovely work. Appreciate the time you devote to sharing these things. Very inspiring.

[@ralphnabhan]

Nick, that knife is gorgeous! Thanks for the simple DIY tips. I'm really looking forward to making my own. I've never worked with metal because it always seemed intimidating but I guess this is a good start :)

[@haydenrasband1601]

Nick, I love you're enthusiasm and I am planning on doing something similar to your bushcraft knife set from the machete build, keep up the great work!!!

[@RGerard_Costa]

That's a very nice looking knife... Bravo...

[@christophermaurer1271]

Thanks Nick really enjoyed the tutorial. I was impressed with your design.

[@martinmoskowitz4069]

Hi Nick, that was a great video! Thanks for making it. I'm going to check out the other vids you made & your books, too. Keep up the great work.

[@dambaek.]

Thank you so much for this video! Great manageable project for a novice and you kind demeanour really made this enjoyable. Thanks again 🤙🏼

[@WarpedLegacy]

That's an awesome knife! Especially with the limitations you put on yourself. Keep up the great stuff! Define Your Legacy!

[@EdsonBraga137]

I did this !!! Thank you for sharing with us !!! success .

[@SharpWorks]

I do like that copper in the handle area. The knife came out really nice for using just a bench grinder. Great job!

[@vincentholmes6897]

Cool knife and a well presented video!

[@3thirty689]

and Pooft! a beautiful blade made effortlessly. All kidding aside. You have one heck of an awesome talent.

[@miitch99]

When you said lung protection, I immediately pictured a suit of armour xD haha.

[@SirEdroK]

Thanks for the simple breakdown and clear explanation, man! I want to try making one

[@one-WildCard]

This is the best video for me so far since I can start tomorrow... Off the get a bench grinder and already have the toaster oven that hits that temp.... Thank you so much... Cheers!! ... I'm excited! :-)

[@nikoladjordjevic1535]

Nick you are the most talented and creative guy i have ever seen. From PVC Bows to knife making... i mean apsolutely outstanding. Well done man. I hope our paths cross someday so i can learn a thing or two from you!

[@lancemumford3106]

Nice job, I will have to try one myself. Thanks !

[@johnnybeegood05]

You did that really well with just a bench grinder. Blade looks amazing.

[@hejustleft]

Nick, you made it look so easy. Beautiful job. I'm now going to my tool room to find a spent file.

[@MrSapper21]

great video and very inspirational. Thank you so much for posting this, i cant wait to start making knives.

[@grumpygrumpgrump136]

Outstanding. Great video Nick. Thanks.

[@drbahb1]

Nick, you do beautiful work!

[@Jesses001]

This is the method I used to make my first knife. It is a good way to make knives fast, especially if you have some worn out tools that are no good anymore, like a file. Files seem to have the best steel, even the cheap ones, but my first knife was of lower quality steel. Did not take a heat treat well, but hey, I was like 8, ha.

[@alonzosanchez8577]

Very Nicely Done!!

[@richardspencer3986]

Sir, you are one very talented and skillful individual! It is a pleasure to watch you create.

[@ericgillespie2812]

HUZZAH!!! i am once again a fellow backyardbowyer great to see you again nick!

[@CrimsonGreaver]

This is a cool look for a knife set.

[@cdkamerer4125]

thanks, great video because you where prepared and ready to perform the task. thanks again.

[@oldmanwinter1405]

That's a sweet knife. Well done, Nick.

[@salsalero1277]

You made that look easy. Great job.

[@eiyumats6218]

Excellent work, Nick!

[@franzsapka]

Beautiful execution with excellent result.

[@sohara76]

That dude is like the Bob Ross of knife making. He's just out here making happy little knives....

[@devandickey1806]

That was insane I didn't think it would b possible im very very impressed

[@MyGraKat2]

I recently made a knife using similar techniques. Like always you make it look much easier than it is! Great knife! Thank you for making this video.

[@BackyardBowyer]

MyGraKat2 Nice! Thank you for watching!

[@sergeantbigmac]

Great work Nick! I absolutely love how it turned out, the elegant lines and the cool factor of the file handle. I bet that would actually provide for some decent grip right? This is actually one of my favorite knife types. Small slender fixed blade perfect for slicing. I find I reach for this kind of knife far more than those big bushcraft knives when I go camping/hiking... You should make more 'less tools' videos. It goes back to the DIY nature of this channel imo.

[@xxCovertxx]

You do great work Nick!

[@ryoung6730]

excellent job, not everyone has the eye and "feel" to freehand work on a wheel like that without overheating, and getting the even taper. One thing i might add is that different files are different tempers and steel, if ,,,after you begin grinding and it either heats too quickly or wont hardly grind, you may have a file that is incompatible with these projects.

[@petemcpherson2259]

That's a sweet little knife, it would pull double duty as a Flint striker too, awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@davidholmes3776]

This gives me ideas! Well done mate!

[@Standswithabeer]

Sometimes, Nick--you're just amazing. Now I must buy your books...Thanks! :)

[@d.od.3463]

Great work! Now I'm going to make one like it! Thanks!

[@az80311]

Nice knife man. It encourages me to try it as well. Thank you

[@danielsecara1178]

Well done , very nice !

[@PrecioustheMovie1]

beautiful work, very elegant looking blade.

[@thelonerider5644]

This is wicked cool.. recently I tried one myself (but with wood scales)... not nearly as nice looking! Your stuff has a wonderful aesthetic quality... it just looks awesome, while being functional, whereas many of us can barely make something functional!

[@paultroiani255]

Very good, Nick!

[@fixingstufff]

Very nice and simple! I like it ! thanks for the video

[@joedominick7517]

Nick, I enjoyed your DIY knife from a file. Nice job!

[@willybee3056]

Now I gots ta finish my knife... keep up the good work. .. tanx...

[@dbsrid4]

Very dope! Wish I had that kind of artistic inclination.

[@chiggerx9407]

Very clever my friend!

[@MrMathevron]

Beautiful work!

[@toddfullerton3930]

Great lookn knife. Love your videos. Thanks

[@deejaytrizay]

Dude. Your videos are always so good and informative. Keep it up. You are very crafty. You should be an engineer.