Here's everything you need to know to make a handmade knife without using a forge. This DIY project is a lot less complex than we thought it would be!

Step 1: Remove blade from shears
With a cold chisel and hammer remove the wooden handle and separate the two blades.

Step 2: First cut to shape
I downloaded the above template from the internet and, with a permanent marker, drew around the template to get the rough shape. Use the marker to also sketch the outline of the blade as a guide for later on.

Step 3: More shaping
In order not to over heat the steel and make it brittle use files to shape the blade. This task took me about a week to complete.

Step 4: Smoothing rust pits and file marks
Finally I got to use power tools!

By attaching the sander upside down in the vice I was able to use the wet and dry to sand out the marks and pits in the blade.

Step 5: Wood handle
I had a log of cherry that I kept when we chopped down the tree in the garden.

Cut the log into a cube you can use for the handle, and then cut a 1/4-inch rectangle from the side of the cube. Make a cut down the middle of this rectangle so that there two rectangles about the same size as the handle.You'll also need a brass rod. Next, drill two holes in the handle. These holes should be about the same diameter as the brass rod or maybe a little smaller. Cut two sections measuring 1 inch off of the brass rod. Drill two holes in each section of wood using the handle as a guide. Now, apply glue to each side of the blade handle, and then hammer the section of brass rod through it. Now, attach the other side of the handle, making sure the brass rods are at least a couple of millimeters away from the wood.

Finally, use a rough file to shape and smooth the handle, followed by some olive oil to polish it.

What do you think of this process? Have you ever done it? Would you? What methods have you used? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Article Source: Instructables