Personal Kiln Makes Sharp Investment

Personal Kiln Makes Sharp Investment FARM HOME Miscellaneous 24-3-29 You can make your own fine knife blades for fun or profit with this kiln from Paragon Industries. Cutting out a blade and grinding it down is easy enough for most people. But it's the heating and tempering process that really makes a knife. With the Paragon kiln, you can make blades that rival the best on the market, according to the manufacturer. Arnold Howard, Paragon Industries, says knife makers tend to be passionate about fine tools so the kilns have to be built well. Having their own furnace allows knife makers to custom design different heat-treating formulas for different knives. Howard describes knife making as both a hobby and an art. While it may be the hobby that attracts people to knife making, it is often the collectors' market that makes it worthwhile for them to perfect their craft. "Collectors look at knives and see a work of art like a fine painting," says Howard. The best knife blade starts with the best steel. The blade is first wrapped in a stainless steel foil with a wood chip or cigarette butt inside next to the blade. As the furnace quickly heats up, the chip burns up any oxygen inside the packet that might otherwise allow oxidation at high temperatures. Within three hours, the kiln takes the knife up to 1,800 degrees, making it very hard and brittle. The second treatment is usually to a lower temperature. The higher the level of this second firing, the softer the steel, but also the tougher and harder to break it becomes. Knife makers will often test their new blades by counting the number of manila rope strands it can cut before it loses its edge. Another test involves carefully bending the knife and measuring the foot pounds it takes to bend it 45 or even 90 degrees. In both cases, they then adjust the heating formula accordingly to make a knife that either keeps its edge longer or one that is more or less flexible. The kilns come in three sizes varying from a 120-volt model measuring 5 by 4 1/4 by 14 in. to a 240-volt model that's 36 in. deep for sword blades. Prices range from $1,000 to $1,400. Howard recommends Farm Show readers interested in knife making subscribe to Knives Illustrated or Blade magazine or check the Internet for videos, books and even classes on knife making. He also encourages attending knife shows and talking to experienced knife makers. Contact: FARM SHOW Follow-up, Paragon Industries, Inc. 2011 South Town East Blvd., Mesquite, Texas 75149 (ph (800 876-4328; Web site: www.paragonweb.com)

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