Hi Pankaj,
As I have nothing to do at this time and twiddle my thumbs, till my PO arrives
Im going to share one more experience on knife making with you, as has been recommended in this thread, Tool Steel files, are excellent blanks to begin with, and unfortunately at the time of undertaking this project, there were no wonderful forums like IFG to guide like minded souls, just a few kind spirits, you met on the range who shared your passion, which was looked down upon as being a senseless waste of time at best and Criminal at worst
So off I went again to Lohar Chawl got me some blanks, came home and made a drawing/sketch of the Bowie knife I wanted to make (was in love with the bowie)
The technique was quiet simple, I stuck the cardboard "farma" to the blank, and drilled holes, to take out the excess metal, post this I used a hex saw, which kept breaking, i realized much later the relation between steel strength, and cutting capacity.
so anyway after a lot of push and shove, finally got the excess metal off, and used another file to get basic semblance of the design.
Ok, so now we have an File, which looks like somewhat like a knife, but how the heck do you put an edge to it! Back to Chor Bazaar, found a "Ghanti" (large sharpening disc) after much negotiation and reluctance he decided to undertake the job, after a lot of effort, we did have a knife
, I was pleased as hell!! Again to Kumbhar wada, got myself a hilt blank (It was a full tang knife) which I got home and worked with my small little tool kit to make my project a success
(I have this knife will post pictures)
The 2nd attempt, when I went to try using a different technique was a complete disaster! I took the blank after marking the design, using a Red Permanent Marker (I still remember that) to a local garage. I got the guy who repairs, 'Spring & Patta" suspension on my trust fiat to use his electric welding machine to cut the excess metal. Just my luck, he wasnt around, so the gent, who does "Patra" work and used and Oxy-Acetelene torch, was around, and volunteered to cut it for me, it hurts me to proceed further but the Blank was completely destroyed. He just could not get it right and I had no clue at the time, how to do it right.
However seeing my despair, my Spring Patta mechanic who was back by then introduced me to the "Patta" and he told me how he used to use Truck Leaf 'Spring' to make swords back in his native village
Its the first time I learnt about high carbon steel and the excellent blades you can make, from them.
I was never fortunate enough to have my own forge, but was lucky enough to work on several blades, big and small at several locations across Mumbai...I have fond memories of making some excellent blades and also learning from my mistakes
, I just wish IFG was around then to guide me!
Anyway back to work
and sorry for going OT!
Wish you all the Success in your project
Regards,
Pistolero
, after a few whacks on my back and cheeks, better sense prevailed and put it away 
