Hacksaw blade for cutting 5/32" thick 1095?

[petercrowell]

If there is a thread that covers this please feel free to point me there, but I couldn't find one that got specific enough for my beginner level of knowledge.

I'm planning to make a knife from 5/32" thick 1095 (soon to be purchased from Aldo Bruno), and I'm going to use a hacksaw and files.

Forum posters recommend Starrett hacksaw blades, and littlemachineshop.com, but I'm confused about the tpi.

Any recommendations?

I've read that 14 tpi is about right, but many people just say "bi-metal" which comes in a variety of tpi choices.

All help appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I've bought a few blades recently. Carbon Nicholson 18tpi, and bi-metal 24tpi. I'm cutting 1/8" 1095 and 5/32 1084. The 24tpi cuts smoother, but slower. I haven't noticed a difference in durability. Yet.

I prefer the BM 24tpi.

A good high tension hack is a good idea too.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1137645

 

[petercrowell]

Thanks Strigamort.

When you say slower, is the extra time it takes worth the smoothness of the cut?

 

[12345678910]

I like an eighteen tpi as an general pitch

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Thanks Strigamort.

When you say slower, is the extra time it takes worth the smoothness of the cut?

For me, yes. Others may have different ideas, and almost certainly more experience, but those are the ones that I've been using and I doubt I'll change it up since they seem to work pretty well. Don't get me wrong, if I keep this up, I'll buy a band saw. Doing it by hand is a pain.

If you decide to use more than one type of steel, make sure you mark each piece to remember which is which, and draw out your pattern and cut as close as possible to save on belts.

Edit- I should mention that I'm clamping my stock to a board. If you are using your vice you may prefer the 18tpi. Either way though, I like the 24.