Been playing around with knife building, mostly getting blade blanks and adding handles.  Have taken some old carbon steel kitchen knives and cut them down to the desired shape.

Jeremy has been very kind and is shipping me some kiln bricks for a mini forge.

Ok heres the question(s):

#1.  Was looking around for a torch for the kiln brick saw two types and wondering which would be best:  Propane plumbers type or a higher temp torch using the mapp gas?

#2. I have several old 7 1/4" saw blades, would these work for blades or should I try to find something else?

Been watching the posts from Jeremy, sticshooter, robtattoo, tippit, Doug Campbell, and many others and want to give it a whorl. I have a couple books from Wayne Goddard that I have read also.  So there will be many questions in the future, I can guarantee.

Thanks,

Nick

propane plumbers type much better thats my 2cents worth.  

Thanks Jeff, its a lot cheaper too.  

How long does it take to get the chamber heated up?

Yep I did use the mapp and it does burn hotter. But propane is a whole lot cheaper and works as good IMHO. ><>

Mapp gas not as hot

as acetaline. I think it is spelled wrong.

Mapp is hotter than propane.
The 7 1/4" blades will work, but they are a tad thin.

I appreciate all the comments.  I went with the propane torch.  now have to make the time to get things done

Nick, I sent you out two fire bricks.  One is just the brick, the other is all ready for a torch.  I made the chamber much smaller than mine, so it should heat up fairly quickly.

As for the blades, it's tough to tell without seeing them.  If they have carbide tips than almost definitely No.  Best way to tell is to take a small piece, heat it up to non-magnetic and quench it in oil.  Put it in a vise and whack it with a hammer.  If it bends it won't make a knife.

Jeremy, in your test if is bends its no good.  Does that mean if it shatters or breaks it will be good?