Introduction
Creating your own mini survival tools, such as a mini axe and knife, can be a rewarding project that enhances your preparedness skills. This guide will walk you through the process of making both tools using common materials and tools found in most workshops. By the end, you’ll have a functional mini axe and knife that can serve as essential survival gear.
Materials and Tools
Before you start, gather the necessary materials and tools. For the mini axe, you will need a circular saw blade, olive wood, epoxy, and various metalworking tools. For the mini knife, you will need a hacksaw blade, hardwood, epoxy, and woodworking tools. Ensure you have access to an angle grinder, blowtorch, table saw, thickness sander, bench grinder, Dremel tool, and hacksaw.
Creating the Mini Axe
Cutting the Template
Start by printing a template for the mini axe shape. Glue it to the circular saw blade using spray adhesive. Use an angle grinder to carefully cut along the template lines. Sand the edges gradually to achieve the desired curve.
Drilling and Tempering
Use a blowtorch to temper the steel, softening it for drilling. Drill holes carefully, ensuring proper heat treatment to avoid overheating. Create a rebate for the handle using a table saw. This will provide a secure fit for the handle.
Sanding
Sand the blade with progressively finer grits (P120, P320, P500) and use a Dremel for curved edges. Sand the handle with a thickness sander and hand tools. This ensures a smooth and comfortable grip.
Assembly
Attach an olive wood handle using epoxy. Reinforce with steel pins and secure with an 8mm tube for hanging. Finish by hand-filing and sanding to ensure a smooth fit. Allow the epoxy to cure fully before final shaping.
Creating the Mini Knife
Blade Preparation
Cut a 5.5″ hacksaw blade segment. Rough-shape the point using a grinder. This will give your knife its distinctive shape and edge.
Handle Construction
Cut a 3.5″ hardwood blank, slot it to fit the blade, and shape it with a table saw. This ensures a secure and comfortable grip.
Layout and Shaping
Use a cutoff wheel to mark finger contours on the handle. Rough-shape both blade and handle on the grinder. This step is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and functional design.
Hinge Mechanism
Create a pivot using a .22 shell casing. Drill incrementally larger holes until the casing fits snugly, then secure with epoxy. This will allow the knife to fold and unfold smoothly.
Finishing
Sand and polish the blade. Apply wood stain and tool wax for protection. This step ensures a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Additional Features
Incorporate a 4.5″ hacksaw blade section for added cutting capability when the knife is opened 180 degrees. This enhances the knife’s versatility and utility.
Safety Precautions
When working with metal and wood, safety is paramount. Use a mask when sanding metal to avoid inhaling debris. Avoid vacuuming sparks to prevent fire hazards. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you can create a functional mini axe and knife that will serve you well in survival situations. These tools are not only practical but also a testament to your craftsmanship and preparedness skills.
Summary
Creating your own mini survival tools, such as a mini axe and knife, enhances your preparedness skills. Follow the detailed steps to make both tools using common materials and tools found in most workshops. Ensure safety by wearing appropriate gear and following precautions.