HELP! How to cut down or reshape a knife blade?

[SAILORGOLF46]

I have an extra 8" chef's knife that I like the handle and wonder if I can reshape it to a hunting knife shape of choice. I know it must not get to hot by cuting or grinding but would like some suggestion from you who know.
Thanks in advance for educating a nube.

 

[WhitleyStu]

Normally when a knife has major grinding done it is before heat treating. Your knife can be reprofiled, but it would be a very slow process. In my 49 years of sharpening I have cut several 24" machetes into great 12" utility knives as I really liked the handle. Changing the thickness is where the heat can build very fast. Even when I fix a broken tip by lowering the spine and raising the belly can generate heat and needs to be frequently cooled in water. Depending on how much you want done to your knife it night be possible or might be a bit too much and a new knife might be the best. As always a picture of what you want done would be of help...

 

[smittygj]

I have an extra 8" chef's knife that I like the handle and wonder if I can reshape it to a hunting knife shape of choice. I know it must not get to hot by cuting or grinding but would like some suggestion from you who know.
Thanks in advance for educating a nube.

Disclaimer - this was 30 years ago - but, I had a buck folder that I really liked that I broke the tip off of trying to pry something up (when I was active duty military). I took it to an actual knife maker in Texas, and he punched out the handle rivets, re-profiled the shortened blade to something more akin to a Skinner, and re-heat treated it. Cost me $45 back then. I still have it today and I love it.

Find yourself a knife maker and ask him what he would charge. I think you will be surprised at how willing actual knife makers are at wanting to please a customer.

 

[KokomoDave]

If you can find someone who has a Tormec, they should be able to do it. If not, a good knifesmith should be able to tackle it.

 

[thelefthand]

1x30 or 1x42 belt sander, 180 through 800 grit belts, a light touch, a healthy dose of patience, and a steady hand.