Cheap Knife File Guide

I have recently started knife making. Only fixed blades with flat grinds to keep it simple. If you are like me you do not have a bunch of power tools or piles of scrap wood or metal to work with. I came across Gough Customs knife jig and built it (awesome guy). Cheap and simple, I did fortunately have a couple of pieces of wood I could cut up for it. The design works well but for a newbie there is not a great deal of precision or control. I later came across another jig by Mr Coop (another awesome guy) and I am going to move to his design, his updated design. So to start I have made a knife file guide from an angle bracket/L-bracket I had in the garage which was left over from a shelving project, witness one of the few surplus things I have around to work with. I will be replacing the screws and nuts below later. Probably pick up a two pack bolt/screw combo from Homedepot for $2 or less.

Its not carbide or any crazy hardened tool steel but it will work a bit better than just using a stove bolt or screw as a plunge line stop. Its also not $40-$150 quality either but if it wears out $5 or less will replace it. Cheaper since I have a couple more brackets out there. Also I think I prefer centering the plunge line and having the steel rod/file combo free to move rather than working from a central pivot (see both jig designs above). Once I get the jig together I will post some pics. In the meantime....

Here is my cheap knife file guide. Hope it helps someone.

A quick thank you to all the knife makers out there who share their experience and wisdom so freely. Cheers to you all.