Summary:
This is my take on a dedicated zip-tie cutter. The idea was to make a blade that was strong, and extremely sharp, but also really short so that the user has as much leverage as possible. The design I settled on is intended to be used for slicing work, the sharp angle of the blade helps keep the user's hand moving perpendicular to there body when cutting, and the curve is sized to fit my thumb for more control when pulling the blade.
I used 1/8" 1095 steel, ground down to 3/32" and peanut oil quenched. It was then tempered for 1:20 at 500 degrees. The patina is the result of that process, and the blade was then re-ground to give it a bit of definition. The spine of the knife is 4-3/4" long with the 7/8" blade set at a roughly 30 degree angle.
Reflections:
For a second knife I'm quite pleased. I had never really used a belt grinder before and found that to be something of an education. It sharpen's easily, and cuts well. I also think that for cutting zip ties 1/8th was the correct choice. It mean's the blade is essentially indestructible. That said, I would increase the angle of the blade to make prying a bit easier.
Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFDIV4bynDE
