A shop utility knife can be made in just a few minutes using a short length of dowel and an old hack saw blade. Cut 3/4-inch diameter dowel stock to about a 4 inch length, then use the band saw to cut a 1-1/2 inch long slot in one end. Cut the old hacksaw blade to a 3-inch length and glue it in the dowel slot with epoxy. The blade should extend out the end about 1-1/2 inches. Allow the epoxy to dry, then use a grinder to shape the end of the blade and apply a bevel to the cutting edge. You can grind the blade to just about any shape that that suits your needs. After grinding the bevel, use a sharpening stone to hone the edge.
-Everett Crear
Schenectady, NY
