Advice/Help For a Beginner?

RyanSean97

RyanSean97

Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
680
Hey fellas, so for a while now I've been wanting to get started somewhere in the making of things. Let's put it that way. Making knives is a dream of mine and I know im probably complicating it more than I need to, but I wonder if you guys can give me some tips on where to start (equipment, advice, etc). So I've dipped my toes in so to speak a few times now, and I always stop, come back, stop etc. For example I've tried to make a couple micarta scales, I've gotten myself a couple bars of 80crv2, cut out some blanks, and even messed up a couple learning how to freehand grind bevels on my 1x30. I've got files, a bandsaw, a vise and a few other small tools to help. I'm looking into maybe getting a few more things to get really serious about this and stick with it, because I do really enjoy it, I just kind of get discouraged and that's a personal thing I know, but I want to make it happen.

Anyway, I was thinking about maybe getting a 2x42 as a step up from the 1x30 because quite frankly it doesn't move material as good as I would like (obviously), and also I have no work rest to go with it so it makes things challenging like squaring edges, keeping a steady motion and things like that. Eventually I'd love to get a 2x72 of course. I'm also going to get a small table top drill press for clean holes.

Now I'd really like to start anywhere, but I had the idea to maybe start out doing small modifications and customizations on knives before I go back into full on knifemaking, just to get the hang of it. I know this all sounds like a bit mess but I know there's a bunch of amazing makers here and I just want anything you guys feel like adding. Anything at all is appreciated.

One thing I want to add is im also very limited on space here where i live, so I'm pretty much stuck to working outside on my back deck. But I'm always wanting to learn more and take information anywhere I can. Thanks in advance for whatever you guys throw in here. Thank you!
 
Probably not what you’re wanting to hear, but it sounds like you have enough tools to start AND finish a knife; my suggestion is to start finishing knives with what tools you have. Modify if necessary, as in a tool rest. Everything else will naturally fall into place as to wants and needs.
 
You're honestly probably right. I've always enjoyed working with my hands, getting dirty, all the the things. But unfortunately I wasn't really blessed with the knowledge and skill of a handyman so to speak lol so I have to work extra hard to be creative and make things work 😂. The plus side is I don't mind learning so I can actually do it. I see guys make the most creative things out of anything to make something else work with their needs and I envy them greatly. But I'll just have to learn more I guess haha
wkfl said:
Probably not what you’re wanting to hear, but it sounds like you have enough tools to start AND finish a knife; my suggestion is to start finishing knives with what tools you have. Modify if necessary, as in a tool rest. Everything else will naturally fall into place as to wants and needs.
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Best start: make a droppoint hunter/user with hand tools only to get the feeling and understanding.
Speed up with machines and more tools after that.
Don't invest in a grinder without variable speed
 
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sounds like the problem, (if you're saying there's a problem and it sounds like you are) is discouragement and perhaps a lack of motivation. I find social media to be the biggest impediment to achieving the opposite of those things, for a variety of reasons which are purely subjective.

the first response to the op is great advice. Sometimes the thing a person needs most is a win. Completing a project started is always a win, even when it ends in failure. If you like learning, you'll know what I mean.

no amount or type of tools should have much bearing on the above. I completed my first two knives with hacksaw, file, sandpaper and cordless drill. It was really hard work, and I think being slightly masochistic may be of advantage, but I have no scientific evidence to back that up.
 
Lorien said:
sounds like the problem, (if you're saying there's a problem and it sounds like you are) is discouragement and perhaps a lack of motivation. I find social media to be the biggest impediment to achieving the opposite of those things, for a variety of reasons which are purely subjective.

the first response to the op is great advice. Sometimes the thing a person needs most is a win. Completing a project started is always a win, even when it ends in failure. If you like learning, you'll know what I mean.

no amount or type of tools should have much bearing on the above. I completed my first two knives with hacksaw, file, sandpaper and cordless drill. It was really hard work, and I think being slightly masochistic may be of advantage, but I have no scientific evidence to back that up.
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100%, discouragement and motivation definitely comes and goes. I'll admit the motivation, even when it's very faint, is still very much there. Social media probably doesn't help this at all either to your point.

I agree on a win being a win even in failure. Each time I've went at it and messed up a blank, or screwed up my attempts at a couple scales, I always took something away from it. But in the end that discouragement comes back in and looks at those failures, and my mind automatically goes to the bad. But on the other hand the tiny bit of progression I do see, gets me fired up in the moment.

I've also attempted the old school approach and picked up some good quality files, sandpaper, vise and hacksaw and did one or two blades that way as well, but I quickly learned that I wasn't born with the patience and masochism that some were like yourself, Lorien 😂.

I'll be the first to admit a lot of this, if not all is definitely personal issues, but I guess I was just looking for other things to make it seem better on myself. By no means am I looking for an easy route to this either by the way, because I know all the work you guys put into this craft, and by no means do I want to cheat by that at all. I admire it all like hell. Just want to be on your level 🤷‍♂️.

I plan on jumping back into it here in the next days to come, hopefully without freezing outside, and try and make a few more baby steps of progress and keep that negative mindset at bay.
 
I'm familiar with them yes! I've actually looked into the classes they offer at Montgomery Community College but never actually looked at any of the makers in the guild, im doing that now. It would be awesome to go visit a couple and watch them
 
By the way I figured I'd throw in a couple of my fails just for the sake of it.

This was my very first blank I ever profiled, (which looking at it now I really cant make any excuses as to why Im not sticking with it because I did this with a hacksaw, files, dremel and 1x30). Messed this one up later on trying to freehand file bevels:
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This is the second really decent blank I shaped, and I still have it. Just waiting to put bevels on it because it looks too good to ruin right now lol:
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These are 3 out of 4 I did completely ruin though for practice. Before:
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After:
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This was my second attempt at freehand grinding, and I was feeling good until it went south and turned into the above picture:
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I strongly suggest that you ship your knives of to get heat treated, until you have an oven and the necessary equipment to do it yourself.
Also take your time! in the beginning don't worry about how long it takes you to get something done!!

Keep in mind that we were all beginners at one point. If you see someone else do something amazing, their just as much human as you, and you can figure it to!
And if you have any trouble don't hesitate to jump on here and just ask, chances are someone will be able to help you.
 
I don't see any mistake that can't be fixed easily enough. Bevels, if you have an uneven spot, there are 2 options for a beginner.

1. Go to hand sanding/files and work until it's blended with coarse paper.
2. Grind the bevel line higher until it matches, probably with your next available grit.

So either fix it the slow (manual) way, or spend more time on the grinder.

If you ground off your tip, reprofile the spine until you get a tip shape you like. This may be easiest to do by drawing the profile with sharpie, continuing your bevel grinds as needed, then grinding off the spine to your new profile sharpie lines. The knife will be shorter, but still a knife.
 
Bunker Hill Blades said:
I strongly suggest that you ship your knives of to get heat treated, until you have an oven and the necessary equipment to do it yourself.
Also take your time! in the beginning don't worry about how long it takes you to get something done!!

Keep in mind that we were all beginners at one point. If you see someone else do something amazing, their just as much human as you, and you can figure it to!
And if you have any trouble don't hesitate to jump on here and just ask, chances are someone will be able to help you.
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This was always my plan for when I get to that point in the future. Peter's Heat Treat seems to be universally known and I've looked into them in the past to see what I'd be getting into later down the road. I appreciate the words and encouragement! It is hard to keep in mind sometimes when you see such amazing work, but I have to remember how much time and energy was used to get to that point.
 
Justin W said:
I don't see any mistake that can't be fixed easily enough. Bevels, if you have an uneven spot, there are 2 options for a beginner.

1. Go to hand sanding/files and work until it's blended with coarse paper.
2. Grind the bevel line higher until it matches, probably with your next available grit.

So either fix it the slow (manual) way, or spend more time on the grinder.

If you ground off your tip, reprofile the spine until you get a tip shape you like. This may be easiest to do by drawing the profile with sharpie, continuing your bevel grinds as needed, then grinding off the spine to your new profile sharpie lines. The knife will be shorter, but still a knife.
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My main issue with these 3 mess ups, are not going over my center line. I'm still grinding too much over. When I cut my initial 45s and start working up, I go over the line instead of working up and back. I tend to go forward as well. I'm still trying to get my stance and movement down as far as holding the knife when grinding as well. That's causing trouble for me too
 
Get GOOD lighting around your grinder then get MORE.
Mark the edge and scribe a center line you can see and work off of. You can do this with dykem, sharpie, or even paint.

If you try some mild steel to practice with. It takes an honest effort and a lot of practice. If you can get any in person instruction it’s well worth it.
 
I say yes to a drill press.


As said above. Finish out your "failures".

Big knives just get smaller.

Aim for a full flat grind.

Make a file bevel jig.
It will help you keep things straight and go slower until you get where you want to go.
 
it sounds to me like you might really benefit from taking a real course. Knife making is an extremely niche cottage industry, which is a little ironic since knives are so damn ubiquitous. It is NOT FOR EVERYBODY! Even doing it as a hobby requires a special flame for it that very few people have. Taking a course may help you find out if you are one of that kind of person. Could be you're more of a collector, and may benefit more from buying other people's work instead of tools you may not really use to their potential...purely speculative, I don't know you at all so take it as me blowing it out my ass once again
 
Lorien said:
it sounds to me like you might really benefit from taking a real course. Knife making is an extremely niche cottage industry, which is a little ironic since knives are so damn ubiquitous. It is NOT FOR EVERYBODY! Even doing it as a hobby requires a special flame for it that very few people have. Taking a course may help you find out if you are one of that kind of person. Could be you're more of a collector, and may benefit more from buying other people's work instead of tools you may not really use to their potential...purely speculative, I don't know you at all so take it as me blowing it out my ass once again
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It's funny you say this, because I have actually legitimately asked myself that same question. Can I actually do this? Or do I just need to find something else and continue enjoying this as I already do? But I keep coming back to It over and over again. And I really honestly do see myself being able to do it and being extremely happy with it. Honestly since before I was even in my teens and was collecting, I thought it would be amazing to make blades. So I know it's there in me, just have to pursue it harder I believe. That's what it's coming down to, mentally.
 
Another bit of advice (you might know this already but I’m going to say it anyway) INVEST in high quality belts!!! I can not stress this enough! not only will you save money you will have a much better grinding experience.
 
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Bunker Hill Blades said:
Another bit of advice (you might know this already but I’m going to say it anyway) INVEST in high quality belts!!! I can not stress this enough! not only will you save money you will have a much better grinding experienc.
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Oh for sure, I actually got some ceramic belts from Red Label Abrasives for this 1x30! I was so impressed that they made them.
 
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