Another new guy...Updated with first knife pics

josh81

josh81

Joined
Jan 11, 2016
Messages
435
So I just got done reading a thread started by someone asking for advice. He ended up being completely disrespectful and not willing to learn from anyone. I really hope you experienced guys don't take that to heart and realize there are people genuinely interested in learning and have the utmost respect for all your knowledge and willingness to help out. I was going to wait a little longer to post but that thread sort of pushed me over the edge I guess. I feel like I should post a little info about myself before asking for help so here goes.
I'm 34, married, 3 kids, lots of experience with tools, some experience with welding and metal work, hobby reclaimed furniture maker, and kind of an all around jack of all trades. I live in oregon but really don't know of any makers in my area. My knife experience is pretty minimal. I thought I would just buy some blanks and put handles on them and be happy. I was wrong lol. I kinda feel like an imposter. I've read books and everything I can online. I've ordered some 1095 and I'm in the process of building a file jig. I feel like I should start with files just to really get a feel for the whole process. I was hoping to get a little advice on my designs so far. I thought drawing a knife would be easy but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed trying to get the flow I'm looking for. Sorry for the long post and thanks for any advice you guys are willing to share.
Here's a couple pictures of handles I've done just for fun.
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I've also done a few fixed blades but don't have pictures. Finally here are the drawings in question. Thanks!
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I plan on sending everything out for heat treating. I don't have the equipment or the knowledge. If I'm able to scratch out some decent blades I'd rather the heat treat was done properly. Maybe sometime down the road though. Thanks for the compliment on the handles. I'm a long ways from most of the people on here but each one seems to get a little better.
 
Dang it looks like you are off to an excellent start! Those handles you have done look really good! I like your designs as well. One think I would change is to put some curve into the spine of all of your blades. Right now they are really straight, from the butt up until they start curving towards the tip. If you could make that a nice arc, then I think they would look even better.
 
Tkrocky said:
Dang it looks like you are off to an excellent start! Those handles you have done look really good! I like your designs as well. One think I would change is to put some curve into the spine of all of your blades. Right now they are really straight, from the butt up until they start curving towards the tip. If you could make that a nice arc, then I think they would look even better.
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Thanks! That's funny because when I first started sketching they all had a nice arc. When I actually drew them to scale I straightened them out for some reason lol. I'll draw them up again with some more arc.
 
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That's how I got startd out, putting handles on blanks. Got bored with that real quick!

Good luck with your knife making adventure. You'll be hooked in no time.
 
Ya I enjoy it but I hate explaining to people that I only do the handles when they talk about the knife I "made". I will feel much more fulfilled when I can take credit for the entire knife.
 
I ordered 1/8 inch 1095. Will that even be thick enough stock for the styles I'm drawing up? Probably should have thought about that first I guess.
 
Welcome to Shop Talk.
Fill out your profile so we know a bit about you and where you are.
 
Your on the right track, that's exactly how I started and after making 3 knives with just files I decided a grinder was in order, then its really just down hill from there...lol...more money and more tools. Keep us posted.
 
Hey Josh, welcome. There's a lot of good people here that are always willing to help. Looks like your off to a good start on your first few.

Todd
 
Steel showed up today and I've spent some time tweaking my designs. I'm not real thrilled with the top one but I can't really put my finger on it. I think I only ordered enough stock for two anyway. I think 2 and 3 are better? Thanks for your help!
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Here's a couple more folder scales I did over the weekend. A friend wanted a knife for each of her sons first knives. I thought it was so cool she asked me that I couldn't charge her lol. Lighter colored one is myrtlewood and I learned that is not my favorite wood to work with.
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Just my $.02, but looking at your designs I see a couple things right off the bat:
1) Straight Lines
I can't say that you should NEVER have a straight line on a knife, but generally, I'll personally try to avoid them. This goes especially for handles and spines, but even more specifically, the end of the handle scales by the ricasso. 2) Similar to straight lines, you should try to avoid any acute angles (except edges and blade tips of course) where you can. The first handle, for instance has a very sharp point on your handle scale where the index finger would be. Not only will you likely find this uncomfortable as you really start to use the knife in different positions, but there's not much material there, and it's likely to end up breaking off should you ever drop or hit the knife. Natural handle materials can be extra brittle, and you want to give yourself a little insurance here.

Other than those minor details, the designs look fairy function. Welcome to shoptalk, and this addiction called knife making!
 
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