Art Knife Resources

A

Augus7us

Joined
Oct 9, 2014
Messages
694
Hey Gang,

Having issues finding information on building art knives. While some techniques are likely created on the fly by the smith, others seem to be common. Some no doubt come from jeweler's, engraving and carving skillsets but some seem unique to knifemaking. Perhaps I'm wrong or missing something but that is why I'm tapping the forum's collective knowledge here.

In researching the subject something I have noticed that it differs from making user knives is the lack of information available on art knife construction. From books to forum threads I've found very little out there in comparison.

So for those that know, where can I look or what resources are out there on this subject? Thanks
 
Angus7us,

What is your goal and what attributes do you want to incorporate in your knives? This would help to point you in the right direction.
I believe you're only going to find fragmented bits of information out there when it comes to constructing art knives. The techniques and skills sets are quite varied. And, advanced techniques are, well, advanced. From my perspective, it's something that a maker builds upon a bit at a time.
My advice is to seek out people who have the skills you desire, even if it costs money. From my experience, it's money well spent. When I wanted to learn to make pattern-welded steel, I paid someone to teach me. I went back to him when I wanted to learn to forge better and we've been great friends for years now. When I wanted to learn metasmithing techniques, I took classes at the local college. Recently, I've connected with an experience metalsmith/goldsmith/jeweler who wanted to learn about steel and knifemaking. This symbiotic relationship has decreased the learning curve immensely and the cross flow of ideas makes my head spin.

Brett
 
There are videos on sculpting blades and handles, scrimshaw, fancy handles, damascus making, etc.

All the above are only part of the process. It still takes hand skills, finishing skills, special equipment ( usually), and the ability to envision an artistic shape and then reproduce that idea in steel and exotic materials.

The best source of ideas is looking online and in the "art knife" books or ideas.
 
About a year ago there was a lady posting here with information and pictures regarding really amazing art and unique mechanical detail that a maker she was connected to had made. I think he was from New York. I know this may seem vague (sorry my memory of this is a bit fuzzy), but I hope someone will remember what I am talking about and provide you a link. But this would just be some information on some knives by one maker tho, so not really a set resource for everything regarding art knives (not that there is such a thing). But when someone says "Art Knife" the folders of the gentleman I'm thinking of, are what pops into my head.
 
Thanks for the info guys.

Brett, metalsmithing was something I hadn't thought of and will certainly be looking into. It may answer some of the questions I have.

Mark Knapp's amazing wip thread in the customs forum is what spurned this on. I realized he was making something special and that we rarely if ever get to see a process like that start to finish. There were some pretty incredible and intuitive skills displayed in that thread.

A lot of what I don't understand are gem setting techniques, like how do you do that and engrave without screwing something up. Akin to shaping a handle after you've finished sanding the blade. Most of us tape something over the blade. How do you do that with so many intricate pieces to a decorative knife, without messing up work you've already completed. This may come with jewelers training, but I'm not sure.

The other piece that truly alludes me is what appears to be sculpted metal. Things like handles and bolsters that look like they were formed from clay. No doubt there are multiple ways to do this but what is preferred or efficient?

I know a lot of this demands time and experience, but I also like to know how one starts down this path. These great craftsman started somewhere and learned from some source. I'm trying to find what path that is.

I was looking at some of Coop's photos and came across this as one of many fine examples he has shot. So much going on here and so many techniques and skills employed. Amazing. Coop I hope you don't mind me linking this here, please let me know and I will edit it out.

orig.jpg


I know this is done by Curt Erikson and the late Buster Warenski's amazing wife Julie. But I like to set the bar high ;) Truly a masterpiece in knifemaking!
 
You didn't say if you are at present involved with making knives. If you already have artistic abilities, then of course the involvement in knife making would lead you into this area. I say area because of the immense number of methods that can be used. If you can't make a knife, in short, you aren't going to be making art knives without being able to make knives and being able to make knives is no guarantee you will be able to make art knives.
Frank
 
Hi Frank, I am in to art and have a fairly well stocked bladesmithing shop. Just looking for advice and guidance on how folks learn to create these amazing blades as I'm very interested in pursuing this side of the business. Some of the knives I've seen just seem to be made by folks using tools and techniques from another planet!
 
This topic touches on exactly what I love about knifemaking, there's always something more to learn. I have made it my goal to train with or take a class from another maker/artisan at least once a year for as long as I make knives. There is no reason to ever get bored in knifemaking.

Bob
 
Exactly Bob, this is an amazing field with so many ways to go and so many things one can learn and do. There really seems to be no limit on how far you can take bladesmithing if you are motivated to do so!
 
I read his entire "My knives" thread Rhino. His gun knives and gold rush series were amazing and definitely left an impression on me.
 
To learn many skills that relate to embellishment, stone setting, etc., take an engraving class from GRS. They hold several a year at the Moran School of Bladesmithing that are geared toward knives.

No skill will be more useful ( or profitable) than being a good engraver.
 
 
Well then, from what You have written I believe you should just "go for it". What I mean by that if you haven't read over the stickies at the top of the page; read postings by new members in this forum; and perhaps the most exciting part is to get some steel a grinding machine some other needed supplies and go to it! It seems to me you sure have the fever and the need to do.
I've been at this over 40 years and am drawn into doing more. You will find that once you are up and started there will be lots of help here because the questions you ask will be more specific.
My best to you and welcome !
Frank
It doesn't matter how its made or what its made of but only how good it is when finished.
 
Hey Frank, thanks for the response. I'm certainly no expert but I do have a grinder and all the tools necessary to grind and forge blades and about 100lbs of Aldo steel, thanks to the help from the folks here and elsewhere in the world of bladesmithing. Fine group of folks. So I'm keeping at it, one mistake at a time!

Tim those links are great, I saw Mark's on how to finish burl, but the others were new to me. I especially like the first link on how to make a hollow goucho handle. Great stuff!

Stacy I looked into the GRS class, it doesn't look like they offer it at the Moran Bladesmithing school unless its every few years or something. I will email Vicky when I think I'm ready to take the leap. If not GRS had some great courses that appear to be what I was looking for.

Thanks all, your responses have been very enlightening and combined with a few books I ordered this week from David Darom I think I am well on my way!
 
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