Aspiring Bladesmith Questions: Bladesmithing, Woodcarving, Engraving, leathercrafting

[therue]

As a person who has never done much arts and crafts. The thought of making knives have never once crossed my mind in the past.
I was good at drawing when I was young, but never pursuit a career in Arts either.

Now thinking back- I've realized that the artisan part of me was always there; perhaps it exists in all of us. The idea of creating something tangible with your own two hands that can be appreciated by many and withstand the test of time.

Long story short, I'm absolutely mesmerized by some of the custom knives I've seen on the Internet. Unlike anything else, it encompasses many areas of studies. Bladesmithing itself aside, there's woodcarving, engraving, leather-crafting(am I missing anything else).

Do many Bladesmiths actually do everything by themselves? or do majority choose to hire others to create the leather sheath, the metal engraving/wood carving,etc?

Now, I know each discipline by itself requires a lifetime of mastery, but what I appreciate most is the fact that it exposes you to all these various aspects of arts that you perhaps wouldn't normally get exposed to in this day and age.

Are there anyone here who started out as a knife-maker and eventually focused more on woodcarving? on engraving?

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Currently, I live in an apartment so making knives is most likely out of the question. (having a forge to work with, steel dust indoor,etc)
I live on the 15th floor and do have a balcony, but having all the heavy equipment one would need cramped into a tiny balcony is probably quite difficult.

So with that in mind, I figured I wont let my current living situation stop me, but instead will try to use this time and focus on some of the other disciplines involved until I have a proper working space for knifemaking.

Does anyone know of any good resources on engraving? woodcarving? leathercrafting?

Are there anyone here with an extensive background and knowledge in Engraving or Woodcarving? especially when applied to knives.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The answer is ,Yes.


Many makers do all their own work. Others specialize on making a particular style ( folder, cut and shoot, or dagger) to a high quality and have the engraving done by a well known engraver. That adds value in most cases. One look at some of Bruce Bumps projects proves this.

There are many parts of knifemaking that are farmed out by most makers. Making damascus, heat treatment, engraving, custom phenolic handle material, stabilizing wood. The shaping and finishing is always done by the maker.

Many of us have extensive backgrounds in engraving and woodcarving. I myself have won awards international carving competitions, and have ben a custom goldsmith for 40 years. I use both these skills in making my knives.



As to your making knives, all you need is a small work table and a shoe box or two ( I like the 12X16" plastic storage bins with tops). Some files and sandpaper and an 8" piece of steel is the basic materials/tools list. A set of scales ( wood slats for handle) and a few other simple tools/supplies. A hand drill and a 3/16" bit pretty much fill out the list ( you don't even need these, as you can borrow a cordless drill to drill the two holes or visit a friends garage shop. Your balcony will be fine and there is no need for a forge or loud or heavy equipment. A pad of paper and a pencil is all that is needed to get started with planning a first knife.

Fill out your profile so we know a bit about you and where you live. that may help with access to some equipment.