Beginner Knifemakers Tools: A list (cheap, good tools)

J

Jameswlepage

Joined
Dec 13, 2016
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I've made 4 knives now and I'm just putting out a list of my tools (and wishlist) for anyone hoping to get into the hobby. If you have any additions or suggestions please comment!

(Ordered Into Chronological Use, and linked for product photos and info.)

1. Angle grinder with cut off disk
Or
Bandsaw with bimetal blades

These are used to cut steel bar stock into knife blanks. I use the angle grinder because it's cheaper for me right now, but a good investment would be in the bandsaw. It would allow for perpendicular cuts and more precision.

2. 1 hp bench grinder
Or
Belt sander/work sharp/bench grinder belt sander attachment
Or
Files and a lot of time

These are for the profiling of the blade. I use the bench grinder and stone grinding wheel to take the bandsaw cut blank and grind it to resemble my knife template perfectly. The edges need to stay at a 90 degree angle during this stage, so a bench grinder is your best bet.

3. Belt sander
Or
Angle grinder with flap disk
Or
Files and jig

These tools are used for the rough shaping of the bevels. I use the files and jig method because I cannot afford a belt sander (like most beginners). The flap disk for the angle grinder will work and is the cheapest method, but it's really easy to mess up.

4. Crazy amounts of sandpaper

Sandpaper is for removing file groves from the knife and making it shine after heat treat and temper. I have an Amazon subscription for sandpaper, so Amazon automatically ships me sandpaper every two weeks.

5. Work sharp
Or
Knife stone
Or
Lansky 5 stone sharpening system

These are used to sharpen the knife. I use a knife stone because it's cheaper and gets great results, but the Lansky system is your best bet.

6. Misc.
Buffing wheel
Wire wheel
Template/layout paint
Calipers
Waterjet service
Heat treating service
Knife coating/painting service

As you can see I'm a big fan of the cheap, yet good grizzly tools. They usually are made of metal whereas other brands, like harbor freight, are made of plastic.

I hope this helps people and if anybody has any other suggestions, comment below.

James LePage
 
Post some picts of the 4 blades you made.
Picts of your work can show us where you are at in your knifemaking
 
about half you mention I don't see (much) use for.

How about a drillpress? Can't do without. Files, Dremel/foredom, a vice, good clamps....

Don't bother with lists, just go make something and buy what you end up needing (and can afford)
 
I have a sign that says,

We do three kinds of work here
Fast, Cheap, and Good
1) If it fast and cheap, it won't be good.
2) If it good and fast, it won't be cheap.
3) If its good and cheap, it won't be fast.

It a rare tool that is cheap and does a good job. Buy the tools you really need and get ones that will last. Knifemaking is a place where the old saying, "Buy once - Cry once." is very true.

The two most used tools will be a good drill press and a good belt grinder. Trying to use cheaper alternatives for these is almost always a waste of money. Save up until you can buy a reasonable quality unit.
Files and a stack of good sandpaper is the best way to get started in the meantime.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I have a sign that says,

We do three kinds of work here
Fast, Cheap, and Good
1) If it fast and cheap, it won't be good.
2) If it good and fast, it won't be cheap.
3) If its good and cheap, it won't be fast.

It a rare tool that is cheap and does a good job. Buy the tools you really need and get ones that will last. Knifemaking is a place where the old saying, "Buy once - Cry once." is very true.

The two most used tools will be a good drill press and a good belt grinder. Trying to use cheaper alternatives for these is almost always a waste of money. Save up until you can buy a reasonable quality unit.
Files and a stack of good sandpaper is the best way to get started in the meantime.
Click to expand...

Completely agree, I use a heirloom drill press from my grandfather and a jet 2" belt grinder (Best buy ever). I wrote this guide for people getting into knife making, because these are the tools that I've used. Definitely, they won't last over a couple thousand hours of abuse, but they aren't supposed to. There stepping stones into the hobby.

Best,

James


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