Beginner Questions - my first post and story.

J

JMDesigns

Joined
Sep 1, 2009
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I have been interested in making knives since I was a kid, and have given it a couple of half hearted attempts. I went back to school a couple of years ago to obtain a degree in industrial design (still in progress) and began amassing a number of tools to use in learning composites molding/mold making. Also I discovered a large number of my sketchbooks from 15 years ago, and many of them contain some designs that were very different at the time, but are very commonplace and popular today.

Long story short - I have a couple of few damascus steel blanks that I've collected over the years, and I ordered up a slew of CCC Balis (to harvest for parts and experiment on) as well as a couple of Bali kits. My main interest lies in balisongs, combat folders, and throwers.

I even found an old sketch (1996) of an idea for a thrust bearing loaded balisong that is very similar in design to Balibalistic's IKBS system. Although I ordered all my knives and kits a few days back it wasn't until yesterday that I joined the forums here and started reading of Balibalistic's methods and learning path.

I was surprised to find that many of the re-fit kit sketches I did the other day were nearly identical to some of his Typhoon-"shorties". Hopefully he won't think I'm copying his designs - it just kind of happened that way. LOL

SO that is pretty much it.

The equipment I have is as follows:

Delta 10" Bandsaw
Delta 6" Belt/ 9" Disc Sander
Delta 12" Bench Drill Press w/ Laser Guidance
Delta Table Saw
(yes, it was a Delta sale at Lowes)
Dremel Variable Speed Jigsaw
Dremel Rototool Kit
DeWalt Chopsaw
Cheap Chinese Stand Grinder

So by way of just kind of building a shop to do my homework in, it seems that I've put together a fairly capable shop. I plan on picking up some sanding drums and a mandrel for the drill press, and other than that I'm wondering what else I will need. For now I am just going to refit kits and CCC's (some of which are pretty nice now). But I also plan on starting a complete custom in a few weeks.

Now for the noob questions -

Will my Delta belt sander (6") be adequate, and what kind of belts will I need?
I've been reading a lot of threads on steels for stock removal method, but which is best for a beginner?
I don't have a torch, but can get a cheapie for heat treatment - what else will I need?
Where can I find good videos of somebody making a knife start to finish using stock removal technique?
Does anybody make blanks/blades for Balis that would be willing to help me get started on proper technique?

I live near Denver, CO so if there are any makers in the area that would let me come by and watch them work on the belt, or handles, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance for your help and advice. I trolled a lot of forums before I decided to land here for my journey. From what I have read in various threads here it seems like a great place to spend my time.
 
Welcome to the forums. I have an ID degree from NCSU. It has served me very well. If you'll pay attention to the mold making stuff and learn about the capabilities and limitation of different manufacturing practices you'll be ahead of the game.

A lot of your questions have been asked and answered many times. I suggest you start with the stickies at the top of the page and use Google to search this forum and you will find a lot of good answers. Once you have more specific questions I'd be happy to spend some time to answer them in more detail. But here is a start:

"Will my Delta belt sander (6") be adequate, and what kind of belts will I need?"
Better than nothing, but you will have better control on a more appropriate grinder. A heavy 2HP 2X72 with an SFM range between 1000-5000 works the best for most knife makers. I used a stone wheel for a while, though I wouldn't recommend it.

"I've been reading a lot of threads on steels for stock removal method, but which is best for a beginner?"
I like A2, but that doesn't mean much...

"I don't have a torch, but can get a cheapie for heat treatment - what else will I need?"
You probably won't get a good HT with a torch except for very simple steel such as 1084. More complex steel benefits from a good forge setup and a lot of experience or a HT oven. I have a high end industrial oven and I still frequently send my stuff out to Paul Bos.
 
The most important tool IMHO is a quality 2x72 belt grinder if you're any kind of
serious about knifemaking. The initial price isn't that much considering what can
be done with them. Theres a reason most everyone eventually gets 2x72.
Ken.
 
I'm just starting out. I wanted to do it as cheaply as possible, but after using a buddy's 2x72 I knew that my decision to start building a 2x72 was a good one.

the no weld grinder instructions from usaknifemaker (tracy mickley from this forum) have been used by many to make good quality, kmg-style grinders for fairly cheap. My total cost will be around $800 with a new motor, all metal needed for all tool arms, contact wheels for flat platen, slack belt and a regular 8" contact wheel. I could've done it for less with a used motor and not all of the attachments. the nice thing is that you can buy things as you go along, no need for everything at once.

research one-brick forge and google 'son of two brick forge' to see the forge I am gonna use.

a member here who goes by jtknives made a set of videos for some website online, they are on youtube. they go through all the steps of knifemaking. They are very good, he even has some hosted on his website. google jt custom knives or PM him here to find his website and watch those videos.

any other questions, feel free to PM or email me. I'm a little further along than you so I can probably answer most questions and also let you know what I am deciding to do.
 
Welcome to BF! You'll probably get by with the 6" grinder for your first couple knives but, as mentioned if you are serious about it you will want to upgrade. Tools: files (needle files too), a vise, good drill bits, tons of sandpaper, a good grinder, and you will either want to make a forge or send out for HT. You won't likely get a good HT with a torch and that's the most important part of the knife. Check out the stickies and just read around here... so much information it's crazy. I'm still a newb but, I've learned a ton since I joined here. Good luck!
 
LOL I've been up all night reading every thread that looked informative. I should get some sleep now - I have knives coming tomorrow! (Hopefully) Thank you all for your initial comments! I am sure I will have many more questions in the weeks to come. The first time I attempted to get into knife making the internet was in its infancy (and quite useless at that), and my local library only had one book on it!

My very first Bali, and first knife I bought myself, was a Benchmade polished stainless - I don't remember the number, and although I bought it new and kept it spotless, it was victim of the same flaw every Balisong has. They are easily stolen, and highly sought after :( Alas I didn't own it long.

I have a nice little assortment on the way to me in the next couple of days - A Bradley Kimura (made by Kershaw - my favorite production knives), a Typhoon & Tsunami kit from Knifekits.com, and a few cheepo ccc's (good steel though - I checked) including the contoversial M-Tech Twist.

The ccc's have a date with my torx-drivers for some nice Ti hardware refits (by way of my extensive RC car parts collection ;) ) and one is getting a fresh set of Curly Koa inserts from a chunk I picked up in Hawaii on my honeymoon. Going to use them to practice some parkerizing, stonetumbling, and other finishing techniques, as well as some file work. I might even have a go at jeweling the liners with my drill press.

I always found that the fastest way to learn something is to completely immerse yourself and tackle a lot of little things at once - drawing bits of knowledge in as you move from step to step. I hope I'm right this time - my wife might get pissed of if I end up grinding half a dozen knives down to little painted nubs.

Nah, but she would get to laugh at my expense.
 
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