Beginner seeking advice

[gakhead]

Hey,
New to the forum and to knife making.
Done about 5 stock removal blades so far and am going to take a course on forging and grinding. I was asked if I want to learn how to make hunting knives or kitchen knives on this course.
Firstly, is one better than the other to get the basics of knife making really honed, and secondly, what are peoples thoughts on learning one over the other from a day to day knife-smith's point of view?

Thanks in advance for the insights!!

 

[M. Johnwell]

First off, welcome to the forum! There are going to be lots of guys that can answer your questions better than I can, but I'll do my best. From a learning standpoint, I feel that kitchen knives may be a bit more difficult to make due to the fact that they are very thin behind the edge and are generally quite long if you're talking about a chef's knife. It's quite difficult to keep the same thickness behind the edge when dealing with long, thin ground knives. However, by learning one, you will probably be able to make either. From a making point of view, I like making hunting and edc knives more than kitchen knives, but it's more of a personal preference thing than anything. Hopefully, someone who has taken the course can chime in and give you first hand feedback.

 

[Busto]

Welcome...........MJ makes a good point about personal preference....are you an outdoor enthusiast or do you like preparing food where a good kitchen knife is essential? This should influence the path to choose. Either path will teach you the skills to make a great knife and you should be able to transition to the other design easily. Best of Luck

Mike

 

[BKT]

Agree with all of the above. Which are you passionate about?

I do think kitchen knives are more difficult. The skills you learn for each will be different. One is not better than the other, just different.

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

I agree with everyone above. Maybe start with short, thick blades (comparatively) then double your market and learn to make kitchen knives!