Best Advice for all just starting to make knives

B

BARRY JONES

Joined
Oct 2, 1999
Messages
834
This is the BEST advice that I can give. This also applies for Everyone Else.

NEVER let anyone (no matter who they are) tell you that you CAN'T do or make something just because you don't have a lot of machinery. I once had a gym teacher that told me "CAN'T died yesterday". I firmly believe in what he said. YOU should too.

The picture below is for ALL of the people who told me that I wouldn't be able to make good folders without a lathe & milling machine.
View




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Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
Barry:

Nice job. I want to make a folder so bad, I can taste it. I will I am sure make one sooner or later. Keep up the good work.

Marcel

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Outstanding Barry!!! Those folders are beautiful! I'm with Marcel, I can't wait to start making folders that snap when ya open and close em! Heyyy, uhhhh,, Barry,, how far from Mary Esther, Fl. do you live???? Lol!

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
I make them everyday with no mill whatsoever
or lathe or dust collecting systme either
this is some of my work if you want to look http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/tbark/da2.JPG
Duel Action Auto satin finished to 800 hand rubbed with Titanium liners and Bolsters & sheephorn

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TbarK Custom Knives http://vip.hpnc.com/~tbark Therefore I erge you brother's in view of God's Mercy to offer your body's as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship Romans 12-1

[This message has been edited by tbark (edited 02-05-2000).]
 
As for you other Guy's JUST DO IT if you need help and looking for what you need to get started on look here If I aint got it posted up in here you Dont need it
this is my shop with all my expencive folder makin equip http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Forest/6055
there are some pattern's and pictures of actual knives I desighned and build before I put them togather if you cant find your answers here Post a message in my gustbook I will try to answer any questons you may have

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TbarK Custom Knives http://vip.hpnc.com/~tbark Therefore I erge you brother's in view of God's Mercy to offer your body's as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship Romans 12-1

[This message has been edited by tbark (edited 02-05-2000).]
 
Barry,
Nice work! I agree with you about not needing a Mill or Lathe to make folders! I made a rather nice Slip joint last year without either. BUT........
MY FEELING is that to be competitive with pricing and lead times, a good solid mill with DRO is a must! My long team goal is to get into folders, as a full time machinist, I'm not going to do it until I have a Bridgport in the shop!
At the Show here in Lakeland last weekend I watched Reece Weiland take apart one of his DA Hawkbills. This further fueled my feelings on this subject!!
Neil

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LiteWaves and Hawkbills in stock!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
BARRY,
Those are beautifully done knives. How about posting some more information on just how you did them. Also your prices too
biggrin.gif


Rick
 
Barry, Great knives! Thats a good solid design, that looks nice and should be very user friendly. Some newer production knives try and go for such a fancy look that you can't figure out how to hold them.
I'm trying to make folders without all the fancy equipment too. I don't really like linerlocks though so I'm trying lockbacks. Its easier for me to try and file out the lug than cutout a liner since I don't have a metal cutting bandsaw yet. Thats a lot harder to do than it sounds though. I finally had one that worked and the bar was to thin to put a pin through so I'm starting over. Its a lot of trial and error, but if your interested in making folders you should go for it. The worst thing that will happen is you'll make a few mistakes and learn a lot.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Hello,

Hey BARRY ,,,,nice looking Knives,,,,,dont let anyone tell ya different,,as long as they Work, and function and lock up and lay right in the Frame,then go for it with the machines you have.

Remember that the big name makers who always
Bragg up having to use expensive machines usally cant make knives any other way.
Its the old,,,,the machine makes up for the lack of Skill senario.

Keep up the good work .

Take care,,,,,,Allen Blade

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Allen Blade
Spokane,WA USA

" It is Always Better to learn The RIGHT Way, Than to Continue Doing it WRONG "

My Custom Knives :
http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/meadows/1770/allenblade.html
 

One piece of advice I got from J.D. Smith was: "Stop looking at other knives for your inspiration on your knives". I now have a whole different way of looking at architecture(sp?) nature, etc.

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KSwinamer
 
So many makers, both beginning and seasoned have asked me how to be "successful." It is a blend of art and science. It is not enough to make a functional piece, or a fancy piece, or a combination of both. You must develop your own "style." I had a fella tell me I was successful because I have gem handles or intricate filework, or accurate etching. I insist it is because I do it myself, making a seamless blend of artistic concept throughout the production. Glean what you can from other's works, but do not repeat them.
 
it's true, you need to stop looking at other makers knives for inspiration, if you really want to invent your own style. after a while you'll find your self making a lot of knives with the same features. i just invented this wicked camp knife, got bored one day and decided to draw it up.
 
Hey Guys!
Thanks for all your kind words. They are greatly appreciated.

pawnbroker - Don't wait, start now. Even if your fist folder doesn't turn out right you will learn from it and correct on the next one.

L6 - You are welcome in my shop anytime. I'm right on the border of VA & NC.

Tom - Thanks! I think I know what you mean.

tbark - That is what I mean. You shouldn't let it intimidate you. Trying and failing is better than not trying at all.

Dr. Lathe - I couldn't agree more.

RA - I think I will post the details (how I made them) sepparately.

Matt - I have made lockbacks too. I find the linerlock easier to make.

Allen - Couldn't have said it better.

Kisu, Jay, & magnum - You can get IDEAS from other makers, but don't rely on their work alone. Make it YOURS.

My whole reason for posting this thread was to let the new makers know that you don't absolutely have to have all that machinery in
order to make something. Sometimes old fashioned determination will get you where you want to go.

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Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
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