book for newbie knifemaker

M

moby_dog

Joined
Sep 2, 2006
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Can anyone recommend a book to help me get started making knives? I want to make a pair of fixed damascus knives as a gift for my younger brothers for becoming Eagle Scouts. That seems like the simplest design to start with. I plan on buying the damascus blanks and scales off ebay (unless someone wants to talk me out of that for some reason) But I have no idea how to grind a blade or how to attach the handle. What tools will I need for this? I have a bench grinder, band saw, dremel, drill press, bench sanders, etc but I don't know what wheels, bits, grits, etc to use for burlwood and damascus. I want to use Amboyna for the handles. If anyone has used this wood, can you tell me if it is hard to work with? Obviously I am completely ignorant on this subject but I'd like to make a nice gift for my brothers so any help is greatly appreciated.
 
I'm nearly as noob as you mate, but I have three books which I found most informative: "$50 knife shop" by Wayne Goddard, "Step-by-step knifemaking" by Boye, and "How to make knives" by Bob Loveless and Richard Barney. The last one is signed by both authors; might be worth a bit someday. :)

You should probably start with cheaper material, my first are 154CM though and they're fine so far (just about to heat treat). Hardest part was getting the holes in the right spot, a centre punch and drill press will solve that though.

Hope that helps some! ;)
 
I would recommend a kit knife for your level of expertise.They are available from the knife supply companies like Texas Knife supply,K&G, and Jantz. Daren Ralph makes very nice kit knives that do not require a lot of equipment or skill to make a treasured gift.
Stacy
Here is a good site, http://www.knifekits.com/
Damascus blades are an available option for many of these kits.
 
Welcome to the forums. Look down the this page just a bit, there's a thread started about knife making books.
 
I have several books and videos. Everyone of them has good information for the first timer, but to be honest, in not one single book, will you find information that is not available on the net. Practically anything to want to do can be found on several good knifemaking sites. Take a look at Dan Grey and Stacy Apelt's links for knifemakers. Tons of information. Not to mention all the good forums that exist. For a first timer though, I have to agree with Apelt, get yourself a kit and have fun.
 
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