Do any bladesmiths actually answer questions in here?

Cobalt

Cobalt

Platinum Member
Joined
Dec 23, 1998
Messages
17,539
I look in this site at questions that have been asked which appear to be simple, and I have asked them myself, but the only answers I see are by other members who are trying to help, but not by any knife makers.

I have even tried to help others in here, and I don't even know what I'm doing. So:

DOES ANY BLADE SMITH ACTUALLY COME INTO THIS SITE TO HELP ANSWER QUESTIONS? Or are my and many other's questions so moronic, that they don't deserve any answering?
 
Cobalt
Darrel answered a question I had last month in a day or it might have been even less time.
Bob
 
Thre are quite a few replies from makers in this forum. There are no moronic questions that I've seen here, if you don't know, ask. I'm a maker and I've asked and answered questions when I could. Don't give up on knifemaking or looking for help, someone will answer your questions.
Tom
 

Dennis,
To be perfectly honest with you, by the pure definition of the word, I am not a bladesmith, JUST a knifemaker, and part time at that. Most of the time folks use the term bladesmith and knifemaker interchangeably. A bladesmith is usually referred to as someone that forges. Sorry, I just do stock removal. I am one that truly endears himself to the craft and I am constantly in pursuit of bettering each and every blade I grind. If there is anything that I may be able help folks out with, I will. If I don't know, then I may ask additional questions for my own benefit. For example, I had no idea what 3V was until Ed Schott mentioned it.

I do see quite a few posts by knifemakers on this forum. Quite a few of the knifemakers I know are part time makers. Maybe this would be an interesting poll; how many full time makers are out there? Are these the bladesmiths you are referring to?

CLWilkins

[This message has been edited by C L Wilkins (edited 27 April 1999).]
 
CL, I'm refering to knife makers like yourself. Sorry for the confusion on my part. I probably over reacted on this post. But I had what I thought was a simple question for any knife maker and barely got answered. Maybe the answers provided were the only options> But it seems to me that there should have been more.
 
I do sometimes
smile.gif


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Chris, I saw your answer and thanks, but it's more than that. When I scan through postings and run across a question that I know the answer to or have an opinion that may help, I respond. In fact, when I see someone post a review of a knife, and notice that no one responds to it, I always go in and make a comment on it, just to show that someone is reading and appreciates the time another spends to write in a review. This is just being polite.

I'll list just a few from other forumites in the recent past that they took the time to ask and never got answered on the postings. Maybe they were emailed, but then that defeats the purpose of this board. Maybe I'm being harsh, but right now I feel that I would get more results in the general forum than in here and I bet that I would.

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Im working on a new design in ATS-34 (se it on my page in the "Log" under "Ongoing Projekts"). Which grade of finish is needed before beadblasting. Is the beadblasting the final step? I dont want the handle beadblasted so should I just cover it with tape? How about the back of the knife, if i cover the handle, the finish will change from the handle to the blade.

I just got back from my shop where I`ve been grinding away all morning. I tried some true slack belt grinding today and I`m pretty pleased with it so far. I`ve used the area above the platten already but never removed it entirely before. The only problem is that I find it hard to get crisp edges on the grinds. The blades tend to look as if they`ve been buffed a little too much even before I get to the buffer. Any suggestions? I`ve been putting the platten back in to do the crisper lines. The piece I was working on today for example has a false edge I wanted to be fairly distinct. The primary edge is a convex saber grind. Although I like how a true convex grind cuts I`ve been putting a fine secondary edge on them to make them easier to sharpen. It seems to work pretty well but I`m not sure it`s the best way to go. Would a conventional flat grind be better? Also I`m curious to hear others` thoughts on a convex chisel grind. It seems to me it would beef up the edge on chisel ground blades that have a very fine edge due to the acute angle of the grind. Any merit to this? I`m thinking of using it on the credit card knives I`m making since they`re very thin (1/16"). Marcus

Greetings all. I' ve recently received a knife back from a checkering service and had a nice job done on its micarta scales. I' m curious to know if checkering or texturing can be done on G10. I' ve seen some newer BM folders with a nice textured surface and am wondering how that was achieved. But my primary inquiry goes to the checkering. Any ideas?

Does anyone know of a knifemaker that lives around Etna California? I have a friend that is just starting into knife making, 20 years in the US Army and just retired as Chief of Police of Etna. I live on the opposite side of the US from him and it sure is hard trying to help him out long distance. He has a shop, he's a gunsmith, and has a new Bader, lathe, milling machine and polishing equipment and most everything he might need except someone to point him in the right direction. I know he would appreciate some help. Thanks
Tom

I have quite a few old but serviceable and, in some cases, collectable knives that are lazy. They don't have that same SNAP that the young ones do. Some of these I acquired this way, others just seem sticky and some BreakFree helped those a bunch. In several cases the knife is virtually unused. It sat in a drawer or stash somewhere and everyhting about it is minty except there's no there there. It doesn't close completely or the lockup is imprecise so I've gotta "help" it.
So short of taking them completely apart and bending the springs or making new springs from scratch, what can I do to improve the "walk and talk" of these puppies. I've cleaned them up and lubed them which helped some but not enough.

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know anything about the quality/availability of 3M diamond sharpening stones. I saw them advertised at the Japanese Woodworker site, but they had very little info, and I don't think they discount very much. Anything, but esp a comparison with eze-lap or DMT would be great.
Aaron

I was curious as to which CAD Software is used the most by other Makers who use it? I've been working with Microstation 95 and Cadintosh plus Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw 7.0.
I find the real CAD programs are REALLY hard to use and the illustration software is hard to get over into a suitable format to drive a machine.

Any help, tips experiences would be appreciated.

I have been pondering the purchase of a Kershaw Ti handles knife and have a question: Is there anyone out there that could refinish the blade to erase the big 'TI ATS34' I know that the knife is...it doesn't need to remind me. I was even pondering getting something engraved on it(mabye in Akkadian).
Aaron

And of course my question: "I have a knife with a smooth paper micarta handle that is really to slick for me. I want to give it the nice texture look without ruining the the Micarta. The handle cannot be removed. What might be the best way to go about this. "

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Sorry for my rantings and ravings but I had to get it off my chest.

Case Closed. This was not meant as a dig to anyone and if I am incorrect sorry. And to all who help out, thanks.
 
Cobalt I have had posts that have not been answered. In fact my wife and I got to the point that we started joking about it ( why do it no one is going to answer you anyway). And when I get somebody to answer me she will say " you mean some body is willing to answer you", then one of her other comments when no one replys is "once you have spoken there is nothing left to be said" for some reason I am not too sure that I believe that one, cause when I tell her to do something all she does is back talk me, hahaha. I better go she is trying to read what I am writing OOPS.

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Cobalt
Sure there are knifemakers here but sometimes we are unsure as how complicated to get in answering a request, call it a reluctance to appear to be showing off.

It would be of assistance in formulating an answer if you let us know what equipment you have available to you. My response was formulated for an individual with a completed knife on his hands who wanted to improve the grip without adversely affecting the appearance too much. Sandblasting and scrubbing with sandpaper will improve the grip but will ruin the appearance in my
opinion.

Perhaps you could ask specifically for input from makers.



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george
 
Chris, that was funny.

George, the scenario you mentioned is exactly my case on the other thread. I see many well done micarta handles that are not smooth polished and look good. Can it be done using home tools. I obviously do not have access to a bead blaster.
 
Cobalt
I do a LOT of black paper micarta handles (see April issue of KI page 91&92)and am very familiar with the material. When it is roughed up either with sandpaper or bead blasting it is not very atractive although, I must admit, the grip is enhanced. The one problem with the rough surface is the tendancy to pick up dirt or wear unevenly crreating spots that are shinier than others.

The technique used by Jose DeBraga was is effect a poor man's checkering using the indentations of the Dremmel tool's ball ended bit to provide grip exactly where required while not affecting the surface finish overall. The texture can be precisely placed like you see with checkering. You mentioned that you have someone who does checkering for you so that is an option as well.

Some of the textured finishes you mention seeing on micarta were more likely done on canvas micarta which takes to this very well because of it's layered construction and raggier finish when bead blasted. Paper micarta exhibits none of the layering that the canvas does when it is blasted.

I hope that you have some luck with this one.



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george
 
Cobalt: I AM a knifemaker, and I answer questions here all the time. I don't answer all of them, but I try to answer the ones where I have good input. Some of the questions simply aren't of iterest to me (brutal honesty), so I leave them alone.

RJ Martin
 
RJ, I guess that's the difference between us, if I see a question were I can provide some help, even if it's not of interest to me, I'll provide as much help as I can, it's in my nature, you won't. That's the brutal truth. No problem there, since you are definitelly not the only one.

For example, on another forum someone asked were to buy a Buckmaster which is not in production anymore. The regular knife places do not have them. So I did some searching and came up with a source. Yes, it took a little time, but someone benefitted from it. This person will inturn participate more in here because he feels part of the group since someone did help and maybe even get into buying more knives and eventually become a knife nut. All because I took a little time to help out. When someone asks for help and no one answers, this person eventually will think that this forum sucks and that it's only for regulars to help regulars and that is not the case.

And that my friends is the BRUTAL TRUTH

But I do want to thank all who do have input and put up with even dumb questions from all of us who are not experts in every aspect of knives.
 
Cobalt, I agree with RJ. Think of it this way. I spend 12-14 hours a day making knives and sometimes the last thing I want is to have to use what little brain I have left to answer knife questions. I never mind an e-mail or phone call, and you know that. If there was a forum for what most of the guys do for a living, would they spend their "quality" time on it? I think not.

I enjoy ready the responses of all the people. Alot of imagination out there. My way of doing stuff wouldn't work for the majority of "beginners", and I've been doing it so long I wouldn't remember how I did it back then.

With the Blade and Knifemakers Guild Shows coming, my responses will be less and less, and that's the brutal truth <G>.

 
I'm one of those examples whose question wasn't answered that you refered to. I was looking for a maker near Etna CA for an old friend that needed some one on one help. Nobody answered. Guess what? I actually survived the unanswered question. What I took the lack of response to mean was that there wasn't anyone near there. I see where you have had 870 or so posts. That sure is a lot of posts or questions. Maybe some of us don't answer some of your questions because you have a knack of turning them into a crusade. I'm a knifemaker and after a day in the shop I kind of feel like Carson does at times, tired.
Tom
 
Cobalt: I understand your frustration. I didn't say, but, I am only a part time knifemaker. I work 8+ hours a day at my regular job, have 2 kids, a (very tolerant) wife, a dog, and, I take Karate lessons 3 nights a week just to stay sane!
Running a part time business is really tough!! I spend the first 30 minutes when I get home answering people's questions about MY knives-both on the Internet and by phone. Then, there are the brochures to send out, etc, etc, etc.
Please don't interpret this as whining-I love it! But, the reality is, I just don't have that much time to spend, and, I owe my time to the customers and dealers who are patiently waiting for knives I havn't made yet.
Also, when I do answer a question, I put considerable effort into it, as accuracy and clarity are important to me.
If only there were 30 hours in a day!
BTW, you can always email me!

RJ Martin
 
This forum is set up for all to answer questions. Hell man I dont know everything .
When I can I throw in stuff but its just a process I do. My job here is to moderate. I will be glad to answer what I can from time to time . Theres the blade show coming and its a big show with lots of deliveries.
IF you cant get an answer email me Ill try to answer .
There are many other good folks here that can answer questions as Kit said.
WHen your working 16 hours a day sometimes its just to much.
I have been tardy in the last few weeks.. SORRY
Some questions I dont have experience with also... so I let them set.


We need to write the magic book of knife making...

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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
Take a look!!!




 
RJ, Carson, Darrel, I understand your point and I agree with those last statements. But, RJ, that is not the way you came across first. If you stated that you do not have the time and can only answer some of the questions that is completely understandable. Kit, I definitely was not thinking of you in this discussion since I know your schedule and I also know that you will answer questions over the phone or em.

Tom, I have a lot of posts, but most of them are having normal discussions or answering were I can, and of course some questions. I am quite active in this forum, there is no doubt as to that. I enjoy being here and reading all the information that others provide and arguments that may have an affect on me. In fact, even though I'm an ME by trade and do know quite a bit about materials strengths, etc. I have learned a good deal more than I knew before I came to this forum. As for me turning everything into a crusade, I doubt that's true and that should not scare off anyone since this is all just writting and I have never resorted to insults to anyone. Tom, I know you answer quite a few questions and I thank you for this.
 
Cobalt, ease up. This is an open forum last time I checked. That means you don't have to answer questions unless you want to. Most of the guys who are bona fide, full-time knifemakers don't have the time to get into lengthy answers/conversions about everything they see here (despite all of the easy- street fantasies out there, it is a TOUGH way to make a living). Others may not be interested or knowledgable in the specific topic at hand. Some questions are too specific (CNC software) for a real discussion, and some are too open ended for a reasonably short answer. Also, when I see someone asking about a consumer report on a specific knife sharpener, I wonder if they know that this forum's topic is bladesmithing (not, maintenance, sharpening, etc.).

I have learned a lot from this forum, and am elated that it is available. But, I still have to seek out other sources of information (books, face to face, hammer-ins, etc.) and pay some serious dues in the shop to grow and learn as a bladesmith. In other words, this forum isn't going to make or break my knifemaking aspirations. If someone doesn't answer my question, I guess I'll ask somebody else. No big deal.
 
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