Essential tools for starting knife making/bladesmithing?

K

knifemakernoob

Joined
May 25, 2023
Messages
2
So I'm looking to get some kit, but have limited funds at first.

What would you say are the first few essential tools for setting up a small scale production (hobbiest at first, till I'm happy with quality consistently)

I've have a read of these posts:

https://bladesmithingtools.co.uk/essential-beginner-tools-for-knife-makers/

and

https://castmasterelite.com/essential-tools-for-beginner-bladesmiths/

But it seems a lot. Do I really need a 2x72 knife grinder for example? Or could I work with an angle grinder and still get GOOD result?

Any advice really appreciated :)
 
The first item listed in your first link is a bench grinder. I can't remember the last time I used one.
The lowest entry to stock removal would be a work bench, a vise, drill press, hacksaw, files, sandpaper. Assuming you send it out for heat treatment.
 
Lorien said:
will power and desire are the most effective tools. With that, you can make knives with just files, a hacksaw and sandpaper
Click to expand...

Richard338 said:
The first item listed in your first link is a bench grinder. I can't remember the last time I used one.
The lowest entry to stock removal would be a work bench, a vise, drill press, hacksaw, files, sandpaper. Assuming you send it out for heat treatment.
Click to expand...

Thanks both!
I did wonder about bench grinder, seems not needed but I thought maybe I was missing something. Do you think using an angle grinder is okay? And for heat treating, if I wanted to do it at home, could I maybe use oxy to harden/quench, and a normal oven to temper? Or is that not really good enough? This post seems to say I COULD temper in a normal oven (https://bladesmithingtools.co.uk/bladesmithing-tools/heat-treatment-tools-for-knife-making/) but I'm not sure I believe the site/article? Is it possible?

Thanks!
 
Some people use an angle grinder for some things, more common with forging. Not essential for a minimal set up. It's unlikely to yield nice bevels if that's what you're thinking.
Yes, you can temper in an ordinary oven if the temp range matches what is needed. There are lots of old threads on this that are worth searching up. People add thermometers, extra mass, etc.
 
I use an angle grinder mostly with a cutoff wheel to cut out blanks or remove material I'd rather not grind, when the portable band saw can't reach or is more of a hassle. A guy who's proficient with an angle grinder can do incredible things.

making things is less about having all the tools and more about learning to use the tools available at any given time, often in increasingly creative ways
 
knifemakernoob said:
Thanks both!
I did wonder about bench grinder, seems not needed but I thought maybe I was missing something. Do you think using an angle grinder is okay? And for heat treating, if I wanted to do it at home, could I maybe use oxy to harden/quench, and a normal oven to temper? Or is that not really good enough? This post seems to say I COULD temper in a normal oven (https://bladesmithingtools.co.uk/bladesmithing-tools/heat-treatment-tools-for-knife-making/) but I'm not sure I believe the site/article? Is it possible?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
You can absolutely temper in a normal oven. I'm currently using a toaster oven in the shop since my wife doesn't like me firing up the kitchen oven in the summer.

Heat treating can be done with a torch but really would recommend a propane or coal forge. You'll have much better control over temperature and more consistent heating over the length of the blade.

I do use a bench grinder for a few tasks, such as cleaning rough edges on metal after cutting. I also have used one side of it for buffing but I've been doing that less and less. I could do both things on other tools.
 
Welcome Knifemakernoob.
First thing is to fill out your profile. It helps people give better answers and allows nearby smiths to offer help, supplies, and even older equipment.

Starting simple is the wisest way. Files, sandpaper (lots of it), a few hand tools, some clamps, and a couple bars of steel.
A high-tension hacksaw and quality Lenox blades is also a good way o cut out your blade blanks.
Unless you will do all work by hand, get a good respirator (at least half face) to keep grinding dust out of your lungs.
Yu will want some way to sharpen the hardened blades. A set of DMT diamond plates is a good but a yard sale whetstone will work in the beginning.

Don't even think towards selling knives when learning. Make them for fun and to learn how to make a quality knife. Eventually you may grow to a level where you will sell them, but don't make that the goal.

Plan the entire process before starting to buy tools and supplies. You need to understand all aspects of knifemaking. Think about where you will get your supplies. How you will cut out and shape the blade. When to stop filing and sanding before HT. How will you do the HT, or who will you get to do HT.

One final thing that you need to decide, especially if funds are limited, is how much you want to invest in this hobby. It can run several thousand pounds to set up a basic shop with power equipment. Enen a basic kit of hand tools and supplies can run a couple hundred pounds. In most cases there are no good cheap alternatives for steel and tools. Finding a maker near you to help you learn and start on his equipment is a great idea if possible.

Most of all - have fun.

Cheers - Stacy
 
Sorry for the double post, but noticed this question:

knifemakernoob said:
But it seems a lot. Do I really need a 2x72 knife grinder for example? Or could I work with an angle grinder and still get GOOD result?
Click to expand...

I don't know what your finances are like but a 2x72 is a big investment. I'm using an $80 1x30 Wen belt grinder until I can afford a 2x72. It takes patience to use but you can get good results and the skills you learn will apply to the larger grinder too.
 
Making a knife is easy...take material, remove everything that doesn't look like a knife. Doing it well takes practice. It's not necessarily about the tools you use, that just makes the removal of material go quicker.

I started with files, sandpaper and a hacksaw (and power drill). Then moved to a 2x42 Craftsman from Sears. After several years I bought the 2x72. Guess what I still use often....files, sandpaper and hacksaw!
 
One thing I knew when going into it but never knew the full extent of is….how much money I have thrown away making (but learning) from my mistakes. I’m sure it’s in the thousands of dollars but maybe I’m just a slower learner than some.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top