FAQ sticky

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Oct 10, 2011

Lots of good suggestions.

One thing I would like to restate is that a FAQ is not a tutorial list or a book on knifemaking....
It is a Frequently Asked Question folder. The question should be very basic, and the answer should be short and reasonably universal.

A type of question that is constantly asked is:
FAQ - Can I make a knife from a file/circular saw blade/HD steel?
FAQ - Where can I buy knife steel?
FAQ - What equipment is needed to make a knife?

These questions are informational, and have fairly short and definitive answers, and there are many BF threads that can be linked where the topic is covered.
As Joe Friday said....Just the FAQs ,Ma'am. ( actually, he never said that famous quote)

So, a FAQ that would be useful for a newbie might be:
FAQ - Can I make a knife from a file/circular saw blade/Home Depot steel?

And the answer might be:
While some files can be made into knives, it is best to start with a piece of known content steel. See the FAQ on ordering steel.

Saw blades are usually not good steel for knives.

The steel at Home Depot/hardware stores is mild steel and will not make a knife. You need steel with a carbon content of .60% to 1.00% to make a knife.

Here are some threads on these subjects:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...ht=newbie+here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...ht=newbie+here
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...ht=file+knives

or

FAQ - How do you search Bladeforums?....................Answer - http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=01...:qfobr3dlcra

However, questions like:
Q - How do I cut out a knife shape?
Q - How do I make a knife from a file?
Q - How are handles put on a knife?
Q - How do you hollow grind a knife blade?
Q - How can I start a knife business?

are tutorial type questions that are too broad for a FAQ. There may be several very different answers to the question.
If you chaps will do the work and track down the threads and links to tutorials, I will put as many of these type questions in the "How To LINKS" sticky. By all means, keep posting them here so I can move them to my FAQ/LINKS file and get it all organized. I have many of these in my folders and can add some info to your suggested topics.

An exception would be:
FAQ - How can I make a knife without a lot of money and equipment?
Answer; - Knifemaking can get very expensive, but some really great knives have been made with nothing but determination, a piece of good steel, a file, some sandpaper, and a few tools found in most peoples garage. Here is a detailed basic guide to making a first knife:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

I hope that helps you guys find Q and A for the FAQ folder.
Also, be aware that this isn't going to be up and running tomorrow..... It will take some time to get it organized and vetted.

Thanks for the suggestions so far...keep them coming.

DanCo · Oct 10, 2011

Stacy,
This may have been brought up, however I feel that this might help. When I first got the bug I didn't know all the terms knifemakers use. Maybe a glossary of terms would be a good thing and give newbies an idea of what to be searching for. I know that when I am talking to people about knives they always stop me and ask what one term means and the such. I realize that most things we discuss are readily known by those in the field but a newcomer may not be aware of the terms yet. If its a bad idea I'm sorry but just my thoughts.
Dan

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Oct 10, 2011

A glossary is in the list of things. I agree, it will help a lot.

fast14riot · Oct 10, 2011

I think if it were an illustrated glossary of terms with the common names for features from different parts of the world would be best. Straightrazorplace.com has a very well done one if you want to look for reference.

-Xander

Railrider1920 · Oct 12, 2011

Hey Stacy,
Here is some stuff for the FAQ page. Hopefully you can use some of it. Feel free to reword, delete it or how ever you see fit. I'll try and do more later,
Rob

Edit here I am a newbie as well. The descriptions I put there below the bold words is pretty much just me winging it. If anyone cares to reword it, fix it or change it completely, I'll edit this post to include the change so that it will be easier for Stacy to find in one spot if he chooses to use it.

Not sure if we could link to these to use them or not, but here are links to:
a glossary:
http://www.knivestown.com/ktown/glossary.asp
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/research/knife_definitions.php

Knife terminology and anatomy (by Jay Fisher):
http://www.jayfisher.com/Knife_Anatomy_Parts_Names_Definitions.htm

How do I get started?
Research, research and a lot more research. Read all the stickies at the top of the page. Then read them some more. Do some searches here on BF for things like newbie, how do I.... or whatever you can think of. Read all the replies. Even the ones that don't apply to what you were looking for. I'm sure you will probably find some great useful info, probably stuff you may not have even thought of searching for.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ng-into-knife-making?highlight=making+handles
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/876569-Geting-Started?highlight=what+tools+need

Where do I go to get some good steel for making a knife?
You can go to several different companies to buy a good piece of steel for knife making. One company you can go to is NJsteelbarron.com The owner, Aldo Bruno, is a knife maker himself. IMO, buying steel from him is sort of like supporting a "hometown" store. Some of the other places to get steel from are texas knife supply, Jantz, USAK, K&G, Niagra, Pop's. Google them with knife supply and they should show up.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ng-into-knife-making?highlight=making+handles
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-you-buy-your-steel?highlight=what+tools+need

Found steel, railroad spikes, good knife material?
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/833592-found-materials
Recycled steel for a knife?
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/805194-Recycled-steel-for-a-stock-removal-parang...

Can I make a knife out of an old or new file?
Yes, it can be done. If you want to try this out, get a good file, maybe a Simmons or Nicholson file.
In my opinion, this is an excellent video series of a gentleman here on BF that makes knives out of files.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/831081-My-new-knifemaking-series...

How do I remove the scale from a forged blade?
It can be soaked in muratic acid (concrete cleaner) for a short amount of time. A cheaper and safer way to do it would be to soak it in vinegar.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/827515-removing-scale-from-forged-knife

What does WIP stand for?
It stands for "work in progress". A maker will take pictures of sketches, prototypes, cutting steel, shaping the steel all the way up to finishing up the blade. Basically a knife from start to finish. Here is a good example:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Wheeler-s-Steel-*-Stuck-in-the-metal-with-you

How do I make a handle for my knife? How can I avoid making them blocky looking?
The short answer is to attach some wood or other material to the tang of the blade using epoxy and hardware. Shape it to fit your hand so it is comfortable. To do this, use some wood files, sand paper. A good WIP for scales is:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/724315-Scales-WIP
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...aded...BLOCKY-HANDLE!?highlight=blocky+handle

What kind of tools will I need to start making knives?
First you will need some steel and a way to cut it. It can be cut using a metal cutting band saw, hand held hack saw, an angle grinder with a metal cutting blade in it. There are others as well. After that you will need a way to put an edge on it and soften up the sharp edges made by cutting it. One can do this by using a hand held grinder, bench grinder, a belt sander or files. Other tools can be used as well. Holes will probably be needed to be made in the tang to attach handle. Probably the best way to do this is to use a drill press and clamp.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/876569-Geting-Started?highlight=what+tools+need
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...t-up-kit-500-budget?highlight=what+tools+need
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-and-another-light)?highlight=what+tools+need
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/858676-Starting-tools?highlight=what+tools+need
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...p-with-least-tools!?highlight=what+tools+need
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...s-tool-should-I-get?highlight=what+tools+need

Edit Here:
Stacy, could you possibly change the layout of the main page? Maybe make the first two lines into one so that it stands out more? Maybe something like this:

unky_gumbi · Oct 12, 2011

How about:
Where can I find a tutorial on __________?

It is a question I see and ask myself here often. If you were to reorganize the newbies sticky into individual post for each topic, such as Steel, HT, Tutorials, and so on, a simple link would bring them to that post. Right now the newbies sticky bounces all over the place in a single post, everything is there, but that long unorganized post is a little hard for me to find just what i am looking for. I know I am sort of a special case, but I am sure there are others out there with the same problem as myself.

Just a thought, BTW I love the idea of a FAQ with quick a to the point answers, and adding a link to an existing thread with more information would kick butt:thumbup:

Railrider1920 · Oct 16, 2011

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Oct 16, 2011

Thanks, that is a bunch more to add.
On anvils I would re-word that something like this:

ANVILS - What should I use/where can I get one?

An anvil is a tool to pound on. Everything from rocks on up has been used at one time or another.
The way an anvil works is to resist the energy from the hammer and thus allow the hammer blow to be transfered to the work ( hot steel). The larger the anvil and the better quality the steel, the more it resists absorption of the energy. You can test an anvil by dropping a ball bearing on it from 12" and seeing how high the bearing bounces back. This is called rebound. Some anvils have a high rate of rebound and others have very bad rebound. Gently striking the anvil with a 2-3# hammer will also tell you how good the rebound is.

There are plenty of things you can use as an anvil. A piece of rail road track, a big piece of metal left over from a job at a machine shop or even something from the local scrap yard. As with other tools, you just might get what you pay for. You can find an anvil at harbor freight for $50-$60. But it isn't very good because it's cast iron. It doesn't have good rebound. It can be used, but you might be better off with a piece of rail road track. A good starter size is around 70-100 pounds. There is little need to a knife maker for an anvil larger than 200 pounds, but if one comes your way at a good price, by all means scoop it up.
Mount your anvil on a solid base. A 15-18" slice of a tree trunk or a screwed and glued stack of 2X12s will work nicely.

Blacksmith suppliers and some knife making suppliers sell new anvils.
The trader papers and ebay have many used ones. Find one within driving distance, as shipping can be more that the price of the anvil.
Junk/scrap yards get them ,but they don't sit around for long. Leave your name and number with the scarp yard folks and have them call you when one comes in.
Check out the rural areas near you, and ask around places like the hardware store, auto repair, and tractor supply. They often know where one is. Put a note on the bulletin board at the country grocery and any other place that has a public board.
Place an ad in the local papers or trades under "Wanted to Buy - Good Used Anvil for a poor Blacksmith"
Let the local auction houses know that you are looking,too. Antique shops often have some for sale, but they can be ridiculously priced...don't be afraid to make a lower offer. Any price from $1.00 per pound to $3.00 per pound is the normal range depending on the maker and condition. The same places you find anvils are also good places to find post vises, tongs, forges and blowers, and other anvil related tools.
Lastly, whenever blacksmiths get together, they tailgate. It is not uncommon at all to have twenty or more anvils for sale at a blacksmithing event. Find the local blacksmith group and attend their next gathering. Let folks know that you are interested in getting a starter anvil.
If you go to a blacksmith event, take lots of cash ( they rarely take any other payment) - You will be amazed at the stuff for sale for pennies on the dollar.

Idea - While scrounging the rural areas,and attending blacksmith vents - keep an eye out for old wrought iron wheel rims.

12345678910 · Oct 16, 2011

bladsmth said:
Place an ad in the local papers or trades under "Wanted to Buy - ANVILS"
.

It's a minor point, but I would make that ad

"Wanted to Buy - Usable Blacksmithing ANVIL"

With the "S" , you may be a dealer looking to make your fortune buying and selling exploiting peoples treasured heirlooms.

With the other, you are a poor sap looking to carry on the practice of you local farming and heritage roots.
Knowing that you will keep their dead relatives tools alive and working is sometimes more important than cash.

But bring cash & don't hesitate, good anvils sell out fast.

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Oct 17, 2011

Yes, I noticed that, and thought the same about sounding like a dealer. I changed it.

12345678910 · Oct 20, 2011

The terms that relate to buying steel

Cold rolled
cold rolled annealed
hot rolled
hot rolled annealed
precision ground
Blanchard ground

and the abbreviations for them
CRA, CR, HR, HRA, PG, BG

what scale is, which material has it, which doesn't , which is straight, relative cost
how to remove scale -vinegar, diluted HCL or muriatic acid

makers mark
basic ways
laser, metal stamp, electro etch
basics, pro/con costs -point to more info about them

how to pick your mark
actual person names being preferred over symbols or "town/valley/mountain/creek/animal forge", readable, simple and internet searchable, logos can go on shirts and websites.

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Jan 13, 2012

OK, I have figured a way to make a FAQ sticky.
What I want is for the people who KNOW the proper advise and who KNOW the most common questions to post FAQs and the basic answer on this thread. Also post links to previous threads or sites with the answers and info. I will review the posts, and move them to the sticky as soon as possible. If your post is changed to MOVED TO STICKY, then it is there now. Some posts will be left as they may be too specific or too broad.
Try and make the questions in the WWWWH form.
I will make the post segments of the sticky in related areas.

Now, before this becomes the Encyclopedia of Bladesmithing, what we want is FAQs....not every question that a person could possibly ask. Below are some examples of FAQs:
How can I search Bladeforums?
Use this search engine:
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

How can I make a knife from a file?
A file is not the best thing to make a knife from, but if you want to give it a try:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/907667-How-to-Make-a-Knife-From-a-File

What is the best starter steel
The simplest carbon steel to start with is 1084. For a stainless starter steel, 440C or CPM154 are good choices.
Here is a good read on how things work inside the steel:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/673173-Working-the-three-steel-types

How do I harden my knife
The type of steel will determine the Heat Treatment method:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...etta-Stone-of-Metallurgy-Lots-of-HT-info-here

Where can I get knife making supplies
There are many knife supply companies. Look in the supplies section:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***

Where can I get a knife heat treated
There are professional services, and several knife supplies companies do HT. Also, several of the folks on Bladeforums will do a HT for you:
Look in the services section
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***

How can I post photos
You must be a paying member to post images using Bladeforums server, but any member can pst an image by a link to a hosting site:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...AL-Displaying-your-photographs-on-BladeForums

When will my new membership level start working
You need to go to your user CP ( profile) and go to the My Settings. Then select Permission Groups, and select the new group.

What are the rules on Bladeforums
The rules are set up by Spark, and the Moderators try and keep them enforced.
You must be 13 or older to be on Bladeforums - It is the Law!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/448144-Forum-Rules-Read-Before-Posting

Ok, lets see some FAQ suggestions.
(FAQ ideas are OK,too, even if you don't have the answers.)

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith · Jan 13, 2012

Some ideas to get the links and info on:
What size anvil?
Suppliers?
Equipment to get started?
Basic Safety

Lots more ideas in the first thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/888679-FAQ-sticky

12345678910 · Jan 13, 2012

encouragement to fill out a profile

FAQ sticky

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

DanCo

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

fast14riot

Railrider1920

unky_gumbi

Railrider1920

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

12345678910

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

12345678910

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR

12345678910