FAQs - Common Questions Asked by New Makers and Members.

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The following sections are Frequently Asked Questions that come up regularly.
See if you can find the answer to your questions here first.

If the question isn't here, try the Newbies - Good Info Here sticky -
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***

Another way to research a question is to use this search engine -
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra



Please do not post in this thread if it is unlocked. It is only unlocked for maintenance. Post FAQ suggestions in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/915945-FAQ-Sticky

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Basic Questions:

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/sh...Before-Posting

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.

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/sh...on-BladeForums

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Knife Making Questions

How Can I Make a Knife?
The simplest way to start is with hand tools and a simple knife shape. A small drop point hunter is a good size and shape for a first knife.
Here is a tutorial on the basic procedures and tools needed :
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

Additionally, there are many online tutorials on making a knife.
There are good books for getting started.
These are listed in the Newbies - Good Info here - sticky :
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/452465-***Newbies-Good-info-Here***

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

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Supplies and Services


Where can I get knife making supplies?
There are many knife supply companies. Look in the supplies section:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d-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 offered section in The Exchange
A search using the Bladeforums Search engine will find many HT threads where some of the folks here do HT.

You can send blades out for heat treating at $10 or $15 per blade for perfect results, and avoid buying the equipment.

This PDF brochure gives a good overview
http://www.buckknives.com/resources/...s_Brochure.pdf

http://www.petersheattreat.com/
http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/about_us.php
http://www.knifemaker.ca/ (Canadian)

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Miscellaneous Questions

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Safety

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Equipment and Shop Tools

What Equipment do I need
This is a big question. A file and a piece of steel will do the job for many. A $100,000 shop full of power tools isn't enough for some folks.
Read the Instructions in the "How To Make a Knife sticky" -
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

Here are some threads on the subject:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...t-is-needed-would-like-to-start-making-knives
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/370757-equipment-needed
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/744676-Blade-Forging-Equipment
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/912048-Need-help-getting-started/page2