File working and carving in steel

wolfeknives

wolfeknives

Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
482
Since my computer and I share a severe dislike for each other I do not spend much time on the internet, and have only recently discovered the Blade Forums.com. I found the discussions on file working , carving in steel and decoration in general of great interest, and would like to throw in some comments. Though I have used file working for many years, I realize that my methods are only one of the many ways to accomplish the same result, so here is the method that works for me. First I do all my design work on paper, I have not had much luck with letting the design “evolve” while working on the knife. I then transfer the design to the knife using a scriber. I only use carbide burs to provide a guide line for my files, since I don’t seem to be able to maintain truly smooth surfaces using burs. All my carving is accomplished with a file, many of which have been ground to include a safe edge. As much as possible I use straight needle files, often only the tip. From experience I know that I can polish any filed areas with a sanding stick and sand paper. All the decorative materials on my knives are hand fitted inlays, to a depth of approx. .070”. I never use overlays, since I feel they are a precarious method of installing decorations on a knife that will be regularly wiped with a cloth.
I would like to attach a photo of one of my latest knives showing file work I am currently experimenting with, but have no idea on how to accoplish this complicated task. I do have a web site ( www.wolfeknives.com), though sadly out of date it still has photographs of file worked knives.
Wolfgang Loerchner
Roger kindly posted the photo below. Thank you Roger!!
 
As I am reading this, I am thinking, "Yeah, sounds about right. A good knifemaker sharing his tips." Then I read the signature... :eek:

Wolfe, it is a privilege to welcome you to BladeForums. And you have really set the tone by 'giving' in your very first post. :) Don't think you can slip in here unnoticed... ;)

I think the guys in the Knifemakers section would find your tech conversations most helpful, but don't let that stop you from poking your head in this forum and saying 'howdy'! :D

Thanks again! We look forward to more talk and *really* look forward to photos. I'd be glad to help you through it, if you wish. Attach the photo and Email me with it. I will gladly post it for you.

Coop
 
Welcome to the Forums.
Your website is breathtaking.
Randy
 
When I saw that the topic was started by Wolfeknives... I thought, "No... it can't be THAT Wolfeknives..."

But then seeing the subject matter, I knew it must be the one and only!

You're one of my heroes Wolfgang! There are a myriad of knives on your site that simply make my head spin. You and Buster are the reason for me being infatuated with making daggers... :D

I'm very glad to see you post, and hope you stick around. Your input would be a cherished thing... :) :cool:
 
Here is Wolfe's knife. Prepare to exhaust your vocabulary of superlatives:

orig.jpg


Roger
 
Thanks Roger.

It would not matter which knife of Wolfe's that you posted it would be stunning to say the least, but this one even goes beyond that.
 
This image went right into my already-created 'Loerchner' folder for my images. It joins it's others in equal stature.

Thank you Wolfe! Congrats.

Coop
 
What a nice surprise so early in 2006. Hope you can drop in here as often as time permits. (don't want you spending too much time here that could be used to work on my dagger! ;) ;) ;) )

Hope we get to see lots of photos! Welcome, Wolfgang. :)
 
It sure is hard to find words to describe that knife. Magnificent, outstanding, superb and stunning just don't seem adequate.
 
(l. to r.) Canadian knifemakers Eric Elson, Peter Wile, and Wolfgang Loerchner. (in the background, black shirt, you can see renowned Quebec knife and sword maker , José de Braga)

92592201.jpg
 
I certainly plan on participating in the forum in the future, it is a fantastic platform for those of us who truly love knives. I am more than willing to share my knowledge with anyone who cares to listen, but there is surprisingly little to share. Since all my work is done with hand tools, the techniques have been around for many hundreds of years. The museums are stuffed full of amazing (and humbling) works completed with relatively basic tools. I am convinced that most knifemakers have the skill to create outstanding and lasting work. The only requirements are true passion for the craft, and the willingness to expend the time required to learn the basics of good design, form and function. It is then only a matter of taking the time to make sure that each piece is executed with patience and meticulous attention to detail. This of course can be difficult if you have to earn a living at the craft, but always pays off in the future. I would be pleased if some of the newer knifemakers used my work as a base, which I am certain is all that it is, and take it to a much higher level, hopefully in new and innovative directions.
I guess I am rambling, so enough of that.
Wolfgang
 
Wolfe,

Thanks for the comeback. Don't go away yet... ;)

I assume you are a full-time maker. If I may, two questions we'd love to know:

What type of work or artistry were you involved with that led you to knives?

Do you sketch your ideas with as much detail as they evolve into? Or, how do you go about creating your designs?

Coop
 
I have no formal arts training. When I first started making knives (hunters) I was not happy with my designs, they seemed clunky. To improve my designs I read all the art and commercial design books I could get my hands on, driving our librarian crazy in the process. I also spent great deal of time learning how to draw, including shading. It took some time, but I think I managed to develop some appreciation for proportions and line. Unfortunately I have no natural talent as an artist, only some acquired skills. That is why I think some of the younger knifemakers with real artistic talent should be able to do some great things.
I do prepare carefully detailed final drawings for each of my knives. It does take a lot of rough sketching before the design is finalized. I do some drawing every day, and have a number of completed designs. Due to the number of backorders, it sometimes takes a year or more before I can actually make some of the designs. For that reason I shade all my drawings to provide a photograph type immage. That helps me remember details in 3D when I finally get around to making the knife. The completed knives usually come out to within the thickness of a pencil line of the drawing.
The faint outlines of knives used in the background of my website are actually scanned immages of my finished drawings, to give you an idea of the detailing I usually include.
I have been a part time maker for the past 20 plus years, but always managed to spend at least 40 - 50 hours a week in my shop. I am working in the engineering department of a nuclear power plant, and will be going into retirement within the next two weeks - thank god!!! I will then fully dedicate myself to my knives.
Wolfgang
 
2 questions on commissions:
1) What is your back-order like these days?
2) How are custom orders dealt with? Do you work closely with the customer, or does the customer give you a general idea and then let you decide the details?

Thanks,

JD
 
Hi Wolfe,

Wow! Thanks for such a complete answer. It's a small window into the hard work and perseverence that producing these incredible knives takes.

'Acquired artistry skills only'? I'll reserve judgement on that... ;)

Best,

Coop
 
My orders are now backed up for several years, so I am making an attempt to keep new orders to an absolute minimum. I do try to have at least one knife for sale at the shows I attend. This gives me a chance to try some new work. But since I only work on these extra pieces in what should be my spare time, they dont always get done in time for the shows.
Usually the customer gives me some guidelines and I will then design the knife, hopefully meeting the collectors expectations. I always prepare sketches for approval before finalizing the designs. I find it difficult to work on knives that are not of my own design. Since my name will ultimately go on the finished piece I feel that it should reflect my vision and best workmanship.
I place all my orders on a list, and work my way down. Many of the collectors simply get their name put on the list and then decide on a design when their name comes up. This usually works out well for both of us, since my work is changing over time and it is always fun to work on a new idea.
Wolfgang
 
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