Finally, my two first knives! Thank you everyone!

Alain M-D

Alain M-D

Joined
Jan 20, 2002
Messages
237
I finally took some pictures of my two first knives!

After 1 year of assiduous reading (books, magazines and forums) and
several fingers burned, scratched, sanded and cuted, I produced my first
knives...

I want to thank all those which answered my questions and with all those
which take part so generously in this forum!

These two knives were make with a small homemade 1" x 42" belt
grinder and, especially, with much patience...

Alain Miville-Deschênes
alainmd@videotron.ca

AMD1.jpg


My first knife specifications:

Blade steel: O-1
Blade length: 3"
Total length: 6.25"
Handle: Blackwood
Pins: Stainless steel
Grind: Hollow
Hardness: 60-61 Rockwells, selective heat treat


AMD3.jpg


AMD4.jpg


My second knife specifications:

Blade steel: O-1
Blade length: 2.75"
Total length: 5.5"
Handle: Cocobolo
Pins: Brass
Bolster: Brass
Grind: Hollow
Hardness: 60-61 Rockwells, selective heat treat
Case: Brasilian Mahogany
 
Those are great. The second looks like a real nice paring knife to me. Well done! Home made grinder too.

Roger
 
Wow investing a year paid off. Those are beautiful. Also the pictures themselves - you must also be a photographer.

Those knives are really something! I'd like to have that first one on my desk. And of course a desk nice enough to go with it.

Steve
 
Nice knives! It looks like the fit and finish is right on. Keep up the great work!
 
Wowsers Alain, you did an excellent job on those two knives!!!
I love the top one, the design and styling, outstanding!!!
 
If my first knives would have looked like that, I would be president by now! Wonderful job and great presentation. Terry
 
Alain,
Great looking knives!:D
Very nice craftsmanship, I'd like to see the grinder you built also.
Regards,
Greg
 
Very nice work,clean crisp grinds,very nice overall
you time was well spent.Keep up the good work.
I also would like to see your homemade grinder
 
Those are terrific knives especially for the first ones. Keep it up and see where it leads you. Nice work!!
 
Thank you with all for the compliments and encouragements...

It is interesting to be able to show its work with people be expert in knifemaking and who know the quantity of work that that represents... It is also awkward after all that I saw here!

The beginnings in knifemaking are pretty difficult and discouraging (especially that I do not speak much English...) a chance that you are there to help the beginners! This help is priceless, thank you again!

Here two images of my small belt grinder that I built before making my first knives. I intend to put on my Web site some detailed images and the plans (CAD) which I have make to build it (I will post the address when my site will be finish, soon I hope)

It is built with scrap wood (MDF) some metal and aluminium pieces. The contact wheel is a lawn mower wheel (I removed the grooves) and I used an old baldor dc motor+controller. Practically all is are is recycling part ! All was built with a drill press, jigsaw and hacksaw.

Since this time (this summer) I bought a Coote grinder, but I still use this small grinder verry frequently! (handle shaping, slack belt grinding and sharpening)

I hope that these images can inspire other people!
In my turn to help the other beginners... ;-)

Alain M-D

grinder1.jpg

grinder2.jpg
 
You, are a mover my friend ;)

It's apparent from the two knives and the belt-grinder that you are very determined and do what it takes to move on with your desires.

Like Mike and Bruce said...even without the notion of these being your first two knives...they look great! Lean and clean...something you don't often find on MANY makers knives, especially the first ones.

Thanks for sharing the fruit of your hard work :D
Nick
 
Those blades would have been impressive even if they hadn't been your first efforts.

You are obviously a gifted craftsman, and I like your sense of design and style. Very crisp, very clean, very functional.

Keep 'em coming.:)
 
Alain, That grinder is a work of art in itself. It even has variable speed? I wonder what you could make if you bought high tech parts instead of recycled parts.
 
Very nice craftsmanship on both the knives and the grinder construction!! You are proof that a curious mind and active imagination are the most important tools to bring to a job.

(edited to add) BTW those are extremely nice photos, especially of the second knife. The wood display case looks very pleasing to the eye and appears to be as well made as the knives.
 
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