First knife... Done or wip?

C

CarnyJ

Joined
Aug 8, 2016
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3
I finally registered but I guess I still have limited privileges and can't post in the makers forum or post pics.

I just finished my first knife. I made it from an old file. Now that it's done and I've taken more time to examine it there are more flaws than I originally knew about. Most of it could be fixed if I go back through the annealing process and spend a little more time on it.

What are your thoughts on spending more time working towards perfection on this one vs just starting another? I know that's even harder to answer without pics.

My son helped me a little, mostly watched since he's 4, and I would like it to be his some day.

So, what do you think? Thanks!
 
The first attempt at anything should bring your flaws to your attention. That fact that you realize those "flaws" is a good thing, and that is how we learn from our own mistakes.

Start a new knife and try not to make the same mistakes, then start a third, then a fourth, etc...

If you see a pattern and you are making the same mistakes repeatedly, then it's time to take a step back and reflect on what you're doing wrong.

You'll get there, just have patience:thumbup:
 
CarnyJ said:
My son helped me a little, mostly watched since he's 4, and I would like it to be his some day.

So, what do you think? Thanks!
Click to expand...

You probably don't want to give him your first one. More than likely, you'll want him to have your LAST one...the quality will be 300% better than your first.
Of course, he'll love any of them. My son keeps every one I give him, although they certainly are NOT handmade knives. I don't have the skills or the patience.
 
Most firsts are worked on till you are happy with the result. As your skills grow, your level of what makes you happy will grow too. Keep your first so you know where you started :)
 
I think you should post some pictures of your work. There are stickys on how to post them.
 
I would do 2 things.....definitely keep the first blade made. You'll be able to show where you began.
Second.....listen to the 4 year old to cut down on the mistakes!!
Good luck!
Joe
 
I thought I didn't have permission to post photos yet but now I see I just can't have any attachments.

Knife by Justin, on Flickr

Knife by Justin, on Flickr

Knife by Justin, on Flickr

Knife by Justin, on Flickr

The main two things that are really bothering me are the curve in the cutting edge and the fact that the grind is not symmetrical.

Fixing those two will take care of the majority of the rest (that I see anyway) such as some of the scratches and uneven grind lines.

I was also originally planning to put some scales on it and I guess I may still do that if I get this to where I want it. If not I'll just leave the handle as is because its actually fairly comfortable.

Thanks for all the replies so far!
 
And if you see any other areas that need improvement let me know! I want honest feedback!
 
It would help to know what tools you are using. A belt grinder, files,drill press? Etc. What i see in the pics is a good 1st attempt that practice will improve, be it on this blade or a new one.
 
I would try to fix it , that what I do ( my issues are usually from not being able to polish out marks on the blade )
 
My $.02 is as follows -

Leave it. It's a good first attempt but it also that line in the sand to be referenced as you keep going forward.
 
I'm pretty new also. I'd go with what Jake just said. Move right along. The next one will have flaws too. My experience is that each has flaws but I try to focus on a different aspect on each knife so the flaws are different but the skill set grows and grows and so does the collection of tools.
 
I have the feeling it's going to bother you until you fix it.

Anneal it, and I suggest using files to work on fixing the bevel, and the ricasso.

The choil/ricasso (that part at the bottom end of the edge, there) is tough to keep in order, and that's coming from Bob Loveless!

I use files to set my bevels. It's slow, nerve-wracking work, but it's (almost) impossible to screw up.

Some things can only be fixed by time, sweat, and sore thumbs.
 
This was my first and last knife made. Made it from a Nicholson file several years ago. Most of my time was correcting the initial mistakes--did it all by hand. I believe you should maximize the potential of your knife before you move on! Yours looks great though, nice start!



 
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