First Knives

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Just a short post making an observation that in the past 12 month I have noticed a HUGE improvement in first knives.

Maybe it is because the makers have read more, and have better info available. Maybe it is because of the sharing spirit of places like Bladeforums.
Whatever the cause, the quality and shape of these knives is really impressive. I have seen thousands of first knives over the years and most ( including mine) were blocky, poorly shaper, and many are just plain weird looking. Many looked like they would fall apart in use or break in half at the first hard cut.
Not these blades today. On the whole, they are sleek, properly shaped, ergonomic, and well made.

Kudos to all the new makers who are studying the craft before making their knives, and kudos to you chaps for offering help and encouragement.
 
Agreed 100%. I've picked up an enormous amount if what I know of the craft from this place. Bladeforums is an incredible resource to aspiring makers and old pros alike.
 
This place is the go to.I made my first before coming here and there is no way I would post it online , anywhere.I have been thinking more and more about paying the Knife Maker fee just because I learn so much here. I would like to say THANKS to all the Experienced Makers for sharing.
Eddie
 
Everything I've learned about making a knife is from this forum and the generous people like yourself who are willing to share their knowledge with others. I think you and other makers here should be proud of what others are able to accomplish because of the generous spirit of these forums. Thank you!
 
I was thinking the exact same thing the other day. There is just such a wealth of information to be had here that there really are only two reasons to make a shank; impatience and immaturity. If you want to get it done for the sake of getting it done then that's fine by me but the results speak for themselves. If you want to make a nice knife then read this forum, search older posts and then ask questions. 95% of what I know (which still doesn't amount to much) I've learned right here. I still don't know how you guys did it pre-Internet.
 
You are just blocking out the memory of all the lawn mower blades with 2x4 handles posted last year...lol

Many of the new knives posted as "First", i actually would not be surprised if they were not really ...first knives posted vs. first knife made.

A lot of good new makers are coming up that is for certain.
 
Between BF and Youtube .. wonderful mediums of information for those of us who have been recently bitten by the knife making bug. NO way I could have progressed so far so quickly without both. Reading books are wonderful for those who can grasp hand crafting that way - but some of use need to SEE something done in order to learn from it. Practical vs Lecturing. I tried approaching a few knifemakers in my area - trying to give them money to tutor me .. *crickets* ... smh.

HUGE Thank you to everyone here who HAS shared their talents, information, and 'how-to's'. To those who have snubbed me and other rookies (you know who you are) .. GFY.
 
The statements above say it all. This place really lowers the curve as does youtube. I learned so much reading the forums that I would have never thought to pay attention to. Things like a crisp plunge line, smooth round handle, even grind line, and keeping things centered. it's a great place

Edit>>>One other thing to concider would be age. I am 46 and if I had tried to make the same knives I have recently made 10-20 years ago,even with the forum, there would have been a much diffrent outcome. Im sure/hope when I am 56 my skill level will have improved from where it is today.
 
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Ive been making "knives"since I was a teenager .Looking back , I can see that they fall into two categories ,pre -bladeforums crap and post - bladeforums KNIVES ! In the one year since I made a resolution to take myself seriously and joined bladeforums , the quality of what I do has increased EXPONENTIALLY !
 
I have much respect for this forum and it's intelligent knife makers. If it was not for this forum I would be way behind the curve. I've been a member for just about a year now. I've read tons of archive post and new post. I did so much research on this forum before I touched any type of steel to a grinder. In fact I had a grinder for months before I felt like I learned enough to use it. I recently purchased a knifemaker subscription to do my part in helping the forum and in hope in the near future I might be able to sell some of my knives. That being said I by no means am a full fledge professional knife maker, but I might of found the right path via this forum. I also have seen lots of new makers recently producing wonderful looking knives. Which I feel makes all new makers step there game up to stay relevant. I haven't finished any of my knives yet but when I do I hope a fall into this category of "new makers".

Thanks again to all forum members who post their knowledge for all to utilize in there strive for perfection!!
Christopher H.
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It's true. I remember posting pics of my first knife years ago and being proud of it. I really think equipment plays a big role in it along with everything else mentioned. Back in the day when a Coote (at least to me) was the pinnacle of machinery it was different. Now the grinders seem to be much more flexible, and everyone using them shares their experience.

It really takes no more convincing than to pick up a book like The $50 Knife Shop and have a read. To be sure, there is still good information in it, but even the writers knives are not in the same ballpark as the new knives being shown.

Even my own meager work has improved by an enormous margin. Seeing the work you guys do makes me feel like I NEED to up my game, even if the knife is only for myself.
 
And don't think it only applies to new makers. I ( and others ,I'm sure) have picked up many improvements from being on Bladeforums.
 
Bladeforums has been the biggest asset in my knifemaking progression. I made my first 10 blades or so before getting the advice/tutorials/WIPs here. I have developed a lot of skills over this past year.

My first knives:

8481919207_1ef89bd6a5_c.jpg


1 year anniversary knives (after about 35 or so):

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Thank you all for the advice and taking time to share your knowledge.

Warren
 
Ya, I wouldn't be able to make knives at all without the help of you badasses, and that's a fact jack . To Bladesmth and all of you, thanks so much...
 
man i am not sure you are not talking about me. but i appreciate it. however, i am only about 50% done on my first knife. still LOTS of work and finishing to do, but without the forum and all the reading i have done, this thing would be a glorified paint-can opener.

many thanks to those who have lent a few thoughts and advice.

 
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