First time bumbler seeks knife kit...

Velitrius

Velitrius

Joined
Mar 3, 2000
Messages
4,798
Hello all,

I have never before made a knife, but this year I thought I could make each of my 3 brothers a hunting knife. (Don't ask me why, I just like knives and thought this would be a good way to give a gift with a personal touch.)

My problem is sheer ineptitude. PhilL says if you make something idiot proof, someone will make a better idiot, and he's right: I am living proof. Thus, I am looking for an idea on a good kit knife that would be easy enough to finish and still yield a decent finished product. I see many ads on the net and in magazines but I figure it is probably best to ask some of you for direction before blundering off on my own into uncharted territory.

Any recommendations you all could offer up would be greatly appreciated. If this is a topic that comes up all too often, I'm sorry to throw it at you again, but this is the best source I know.

Thanx for listenin.
 
I know exactly what you are thinking. I was there over Christmas break. Now I have finished 3 blades and am going to attempt folders over my easter break. I get the kits from Jantz, but there are some good ones from Texas Knifemakers supply and K&G supply. Start with a simple, flat tang blade w/o guard or bolster. All you do is drill the handle material, shape it out roughly, epoxy it to the blade and put the pins thru the handle at the same time. It's not quite that simple, but it is pretty easy. I started off with t he razor edge boot knife from jantz and am very pleased with how it came out. I like the micarta over the dymondwood, though. Good luck and enjoy the knife making bug!
 
I can't thank you enough for the info and the links, I sure appreciate it.

Do I really have to provide pictures? That might just be a deal breaker. Might have to make the boys gaff hooks instead.
smile.gif


I'll be back probably with a question or two.

Rob, that is beautiful work. Thanx for the link to your site.
 
Don't worry--you can do it! I was horribly inept in shop class years ago (made a bread box for my mother that could have been mistaken for a crooked and hastily assembled bomb shelter). But after doing a kit blade a few months ago, I was pleasantly suprised. When you are limited to the most basic hand tools it keeps you from doing too much damage too quickly. Two sites that I found very helpful: a kit knife guide by our own Chiro75, and the Engnarth manual.
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/frames.html
http://www.engnath.com/public/intable.htm

 
Last October I had a group of cub scouts over for a shop tour. They had kits from Texas Knifemaker's Supply. They turned out some pretty good looking knives.
Here's a link that shows a picture of a couple of their finished knives. http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum32/HTML/000766.html

------------------
Gene Osborn
Center Cross Metal Works
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword...
Hewbrews 4:12
 
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