First time making a knife looking for advice.

[giulietti07]

Okay so let me start with this, I am leaving for the airforce in a couple of months and and i have one friend who I've had for about 18 years and he is more of a brother to me. He's been a little "saddened" since I've told I was 100% leaving, him and i both have a love for knives and things alike. He especially loves fixed blade knives, so I got the bright idea to make one for him. Now while i am not new to working in shops with all sorts of tools, I have never attempted to do something such as making a knife. So I am here asking for any advice anyone could give. Please bare in mind i don't have access to certain equipment (such as forges and what not). Any techniques you guys could offer up. Also what types of material (steel types, handle materials, if wood what types, basically anything needed). Also any tips for sheaths would be great too. Please don't hate, I'm just trying to get into this awesome hobby and figured this would be an awesome way to start. Thank you in advanced for any advice given I appreciate it.

 

[jobasha11]

All the information any beginner could ever want is in the stickies at the top of "shop talk-bladesmith questions and answers". Look for the Count's standard reply.

 

[giulietti07]

thank you

 

[Tad Lynch]

A couple of months to start from scratch and make a knife you'd be proud of giving your friend is a very tall order. If you're dead set on it, you might seek assistance from a local maker who has equipment and knowledge.

Tad

 

[mwschilling]

Thank you for your service to our country. You might start with a pre-made blade from Jatnz knifemakers supply or Texas Knifemakers, then use your skills to make guard and handle for the first one. I have no ability to make a blade but I have finished a few like this as gifts to close friends. Good luck to you in this endeavor and in your military adventures.

 

[LX_Emergency]

I agree with mwschilling.

Your first blade is never your prettiest/best blade. And the timespan that you've quoted for yourself might seem long...but if you do everything right and with no tools beyond simple hand tools and no experience it's going to take longer than you think.

Jantz and Texas Knife makers make excellent blades. Pick one that you like and just work on the handles. It'll still take a lot of time. It'll be well heat treated and ground, it'll look better and it will still be very personal.