Good Homemade Knives?

J

JetJeff5

Joined
Jun 13, 2014
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I'm planning on making a knife at home. I know how to temper the steel, I can make the handle, I got all that. I'm curious, though, is it possible for my knife to be as good as a factory knife. Not like a Becker BK2 or anything, but will it withstand chopping and cutting, and maybe some skinning? The steel is 1095 hi carbon and the other is 1075 hi carbon.
 
I know you say "I got all that" regarding "tempering" the steel and handles, etc, but I wonder if you have it as well as you think you have it if you're asking that particular question.

But to answer it, yes. Much better in some ways. But there are so many layers to that question, it's hard to answer it typing on my phone.
 
How are you planning on heat treating your knives? 1095 is hypereutectoid and not condusive to very basic home heat treat like a eutectoid steel like 1080/1084.
 
JetJeff5 said:
I'm planning on making a knife at home. I know how to temper the steel, I can make the handle, I got all that. I'm curious, though, is it possible for my knife to be as good as a factory knife. Not like a Becker BK2 or anything, but will it withstand chopping and cutting, and maybe some skinning? The steel is 1095 hi carbon and the other is 1075 hi carbon.
Click to expand...

Just my opinion, so take it for what you paid for it.

It is likely that you can make a good, useful knife at home. I am pushing 58 now, and still have the first knife I made at 13 as a Boy Scout project. It is an ugly, blocky handled affair that has screw on handles that has seen a ton of use. Dont' remember the details of making the knife, but it has held up and takes a great edge. Too uncomfortable in the hand though for routine use even though I took my BSA knife and cut finger placement contours into the handle.

But as a carpenter/woodworker/craftsman that has been in the trades for 40 years myself, I never try to discourage anyone from trying to use and work with their hands. Not nearly enough people do. Go for it!

But manage your expectations. Like any other craft it takes patience, skill, time, materials and the willingness to experiment and learn to start on the road of turning out a good product whether it is a custom made cabinet or a knife. There are plenty of great videos out there, tons of info on this forum and couple of others about making knives at home that seem quite useful. And if you are happy with your results, that's what counts.

I go to houses for estimates all the time and the home handyman wants to show off his projects. Some are actually pretty good, some are actually pretty awful. But unless they ask my personal opinion for instruction I give only praise. Not false praise, but dote on the aspects they got right. I wouldn't take away from the fact that they are not cabinet makers or woodworkers by trade but garage guys working on their projects on the weekend that have only their TV and the internet to guide them. I love to see folks that get out and do something rather than to watch it on TV and then talk it to death.

I see three custom makers at nearly every gun show I go to and have watched the quality if their work go from OK, to pretty good, to really nice. I don't know how many knives they have made along the way, but they have now been at it for about 3-4 years apiece.

Don't expect your first effort of a knife made with your home tools to be on par with a well made branded made knife made in a reputable factory like Becker or an experienced maker. I have made a few cutting tools on my own, and although I can turn out an acceptable product for me, it takes me too long to do it and the results can be uncertain. Since I rely on my tools for a living, I buy what I need so I can have it now. I am not going to spend another two - three years of my life learning another craft, then spending few more getting good at it. Wood working, cabinet making and finishing are enough for me.

Robert
 
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Most knifemakers here on this forum who are making knives at home are making superior knives compared to factory blades.

So yes....it can be done :)
 
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