Helo Finding quality recommended blanks.

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panzerjunky

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Aug 13, 2022
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Hello Folks
I am in want of a small Mabee 4 knife set (Doesn't have to be sold as a set) Knife blanks for kitchen knives. Chef knife, Clever, Paring knife. and Mabee one of the smaller Japanese style knives.
I would like Damascus. western style handles. They are for the mother of my daughter's boyfriend. I would like to use the project to practice handle work. and not necessarily blade making at this time. As it is quite a departure from the field /combat type blades I an doing now.
Any suggestions of a good reputable company. I have found few online but just wanted to ask the pros before I started traipsing across that minefield.
Thanks Jerry
 
Check out one of the knife suppliers like Jantz, they sell pre-made blades that only need handle work. Also, Woodcraft (and other woodworking sites like Rockler) sell damascus clad kitchen blades.

TIP:
Tape up the entire blade while doing the handle to prevent damage to the blade and cutting yourself.
 
Usa knifemaker has a number of kitchen knife blanks … but they are not damascus. I second stacys comment on woodcraft - they have several damascus kitchen knife blanks (i think 64 layer with vg10 core). Also just do a general search online … i think amazon carries some.

For the japanese style … do a search on “japanese knife blanks” or something similar … i believe there is at least one supplier in japan that sells pre made blanks that just need a wa handle
 
Amazon has a large selection of blade styles under the brand Katsura and Zhen.

I recently finished a bunch of Zhen blades from Woodcraft that a friend had bought a while back, but died before he could put handles on them. His widow gave them to me. I finished them in curly maple and made a storage block for them, then presented them back to her.
 
I have a Zhen 128 layer/VG10 chinese cleaver that I put a handle on as one of my very first knifemaking projects. It continues to be one of my very favorite knives, especially when cutting up lots of vegetables. In 6 years or so, I think I have touched the edge up once. Others have reported problems with VG10, but I have had none at all. I believe the 128 layer line has been discontinued, but the 64 layer series with VG10 core should be just fine. based on my experience, at least, I would not hesitate to recommend the Zhen blanks....
 
Thank you Folks
I was eyeballing the Katsura on I think amazon. The are AUS 10 any thoughts on that.
Thanks Jerry
 
AUS-10 is roughly equivalent to 440C. It is a perfectly good culinary steel.

The blades make with VG-10 will have slightly better edge retention, but the average home user won't see much difference.
 
I’d check Alabama Damascus too. I’ve purchased nice, damascus blanks from them in the past.
 
Thanks Guys
This is why I love this site where you have a world's worth exp. in one place. I will check out both places.
Again, thanks Jerry
 
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