How do I get started in knifemaking?

M

MrPres

Joined
Sep 12, 2005
Messages
345
Hi all, this question probably gets asked all the time here, but how do I get started? I'm very interested in taking up this hobby. I know virtually nothing about it, and I don't want to run out and spend $3000 on a bunch of equipment, but I would really like to give it a try. Any advice?
 
Like he said, i'd search first, but I encourage you to try a kit somewhere at the beginning. It allows you to produce a nice, functional knife at the beginning, focusing on fit and finish rather than the technical aspects of bevels, heat treating, etc. Once you get a feel for if you like the work, youll already have many of the tools that are used to make a blade from scratch.
 
I got started on my own shooting from the hip after taking apart several of my own knives to see what made them tick. Now adays a kit knife can be had cheap though. In my time there was no such animal.

Later on several books helped me out tremendously.

How to make your own knives by Jim Mayes

and

Step by step knifemaking by David Boye.

I recommend both of these as well.
 
:D Welcome to the exciting world of knife making!!! It can be one of the most rewarding and frustrating things you'll ever try.... The "kit" idea is a good start, that way, if you decide it's not for you, there's not a big investment involved.... watch the events calender in Blade mag. or other knife publications for hammer-ins that are located near you, the amount of knowledge walking around one of those things is scary. You can cut down on the learning curve by years when you attend a single event, and it's usually a virtual who's who of the custom knife world!!! It doesn't matter if you want to forge or stock remove, the education on constructing a knife properly is what you need to get down first... :thumbup:
 
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