How do you make a knife?

D

DMH1112

Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
114
I have never made a knife before and don't know how. I want to make a small knife first. I want it to be able to be used for throwing and for outdoors. Can someone tell me how to get started and does anyone have ideas on what the knife should look like?
 
Start by reading the "Newbies" sticky at the top of the page. Follow that by paying a lot of attention to the guys on this forum, since by and large they really know their stuff. As far as what it should look like, look at pictures of custom knives around the internet to get ideas and clarify what you want it to be for. I know this isn't much help, but there is a lot of good info that can help refine your questions.
 
I asked Rod Chappell once, how do you make and grind a knife. His answer was, " take a piece of tool steel, grind and remove all the metal that does not look like a knife". The last sticky in this forum has a ton of information and will anwer 99% of your questions. The "newbie" sticky should be your first read, study and re-read them. If you still have questions, then this is the forum to post them! Do all the other members a favor and fill out your personal profile, the members here would like to know something about our new member. Welcome to BF and check out the "newbie" section.
 
DMH1112 said:
does anyone have ideas on what the knife should look like?
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Hopefully like a knife. :)

Ditto on the reading of the stickies at the top, "Newbies Good Info Here" thread.

There are a lot of pictures in the photo gallery as well, though, maybe not so many throwing knives.
 
you can order high carbon steel from pretty much any knife making supplier, such as USAknifemakers.com, or Texas knife makers supply. You can also order directly from Admiral steel.

I'm not an expert on throwing knives, but if I were to make one for myself, I might consider 5160 for durability. Razor sharp edge retention probably won't be an issue. Heck, you could probably just use an old file and give it a good spring temper if you just want to make something for playing in the backyard and don't plan on getting serious. The stickies should guide you through the process.

Good luck.
 
On a different post it talks about making a knife with only a drill, sandpaper, and hand files. How is this possible? The reason is I have all those materials. Also I have made a "knife" before. I took a small shovel and used a hand file to sharpen one side of it. I used it to cut down a small tree and split some wood. Also what type of knife is easiest to make?
 
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I was just looking at the other forums and saw someone who used to be selling throwing spikes. How can you make them because nearby where I live there are lot railroad spikes from about 100 years ago and was wondering if I could make those into throwing spikes. I actually am interested in making anything that would be easy (knives, swords, throwing weapons, ect).
 
DMH1112 said:
I actually am interested in making anything that would be easy (knives, swords, throwing weapons, ect).
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I'll be frank. If you're looking for an "easy" hobby, knifemaking probably isn't it. If you're looking for some "simple" projects to get your feet wet, that's a different story. Oh, and swords are NEVER easy.

Keep reading the linked info from the newbie sticky above and just go back and read some more of the forum posts. After a while you'll have a good idea of some decent books that can get you started, some basic information on steel selection for a beginner, and a bit more general familiarity with what goes into making a knife.

Welcome to the sickness!

-d
 
DMH1112 said:
I actually am interested in making anything that would be easy (knives, swords, throwing weapons, ect).
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Well Hoss,
If it was easy, everybody would be doin' it. "Easy" and "Knifemaking" never belong in the same sentence, unless you say "I thought knifemaking was easy, but I thought wrong".

Do some research and try your hand at it.

Robert
 
DMH1112 said:
I have never made a knife before and don't know how. I want to make a small knife first. I want it to be able to be used for throwing and for outdoors. Can someone tell me how to get started and does anyone have ideas on what the knife should look like?
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From one newb to another...there is such a thing as a dumb question. This forum is full of so much knowledge, you should have atleast a good weeks worth of reading when your boss isn't looking before you can start in with the dumb questions. ;)
 
I knew knife makiong wouldn't be easy but I mean an easy beginner project. Also can I do anything at all with the railroad spikes? I want to be able to make knives without using a forge, is this possible?
 
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DMH1112 said:
I knew knife makiong wouldn't be easy but I mean an easy beginner project. Also can I do anything at all with the railroad spikes? I want to be able to make knives without using a forge, is this possible?
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Definitely!
I would buy some 1070 or 5160, cut it out with a hacksaw, grinder or bandsaw, drill holes if you want and draw file it or grind it to an edge. Sand. Heat to approx. 1500*F and quench in oil. Temper (I am not sure what temp for a throwing knife, 500 i guess?) Sand as much as you like and add a handle (if you want)
It is only as hard as you make it! If you want a sweet knife that would be in the next knife annual, it wouldn't be that easy. If you want a durable knife that you can throw around, not that tough :)

You could use railroad spikes, they make good forging practice I think. I have heard they are tricky to hold on to though. They do not have a substantial amount of carbon, so they don't usually get that great.
 
As everyone has said read all you can. You can make a very fine knife with the tools you have. The trick is patiance, take your time. You cannot rush a knife its done when its done.
A maker who I taught the basics to ask me once " How do you get the price you do for your knives?" . After finishing his first knife he ask me " How can you sell these knives so cheap."
The best recomendation I would give is to find a maker in your area contact him and ask if you can drop by. You can learn more in 1 day in a makers shop than you can in months of hit and miss.
 
Where do you live, DMH? There may be someone near you who is reading your posts and is willing to lend a hand.
-Mark
 
Making a knife is easy. Making a good knife that other people will want and you'll be proud to have your name on is hard. I've made a few knives, and it was pretty easy. They are all in a drawer with a pad lock on it and have no markings to tell anyone that I made them.
 
me2 said:
Making a knife is easy. Making a good knife that other people will want and you'll be proud to have your name on is hard. I've made a few knives, and it was pretty easy. They are all in a drawer with a pad lock on it and have no markings to tell anyone that I made them.
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:p :thumbup:

Andy
 
If you haven't read or own a book called "50 dollar knife shop By Wayne Goddard". It is wonderful read and lots of information. It should be the first book of many in your Knifemaking Library.
 
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