How Long Does It Take to Make a Knife?

Nick,

I knew it was a loaded question with no real answer, that's why I asked it!
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Remember, I'm a potter as my second vocation so I know all about what it takes to be a craftsman and the depressingly low monetary compensation for doing it. When I make art of any kind it always for the love of it and I do not consider the time involved as an indicator of whether the project is worth doing. And I certainly am always aware of the costs of tools and equipment.

With my primary vocation, wallpaper contractor, I'm always considering the time and money aspects but that's a different proposition altogether. In that field I will do what it takes to get the job done right every time even if I end up losing money. But sometimes you CAN make $50/hr although it's usually only for half a day.

CJ, that's a beautiful folder that your friend got for Christmas! I really like the file work and the texture work on the titanium. Is that the nugget technique like on Darrel's Apogee? Very nice indeed.

I suppose that what I've been driving at in a roundabout way is how can anyone hope to make their primary living out of this when the time and expenses are so high and there is such incredibly talented competition out there? I mean, I look at the pictures in Knives 2001 and I almost think to myself, why should I even bother? People are doing work that is astounding. I wonder to myself if there is anything I can contribute that is really worth doing. Maybe there is and so that's what I'm going to find out...

Thanks for all the replies guys.



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Peter Atwood

email:fountainman@hotmail.com
 
Mchazen, my hat's off to you. You must be good. Most of mine have been swords and I guess that a total for finished swords and knives (not prototypes or play things) is about 150. I spend a hell of a lot of tome though and guess I need instructions. Yesterday I put the finishing touches on a sword that I have almost 10 hours in just the polishing. Just making a wooden sheath takes me from 3 to 7 hours. A japanise habaki takes me an hour or so to make, finish and polish. Whew...I guess I'm gonna have to buy a new grinder.

Anyway..it's just a hobby for me. I really admire the folks that can turn out some of the really good stuff and still make any profit at all. I guess that's why there are so fer really good craftsmen left.
 
Peter, Thanks for the kind words. The nugget work is almost identical to Darrel's and since he taught me I consider it a compliment to him. I am trying new ways/designs that will take the nuggeting to new directions, to make mine similar but different.
 
Hey Peter, I use to spend more time buffing than any other aspect of making the knife until I learned how to not do that. Heres how I do it if you are interested: Polish the blade with your belts and the buffing should brighten up the blade. I go from 50, 120,220,400,A30,A16 then A6. You will have a nice polish at this step. The buffing will brighten everything up real nice. Hope this helps some. Take care Mark Hazen
 
If you are making knives as a hobby it takes as long as you want it to, the longer you take the more time you have to make a really good job. If you are making it a business, a plain hunter with bolsters should not take more that 8 hours excluding the heattreat. In my experience anything more than that and you are not going to make a decent income. One other thing I must say , it does not matter how long you take as long as you don't compromise on Quality.
 
CJ , that is a beatiful knife! I sure would appreciate any information you might be willing to pass along on how to do the anodizing. I realize that that could be a pretty big question so whatever you may offer would be fine.My e-mail if you like is niro@telus.net
 
Frank, no biggie! I learned from Darrel. I bought an anodizer from Reactive Metals. The complete kit was about $400.00 I use Coke as the fluid and have a plastic bucket lined with plastic mesh used for gutters. (the plastic mesh is from the gutters so the leaves don't get in) This is so the positive lead doesnt touch the negative lead. I turn the unit to about 60-70 range and flip the power switch on and off in short bursts to get the desired affect. Since then I have switched to using TSP and distilled water. I can now get solid colors in a wider spectrum. Also being able to see your work helps alot! Enjoy!
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