How many of us started making knives because of Andy? Post pics here!

[chainring]

Always having been a knife enthusiast, I found Bladeforums to be a fascinating place to see what was being made in the world of knives. In short order, I found Andy's forum, and realized that his style was what pleased me most - both to see AND to use. The Grace Kelly handles and Gary Cooper blades were the spark that got me wanting to be able to create something that was so sexy, but capable at the same time. Then Dylan came along and we watched him go from apprentice to full-time knifemaker (and recently, rockstar) seemingly overnight. So I saved up and got the KMG built, some 01, and some handle materials and went to making dust and sparks about 6 months ago! They are far from perfect, but I have fun and I'm improving. Still haven't worked out a maker's mark...and I'm only on my second "batch" since I have a family and day job that takes most of my time, but it sure is rewarding.

Up to now, they've all been 1/8 thick 01 tool steel, 12.5 degree scandi, heat treat by Peter's, micarta pins, and a blue/bleach etch followed by a final blueing.

I haven't posted any pics in Andy's forum until now, because...well..it's Andy's forum. But he said I ought to post a few...it's all his fault, anyway!

The first few were a quick lesson in handles, primarily pin placement. I wanted to do an angled scale on the front of the Koa Nessmuk variant, but it didn't work out and the pins ended up too close to the front! It turned out too pretty to chisel off, and it was the first - so I kept it and got my cousin to make a horizontal sheath for it.

I did a WIP thread on it at the time.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/838147-My-first-few-knives-WIP-pics-and-updates!

Jade G10

Then I tried a few...non-Fiddlebackish designs, for fun!

Then back to something more traditional, with ironwood. This was a slender prototype with an inside-the-belt kydex sheath for my cousin to try out for awhile and then send back...he hasn't sent it back yet.

He sent me a cell-phone pic of it a few months ago...I guess it's still working for him!

Here's one I made and kept. Carry it daily. This first pic is before sharpening, almost finished sanding the handle.

And my first attempt at liners...still sanding this handle, and the other knife is a Koster that I'm putting a handle on for a friend. Both Osage Orange.

And most of the current batch that is waiting for handles...got a closeup of the blueing/bleach etch on these. I've decide that the secret so far is to etch them BEFORE heat treat, for a much more even and controllable pattern. I like it, anyway! That one on top is getting Walnut.

For scale..

 

[chainring]

And on a side note, I've had a blast pimping two Cold Steel Spike Hawks! Gave one to a buddy, and the other went to an LE salesmen at LWRC after a Ferric Chloride etch. Now I have to make two more like it for another of their salesmen and for their SHOT booth. These are fun to do, and the hardest part is getting the factory black paint off the head!

A few more in progress, along with an old fire axe I'm fixing up for another buddy..

Anyway, I would never have tried any of this if I hadn't been inspired to it by Andy's work and Dylan's example. He and Dylan answered my questions and helped me figure out what tools and supplies I needed to aquire, and their patient direction helped me skip a lot of trial and error. A few WIP threads of Andy's and other guys on the forum helped immeasurably. I wish Georgia was closer - I'd love to sweep the shop and look over their shoulders as they work!

Thanks, Andy!!

 

[PARK]

Looks like you are well on your way of making fine quality knives and people who do not return your knives speaks volume about how well it is performing.Keep making edge tools and you will gain more confidence as you improve your skills.Thanks for showing your work.
Michael

 

[Marko3]

Nice start..I think most of us would love to learn how to make blades. Keep up the good work !

 

[mykel m]

Nice looking batch of knives Matt,I'm diggin the osage w/red liners & the hawk mods.
The Jade drop point I scored from you is one of my favorite knives in my collection.
Like I said before,I couldn't complain about a single thing on it.
A comfy handle & scary sharp 01 make for one outstanding knife.
I thank you again for it.

 

[Shaw Blades]

Wow I really like the Osage. Looks great.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Those are pretty good.

 

[schmittie]

Wow. You really have jumped in with both feet! To answer your question, because of admiring Andy's work so much, I too have attempted to make one or two. Not very impressive at all, not like yours. Those are some beautiful blades! I especially like the Osage with liners. Your designs are clean. Keep it up. The only thing you can do is continue to learn and improve, just like any other trade. Thanks for posting up pics!!

 

[J. Oeser]

Matt, those all look fantastic!

I have always loved knives and been drawn to them. But not until I stumbled across this Fiddleback forum and purchased and held some of Andy's amazing work did I get inspired to give it a whirl. I knew that his knives were not only functional but absolute works of art.

I didn't really get the guts to go and attempt to make a knife until I saw your WIP thread, Matt. So your bravery inspired me to take the leap. I was too chicken to ask Andy questions directly but some of his threads really helped and just reading like a mad fool in the knifemaker's forum helped a lot. I also contacted a knifemaker that was my neighbor as a child who took me under his wing. He continues to teach me a great deal.

So, in short, you are not alone and I am sure there are many others who have drawn from Andy's incredible talent.

 

[Gevonovich]

Truly inspiring artful work Matthew!! Can't pick a favorite.

 

[chainring]

Thanks, y'all! Jared, your first few knives make mine look like something from a highschool shop class. I'm looking forward to some WIP threads and more pictures of yours!!!


Mykel M, I'm glad you like the little Jade number, and I'm proud that it's gotten some use!

 

[FAL'ER]

Love the big Nessy with the tiger maple and that blade which has osage with red liners. Also is that swedge sharpened on that one or is it just a false edge?

 

[Ridge-Runner]

When you get your convex grind down me and you might have to talk about one of them there EDC's, very practical looking blade my friend. NICE!!!!

 

[trevytrev]

Great stuff Bro:thumbup: Man those look nice, I remember when you were just buying pretty knives and now you're cranking them out Keep up the great work! Andy sure has inspired some fine knife makers.

 

[Rockywolf]

Oh these look sweet. I'd certainly give one or two of these a spin.

 

[Core Knife Co.]

I have to give all the props to Andy for giving me my initial inspiration for knife making. I've only finished 9 knives total and you can tell instantly that they're all influenced by Andy and his style. I love stacking materials and using micarta rods and such, but lately I've been spending a lot of time trying to come up with features that that are my own and not totally bite on Andy's. I haven't come up with a signature piece yet but I keep drawing knives and rod placements, trying to develop something. I don't have anyone here locally to help me and there have been a lot of times I wanted to pick up the phone and call Andy and pick his brain. I hesitate because the 9 I have finished are all so heavily influenced by his work. I'm a wannabe, copy cat now, but hopefully that is changing soon.

 

[chainring]

Those are sweet! I especially like the lines on that one with the big pin in the middle!

 

[KFU]

My first mentor/inspiration was Bill Akers. He taught me the process and how he made his knives. Andys knives are so stylish yet to me they are working knives all the way. I think thats why his knives are so popular, they aren't made to be safe queens but they sure look like it! I have learned alot from him and his work.

Awesome work Chainring and Michael. I look forward to seeing much more of your work in the future.

 

[Rockywolf]

Wow, the one with the big pin is awesome looking. Let me know if you want a tester.

 

[fod]

Not enough burlap