How much would decent tools cost?

All good advice here. If for some reason you don't go with the files and sandpaper you
won't have a background to use the most basic tools in knifemaking. Yesterday I had a customer
ask how long I've been making knives? (This is on a $400 knife) I told him I first sold one in 1977.
Today I've got a guy coming over with his 14 year old that has an interest and has made a knife.
I told him to bring the knife I want to see it. Time will quickly tell on the interest part, tools or not.
Ken.
 
kc custom said:
All good advice here. If for some reason you don't go with the files and sandpaper you
won't have a background to use the most basic tools in knifemaking. Yesterday I had a customer
ask how long I've been making knives? (This is on a $400 knife) I told him I first sold one in 1977.
Today I've got a guy coming over with his 14 year old that has an interest and has made a knife.
I told him to bring the knife I want to see it. Time will quickly tell on the interest part, tools or not.
Ken.
Click to expand...

I second that without reservation. Until you learn and feel the angles and such with files and sandpaper you are stabbing along in the dark. It can be learned on a grinder alone but you will pooch a lot of steel that way...
Kudos to you for spreading your knowledge to the young and interested. My 4 year old has taken an interest and actually now has his very own files!!! He is making (with daddy help of course) his first dull knife... Still too young for sharp things. I will post up an overly proud picture when he finishes!
Now if I could only teach him to do my bulk stock removal... lol.
 
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At some point you'll need to find out if it's a hobby you are really going to like and stick with before spending thousands of dollars on equipment.

Start with files.. you learn A LOT with files.

Next move up to something powered. I use a Craftsman 2x42 and though it's fast and under powered I've learned to use it fairly well. The $150 investment I have in it is minuscule compared to the almost $2K for a variable speed KMG. If you take your time, you can make just as good of a knife with the Craftsman as you can with a KMG. It's the person holding the steel, not the equipment. A $80 HF drill press, Dremel and angle grinder is about all you need to get started.

Then, if you make some good stuff and want to invest, go and get the bigger more professional tools. Then by that time you'll have some good experience and be able to take advantage of the more specialized tools.

Good luck!
 
Everyone's list of "essential" knife making equipment is different.

You could get started for around $100 with files and sandpaper, or go the more expensive route and have a shop full of nice equipment.

For me, it's cheaper to buy equipment than to make it.

If you are in an apartment, files and sandpaper may be your only option. Due to noise and safety concerns.

I like to do things quickly and efficiently and I make a lot of knives, so my equipment "needs" are probably different than yours.

For me, the basics are:

2" x 72" grinder (preferably two - one setup for horizontal work) - $5,000 - $7,000 ($2,500 - $3,500 each) total depending on model
Bandsaw (HF Special) - $250
Drill Press - $500
HT Oven - $1300

You certainly don't "need" all of this to make knives; this is just my preference.

Knifemaking is like anything else; you can spend aa little or as much as you want.
 
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