How to become a knife maker? *long read*

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newsasquatch

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May 4, 2013
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Hi guys, my name is Andrew Herrera and I am interested in knife making. I am 28 years old and am currently a security guard. I make $10 dollars an hour. :hopelessness: I decided to go back to college for the third time a couple years ago and have actually surprised myself with how well I've done. I initially thought that if I got C's and B's and could get a degree that involved the medical field I could eventually make enough money to support my wife and I, but I've surprised myself with all A's so far. So now my current goal is to go to medical school--as long as my grades hold up. So now I'm looking at at least 7 more years of school. The thing is, I work full-time and go to school full-time--making my life über stressed. So I'm playing with the idea of achieving my dream of being self-sufficient through crafting something and making a living out of that, that can support me through school and possibly beyond school.
I first got into knives when I found out about kukuris, this made me find HI and I was very interested in their multi-uses and durability. I then looked under Yangdu's profile and found that she was looking at a lot of fiddleback stuff, so I decided to check out fiddleback. I was blown away by the beauty, functionality and the durability of Andy's knives and now I just go on here to check out reviews and new offerings from Andy. I looked back to the first posts here on Fiddleback and found out that knifemaking started as a hobby for Andy and then came to be a full fledged business when times got tough. I also learned that he learned from certain influential forumites on here through tutorials. I have joined the California Knifemakers Association and am yet to hear of any workshops and I've seen the tutorials on here and they are tough to understand, as I am obviously still a layman when it comes to knives.
If I could craft things and sell enough things to even take a day or two off from work to be able to spend more time on schoolwork, I would be happy. My first idea was Kydex sheaths and holsters. All the materials would cost me about $300-400 dollars at first but I would be able sell online and could possibly make money making sheaths and holsters. This would be a nice endeavor since I live in an apartment and kydex seemingly doesn't necessarily require a shop or a garage. All my light sanding could be done outside as well.
What I'm really interested in though more than leather-bending or kydex making, is making knives. It would be so cool, but there might be too many factors that could hold me back. I could see if I could find a friend to use his garage but that might be difficult. Also, I definitely couldn't do any forging lol but I bet I could at least get heat treated blanks and learn how to grind them and put handles on them.
So this brings me to my question for Andy and fellow forumites, do you guys think I could make knives given my situation, or should I just stick to starting with Kydex and leather-bending? If you think I could make knives, what is the best tool to start out with, should I get some kind of knife-belt sander, or what? I always wonder how Andy makes his grinds look so beautiful and would love to know what kind of tool could assist in doing that.
Anyways, I hope this isn't too inappropriate of a post on here and hope Andy doesn't mind I posted this on here, I'm just hoping for some kind of guidance with this. Thanks guys-Andrew.
 
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Andrew,
I am not a knifemaker but I have had a couple of friends that did make knives. So take what I say accordingly.

Getting started in any small craft business takes a huge investment in time and a considerable investment in materials and tools. I would not plan to make ANY money on the first few months or more. Learning, refining and establishing your product and reputation takes time, money, patience and a little luck.

You mentioned getting into sheath and holster making. This is a smaller investment of money and shorter learning curve. It also allows many different syles of knives to pass through your hands. Learning what features appeal to you so you can choose a blend that suits your style. After a time, it could be a source of income to allow you to start picking up a few basic tools.

Andy will likely chime in but I would bet that the knives he produces today are the result of thousands of hours at work and thousands of dollars invested in materials and tools. Sounds like you are working hard to get ahead and that is very commendable, just realize the investment needed before jumping too quick.

Bill
 
I know next to nothing about knife making but I BELIEVE you can buy blade blanks from some of the larger steel shops. This could be a good first step in that you can jump right to shaping knives and handles without the headache of developing a full blacksmith shop (ovens, hammers, kilns, blah blah blah)
 
@imalterna, that's sort of what im thinking, im pretty poor so buying the various tools would definitely be difficult. I wanna be realistic too, so if many people recommend me to wait, I'll probably do so. Thanks for the advice.
 
@solid4ever, thats what I was thinking could be a good starting point, I also decided im going to buy some knifemaking books.
 
Well, thanks for your post. I really enjoyed it a lot. I am especially into the fact that you filtered through HI same as me. It strikes me to think that Yangdu checks out my posts. Once you love Yangdu, you never stop. That was heartwarming.

My advice is twofold.

1. Take up the hobby that gives you peace, and do it because of this.

2. Find the old threads Sylvrfalcn did on file knives and put together a few knives. Its a lot of fun, and he did it with only a drill and a bench grinder. Look up the old threads I did about the Old Hickory knives. Thats a fun easy knife project. (All of Sarge's threads are excellent reads, read them).

I followed that peaceful feeling and it led me to knives. I hope to see some pics of your newly made file knives soon. Please post them here when you do. If you have any questions along the way, post them here, and I'll try to help you out.
 
Thanks Andy! What would be a decent bench grinder to start off with? I'm thinking that despite the issues that hold me back, im going to try to make basic knives at first. Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to follow your recommendations.
 
Andrew,
I started with files and sandpaper back in 98 and have never looked back. I purchased the book.
Custom knives by Tim Me Creight and was guided through the different aspects of making different kinds of knives.

Knife making is a dirty & dangerous occupation and if you get a few made by hand and want to process after that, then you can purchase a Belt grinder, Drill press, bandsaw etc. If not you will only have a small investment in a few files etc which can sometimes be purchased used at garage sales etc.

I don't know where you live? I and most other knife makers will gladly spend time with someone that wants to learn. I am in Santa Monica Ca and you are welcome to PM me if interested? If you live far away you can look up other makers in your part of the country and ask them if they would mind?
There are many knife maker assoc. that have monthly meetings that you could attend as well.

If I can help get you started, let me know?
 
Andrew .. I'm on the same venture as you (wanting to start a chapter in life called: knife making). I think I've progressed a bit further than you at this point. I bought a home depot belt sander (4x36), electric hand sander, various small tools, drills, clamps, etc. I bought about a dozen or so different knife blanks, scales, leather, etc .. and started assembling blanks and hand crafting sheaths. My garage is a mess. lol. The issue I'm having is pulling the trigger on buying equipment. I've even gone so far as trying to contact TWO different guys who make 2 x 72 grinders (I received no response from either) and I contacted a Master Bladesmith: seeking to pay for tutoring .. he's too busy to take my money (smh).

I wanted to attend one of the Georgia Knifemaker meetings at Fiddlebacks (I think) .. but I work most Friday/Saturdays. Guess I'll have to take some vacation days next time I see a meeting planned .. :)
 
@Laurence, thanks for the advice. I think that is pretty good advice about starting out small like Andy said as well and go from there. I just bought "Custom Knifemaking" by Tim McCreight on Amazon per your advice so thank you for that. I've actually checked out your knives before. I really like the Rhino Chops' holes to detach chopped items and the general design is really cool. I'm the cook in my household, so I would be very interested in making chef's knives and santoku's later on. You've just reinforced what I am starting to believe; That I just need to start small, create a strong foundation, and then move on if it still speaks to me. I live in West Covina, CA so Santa Monica is about 35 miles away from me so if the offer still stands after I've created a foundation, I'd love to stop by and learn a little something or get some advice.
 
@bonafide, yeah I might end up doing blanks as well, I've send my registration to the California Knife maker's Association but am yet to hear anything back from them because I really want to make it to a workshop by them.
 
newsasquatch said:
@bonafide, yeah I might end up doing blanks as well,.
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Just showing you one of the blanks I finished myself. Alabama Damascus blank. While I cant wait to make my own knife from start/finish .. I still have some pride finishing a blank.

alabama_3pin.jpg
 

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Thanks dude! .. so start small, get a cheap blank, scales, pins, and some sand paper .. see if it tugs at your emotions.
 
If it helps, I've put in $500-600 so far, not including the gift of kiln ($450), and I am at the stage where I can take a knife from bar stock to a heat treated, finished blade. I really wish I had all my receipts so I could break it down into a list (and claim for taxes). My tools are basic: hacksaw for cutting blanks, files for refining profiles and cutting bevels, sandpaper, 5 ga veggie oil, steel quench bucket, steel heat treat foil, drill press and bits, arbor press, 4x36 belt sander (get a 2 in belt grinder if you can), clamps, a vise, and parts for an electric etching machine (just started putting that together). I've been at this since June, collecting bits here and there as I go. Try to purchase your tools and materials in the order that you will need them and you'll spread out the burden on your wallet. Also try to have a good straight stick of dimensional lumber on hand for making sanding blocks, jigs, etc.

Oh, yeah. Read the sticky threads at the top of the shoptalk page. Good luck!

P.S. Beans and rice are cheap and keep for a long, long time.
 
Lol, yeah I would definitely need to stock up on beans and rice to be able to buy all that stuff. Thanks for the advice.
 
bonafide said:
Andrew .. I'm on the same venture as you (wanting to start a chapter in life called: knife making). I think I've progressed a bit further than you at this point. I bought a home depot belt sander (4x36), electric hand sander, various small tools, drills, clamps, etc. I bought about a dozen or so different knife blanks, scales, leather, etc .. and started assembling blanks and hand crafting sheaths. My garage is a mess. lol. The issue I'm having is pulling the trigger on buying equipment. I've even gone so far as trying to contact TWO different guys who make 2 x 72 grinders (I received no response from either) and I contacted a Master Bladesmith: seeking to pay for tutoring .. he's too busy to take my money (smh).

I wanted to attend one of the Georgia Knifemaker meetings at Fiddlebacks (I think) .. but I work most Friday/Saturdays. Guess I'll have to take some vacation days next time I see a meeting planned .. :)
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You're in Georgia? Easy as pie. Georgia is definitely up there in best states to learn knifemaking!!

You should do everything you can to start attending the GA Knifemakers Guild events. We have 4 meetings a year.

And you should not miss either of Carl's bi-annual hammerin at Trackrock. Thats coming up in a couple of weeks. Look up 'Trackrock Campground' in Blairsville and you can find it. GA is packed with knifemakers that are willing to help folks learn the craft.

Crex said:
Trackrock Hammer-in
Fall Event 2013

Notice: Open to all & no admission fees
Date: Weekend of September 27th – 28th
Location: Trackrock Campground, Blairsville, GA
Directions: WWW.TRACKROCK.COM

Activities: Bladesmithing, Hawk forging, Leather Crafting, Forge Building, Anything Knife Related
Who: Anyone interested in knives, knife making, hawks, leather work, collecting, trading, etc. Watch, meet and talk with several talented bladesmiths, master leather craftsmen, collectors, etc.
Watch old discarded steel, scrap metal, wood and bone transformed into functional works of art.

General: Craftsmen from several states, finished knives on display, collections on display, etc. Family oriented event, Behave! No unsafe or reckless behavior will be tolerated.

Additional: “Iron in the Hat” event Saturday to help fund event. Please bring usable item for this event. A chance to pick up valuable plunder - knifemaking materials, parts and pieces. Strictly voluntary, participation encouraged.

Accommodations: Full hook-up & primitive camping available (check web site), Trackrock is an excellent campground and very well maintained. Several motels near: Blairsville and Young Harris. Contact Trackrock Campground for further information at above website.

Saturday BBQ: Saturday lunch is catered on site at cost. You must RSVP by September 14th to partake in this lunch. Limited vending on site so bring your eats/drinks otherwise.

Please contact me via pm if you wish to participate, or need further information about the event.

Knife Raffle: Custom carved knife handle
donated by Grits. Proceeds go toward the
purchase of major equipment to be used
at future events. Grits (H.N.)

Attention All:
Listen folks, in the past some have RSVP'd for the BBQ lunch by just saying "I'll be there".
This is not helpful in anyway. Please be specific I need full name or names (not forum pseudonyms or nicknames) and number of those planning to eat.
No guessing anymore, there are just too many.
Thanks,
Carl Rex

Note: There is limited vending on site....coke machine & ice. You are responsible for your meals and drinks with the exeption of the Saturday lunch - you pay the cook for this.
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You are welcome to come up and visit my shop as well. Friday's are the best day, Wednesdays the worst. I help folks learn to make knives almost constantly, and if I can help you I will. In fact, I have an apprentice in the shop now, so I teach it almost full time.

Also look up the Flint River Knife Club. They meet all the time and are just constantly learning about knives.

And finally, my friend Paul Brach is teaching a class in knifemaking at The Spruill Arts Center in Dunwoody. Some of you may not know this, and Paul would deny it, but IMO, he is a master knifemaker. If you take the class, my understanding is that you would make two knives, one forged, one stock removal.

https://registration.spruillarts.org/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=134JEWK010
 
Wow .. looks like a need to take some vacation time!! Thanks for linking the info for me.

And yes, I'm in Georgia - NW Cobb Co .. like right next to Paulding Co and aint far from Bartow Co. I saw yall had a meeting planned recently at your shop, but my work schedule is Thur-Fri-Sat nights til 3am. Me being up and functional before 12noon is darn near impossible if I expect to keep my wits about me.
 
Stephen Fowler is over there. Give him a call.
 
Andy - I could not find the threads by Sylverfox where he shows knife making. I see the knives he makes - but not much on how to.

TF
 
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