How to get started

R

roknjs

Joined
Apr 15, 2005
Messages
298
Good evening. I'm new to the site, and I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how to get started making my own knives. I want to start simple of course, but I'm not sure what kind of equipment I'll need. Also, please let me know if any other threads have already addressed this topic. Thanks in advance.

Jeff
 
Welcome.There are lots of threads and tutorials on new knifemakers.The first thing you need to do is purchase three books.The $50 Knife shop; Step-by-Step Knifemaking;and The complete Bladesmith.These books will answer almost any question you have.After reading them you will be in a better position to consider equipment,metal types,knife styles,etc.With a little background knowledge you will also avoid many mistakes learned the hard way.The books also deal with the safety issues you will need to address.Good luck,and let us know when you are ready to get started.Its hard to wait ,but patience is necessary to become skilful at this art.
Stacy
 
I actually got started by this tutorial:

Jonesy Tutorial

It's direct, to the point and I already owned everything I needed to start.

Yes, it's alot of work.
Minimal investment (drill, hacksaw, file, sandpaper, free tutorial) and it gives the basics of knifemaking.

When you decide to upgrade, definately get Wayne Goddard's $50 Knfie Shop . This could help you decide if you want to stay in stock removal or start with forging.

Good luck and have fun.
 
Do a search on tutorials on the forum and you will get a couple of days worth of reading.The books are still required reading,IMHO.
 
Good advice here, I would say this. You could go alternative. Read the safety concerns and learn to be safe and then experiment. If you do not have any concrete pictures in your memory you may invent styles and techniques outside the box! How cool would that be? Do not be a slave to fashion!! Most knifemakers have to reinvent the wheel to find what works for them. Its too bad and advances come slowly..still we have been doing this as a race since Father Adam. I really belive the basic experience of transforming into and being a knifemaker is hugely different for each one of us. But its fun to come on here and talk it to death..your choice: make them or talk them..its all good. Perhaps for you the talking and reading will be more enriching. I started by reading anything I could get my hands on and now I am into videos. I wish I had a mentor though. In any case its rewarding to make knives so I hope you will be doing it for life!
 
The wecome mat is always out at my shop if you are in this area. If you stop by Mr. Rebello's forge I hear that you must bring a food offering of some kind. :rolleyes: That's good advice, ssunfish, once you understand the safety asspect, jump right in there and start making something. Fred
 
hey jeff. I would suggest getting a cheap 4 x 36 sander. It will get you started and be slow enough to learn what your doing without destroying too much steel.
This with a drill and some files and sandpaper can get you a knife.
Here is the one I made with mine....its my first knife.
http://bgoodeknives.com/images/purpleheart.jpg
Getting the profile will be a challange but you can grind the profile with a bench top wheel grinder too.
 
Jeff,
If you're located in the southeast (you know, Georgia), you're welcome to join us at Trackrock next weekend (21st). You can learn a lot more than you can tote home in one trip. Price is right and it's just plain good ol' fun n' fellowship. PM me if you need details or go to www.georgiaknifemakersguild.com
CRex
 
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