I'd like to learn how to make knives (specifically fixed blades), but do not have the means to buy all of the equipment I need, and I am not sure knife making is for me.
Are there any knife makers in San Diego (especially North County) that have an internship or apprentice program?
Or are there any schools with knife making classes?
Are there any cheap ways to start experimenting with building my own knives without needing lots of expensive equipment?
I am not all that interested in buying a knife kit, however, I would be willing to use a pre-made blade and make my own handle. I do have some experience with woodworking, and making handles would be one of my main interests, so a good blade for me to create my own handle for would be a good start to let me start experimenting without needing means to grind and heat treat my own blade.
Basically, I am a totally ignorant newbie that wants to try my hand at knife making (specifically fixed blades, and especially handles rather than blades), but does not want to bolt together a kit. I do not have a lot of money or space to set up a real shop, nor do I have access to one. I need to learn the most basic aspects of metalworking, but would be happy just making wood handles for pre-made blades. A knife making class that comes to a finish with me making my own knife at the school's shop would be great. Access to a real shop and hands-on experience through an internship would be ideal.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Are there any knife makers in San Diego (especially North County) that have an internship or apprentice program?
Or are there any schools with knife making classes?
Are there any cheap ways to start experimenting with building my own knives without needing lots of expensive equipment?
I am not all that interested in buying a knife kit, however, I would be willing to use a pre-made blade and make my own handle. I do have some experience with woodworking, and making handles would be one of my main interests, so a good blade for me to create my own handle for would be a good start to let me start experimenting without needing means to grind and heat treat my own blade.
Basically, I am a totally ignorant newbie that wants to try my hand at knife making (specifically fixed blades, and especially handles rather than blades), but does not want to bolt together a kit. I do not have a lot of money or space to set up a real shop, nor do I have access to one. I need to learn the most basic aspects of metalworking, but would be happy just making wood handles for pre-made blades. A knife making class that comes to a finish with me making my own knife at the school's shop would be great. Access to a real shop and hands-on experience through an internship would be ideal.
Thanks in advance for any input.
