Husband's christmas gift

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Hmhardin

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Dec 9, 2015
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My husband has always had an interest in knife making. He has spoken to a local older gentleman that makes knives in our area and is supposed to shadow him sometime in the future possibly. I was thinking that I would get him a knife kit or two for Christmas as I have read a lot of people recommend those for beginners for their first knives. I was hoping for any advice on what kind of kits to get him. I looked as some online but am not sure if I am looking at the right things. Any recommendations on certain types of knife kits to buy for his first knives? I have read that most people recommend to start with fixed blades.
Also, how about tools? Do the kits come with everything he will need? He has a huge garage full of all kinds of tools and at one time he did a lot of wood work. I know he has a vice but have read many references to files. Is there any tools that I should pick up to also include with the kits?

Thanks so much for all the help, it is greatly appreciated!!
 
I think it is great that you are trying to do something like this for your spouse. I also think you are correct, a person beginning knifemaking should start with fixed blades, folders are a whole other bag of tricks. I would look at USAknifemaker.com , they have several helpful videos, and offer all you need to get going--I would probably call them and ask their staff what they would recommend--the main tool that a person would HAVE to have is a selection of files, secondly sandpaper--then at the advance level there is a litany of tools one can utilize, and empty their bank account acquiring them!!! Other good sources are, Jantz and even Knifekits.com, there is a lot out there, so it's helpful to be able to talk to somebody, and share your desires, budget and various other info with, USAknifemaker is a great supplier, and they seem to really care about the folks that are buying their stuff to make knives.

Good luck to you, and best wishes to you husband beginning the journey (addiction) that is knife making!
 
If you want to be the world's greatest wife, get him a piece of 1084 steel and a 2"x72" variable speed grinder. The grinder is the heart of any knife shop. It's not a tool he would have from his woodworking endeavors.

You would need a budget of $1800 to $3500 to do this, but I guarantee, you would have one happy camper on Christmas day.
 
First of all, you're an exceptional Wife for posting this question to a very large audience. The simple fact that you support your Husband in this field, will allow him to succeed.
That being said, you do not need to trouble yourself of finding a, "kit" or spending any money. He will be doing that himself. Support and believe in his dream as he does, and he will love you even more. It's just that simple. It is true that a Husband's Wife either makes him or breaks him. You will make him. I respect the fact you came here for advice.
 
How neat! Look at USA Knife Supply, North Coast Knives, and Texas Knife supply. They all sell blade blanks(just the blade already made). That way, you can buy or use wood or whatever for the handle material...those suppliers also sell handle materials you can buy
 
Please change your user name to "Superwife."

I can't add anything of value, beyond what the other posters have already recommended. I'd just like to express my admiration for supporting and indulging your husband. Even if he doesn't get into knife making as a hobby (and I'd bet the ranch that he will), at least he'll have a couple of good, solid knives that he can use for the rest of his life, and he'll always remember and appreciate you for making them possible. Yay, you!
 
I have a piece of good steel (1084) a piece of quality handle material and some brass pins that you can have to get him started. In my opinion anyone that is a little handy in the shop will find much more satisfaction in shaping and heat treating their own design than assembling a kit knife. If you're interested pitchnks@yahoo
 
you could also contact the knife maker that he wants to work with and find out if he has any extra blades just hanging around (we all do, admit it) that he would be willing to let him try. and when he was done (or has questions) he could take it to him and get critiques.
 
I'd be happy to send you a couple fire bricks or some ceramic wool to make a basic forge. My e-mail should be in my profile, or contact me through my company website in my signature. The fire bricks can be used for a two brick forge, or the wool could be used for a coffee can forge. Both work for simple carbon steels for basic heat treat, or even some forging. A small propane torch provides the heat. (Most hobby shops have one already.)

Edit: I'm doing some small blades as Christmas presents. I could make one more, heat treat it, and send it to be finished. :thumbup: They are edc (every day carry) blades in O1 tool steel. He would have to finish the steel, and attach a handle.
 
tattooedfreak said:
you could also contact the knife maker that he wants to work with and find out if he has any extra blades just hanging around (we all do, admit it) that he would be willing to let him try. and when he was done (or has questions) he could take it to him and get critiques.
Click to expand...

All is good advice, but I do think the above might be best - contact his mentor and ask for guidance as to what to get. He might recommend a knife kit - OR... just might recommend a bit of tooling to get your husband started. Superwife?? Yea, that fits :)
 
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