I need a master to begin an apprenticeship with me

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Pubathedog

Joined
Oct 25, 2012
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I want to become a knife apprentice. I live in central florida, so if anyone is willing to teach me how to make knives in the orlando area. That would be great. Also I am just a 15 year old guy wanting to learn an awesome new skill. Thanks for any help.
 
Welcome to bladeforums!

Make sure to fill out your profile so we can make suggestions based on your information.

I would normally suggest against apprenticeships and such.
There are tons of helpful people on here who might be nice enough to supply you with supplies and services.
Read the stickies a few times, and maybe try to make a knife or two and think about how much you really want to make knives.

But anyways, welcome, and hope you have a good stay.
 
I've already made a grinded knife, but I really want to start forging blades instead, but I don't have an anvil.
 
I was 18 years old when I wanted to make knives like my father, grand-father and great grand-father. I,m 59 now and realizing my dream. I wish I never listened to the nay sayers who say "you can't". If it's your hearts desire, never give up. You can do it.
 
Hay if u want I can help u out with tips over the phone and such I no how u feel I started a year ago when I was 15 now I'm 16 and the reason I'm trying to help u is lots of the guyys feel akward About talking with a teen i was luck to have gavkoo help me and guide me through it
 
Try searching for local ABS Hammer-ins. Go visit Mr. Fowler for a week. Read everything you can up in the "sticky" section here. Read some books by Mr. Goddard. Learn everything, integrate what is useful and discard the rest. Ask intelligent questions. Work hard. Have fun. I'll help you if I can.

-M

e-mail: mrader.crf@gmail.com
 
Some advise from a person who has helped teach a few kids over his life;

Read, read, read ... everything you can - Re-read the things that appeal to you. The stickies on this site, and the vast array of tutorials that can be found online ( search "Knife Tutorial") will take months to tears to read them all. Go to,the local libraries and check out every book on blacksmithing and knifemaking. There are good books and DVDs available from many sources, there is a list in the stickies.
Here are a few tutorial links:
http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/instructionallinks.htm
http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/multipletutorials.htm
http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html

Start slow - No one should expect to go from first knife to a katana in a short time. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of hard work.....sometime years of it.

Build up to a full shop - Make and get equipment as you need it. Tools don't make good knives....trained hands make good knives.

Get your folks on board - You are 15. While that feels totally independent, it isn't ( hard fact). With your folks cooperation, you can attend nearby knife shows, hammer-ins, do some shop visits, and get some tools and stuff. No maker is going to invite a 15 year old to his shop unless accompanied by a family member. When your folks see that you are willing to study, be mature, and devote yourself to a project and see it through, they will be supportive.

Knife styles - While Zombie slashers, big camp bowies, and long daggers are neat, a 3" blade drop point hunter or a simple kitchen knife would be both useful and also give better impression of you to adults that you will need the cooperation and support of. The will also be far easier to make and come out good looking.

Don't get discouraged - There will be delays, failures, nay-sayers, and just plain "stuff" that happens to slow you down. Take it all as part of life and part of learning.

Set up a little place to work, and keep it neat - This is covered in the tutorial "How to Instructions for making a Knife)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

Use this search engine for looking up info;
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=011197018607028182644:qfobr3dlcra

You just missed this years show, but get with the assn. and find out about other meetings and events;
http://www.floridaknifemakers.org/
 
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If I were you knowing what I know now, I would stay in school and try to find a trade school that had a shop class or even better, a machine shop class. You will learn a lot of the things that will enable you to become a great knife maker. You will also learn a trade that goes hand in hand with knife making. You will learn the proper way to operate a lot of the same machinery that we use in knife making. While in a trade school, you can seek out knife makers in your area to help you with things like material selection, design, fit and finish etc. I know a lot of guys who have made knives while taking machine shop courses. As suggested by Stacy, there is a lot of info on the internet to help you get on your way. Remember, it is not the destination, it is the journey. Enjoy it. I NEVER stop learning after 28 years as a knife maker.
 
It can't be over stated; knife making is a combination of many skills and you need to do many of them well to become a well rounded knife maker who can execute many different knife designs.

On this thread, there are jewelers and machinist, welders and graphic designers; as well as grinders and forgers, with metallurgy at their core.

As Bobby stated its the journey, so take time to learn it all as you move towards that knifemaker goal.

Best of luck, Fred
 
Thanks Fred, I really wish to learn all that I can, but I just don't have the right teacher or equipment to even get started to learn.
 
Pubathedog said:
Thanks Fred, I really wish to learn all that I can, but I just don't have the right teacher or equipment to even get started to learn.
Click to expand...

Do you have a vice? A few files? a hacksaw? A drill?

If you have those, a bar of simple carbon steel like 1084, and patience, you have the equipment to make a knife.
 
Thanks Fred, I really wish to learn all that I can, but I just don't have the right teacher or equipment to even get started to learn.
Click to expand...

Neither did I but it's slowly starting to come together. You can make a knife with a hacksaw, files and sandpaper and it's not that hard. Draw filing is much easier and faster then you think. I started with a cheap 4"x36" sander and a bench grinder. I have a drill press now and a 2x72 grinder on the way. It takes a lot of effort and time for things to come into place. For now, learn and practice with simple hand tools and be patient.

You need to read this: http://www.knife-making-supplies.net/cheap-knife-tutorial.html
Instead of the spring steel he recommends I would like to suggest this: http://newjerseysteelbaron.com/shop/1084/ in .125"x1.25"x48". Should run <$15 and it's much easier to work and heat treat.

When you are ready to heat treat, ask some questions if you're unsure what to do and we'll walk you through it.

There is nothing stopping you from making a knife. Do it and show us, we like looking at other peoples knife pictures :D

Final words: It's all in the attitude. Instead of I don't have... I can't... I need... show initiative, research and read then START.

Can't wait to see your work :)

Matt
 
I believe John H Davis is in Fruitland Park, FL, which is pretty close to you. He's one of my favorite knife makers. He makes his own damascus and forges his knives. I have a hunter in 52100 from him that is still easily one of my favorite knives, hands down. Look him up, although I'm not sure if he's taking apprentices... Still, I'm sure he'd be happy to chat and help you out.

And at 15, yes, make sure your parents are on board and know what you're doing and where you are going. Good luck! :D
 
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