i need help with my knifes iam making

B

boysurvivalist

Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
18
i am i young knife maker wondering if any one out their would give me some tips on knife making every reply will be apperciated
looking into making fighting knifes, throwing knifes,and neck knifes, thank you for the suggestions
 
It can be as simple as using the proper metal(you can use old files and anneal them in a outdoor grill to get them soft again) and filing it down to the shape you want and heat treating it or buying various machines to make your life easier. Fixed blades seam to be the starting point and working into folders down the road. Folders require that everything be very straight so power tools are very helpfull or else you do alot of hand sanding. Lots of great books out there that can give you some insight to how the process is done.

Knife shows are all over the country and most makers are willing to point you in the right direction and answer your questions. I sure asked a bunch a few years ago when I was getting into it!
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Also if you work up a good rapport with one of them who lives near you they may even take you under there wing and show ya the ropes. Hope this helps!
 
while your making the knife, just post questions about any problems you have, and we'll give you an answer right away. the most used tool in my shop is a belt sander. if you can afford it, go for a knifemaker's belt sander. but if you can only scrounge up $80 go for a delta 1"x 30", i modified mine. a drill press is very useful also. if you have an questions on machines to buy, just post em'
 
Just remember that EVERY knifemaker started out making that first knife, and don't be afraid to ask any and all questions. Knifemakers are the best people I know for answering questions in regards to their craft. Keep us posted on your progress.
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I think a good way to start here in the shop talk area might be to tell everyone what eqipment you have to work with. Even if it's minimal, the forum members could help you make the most of what you have.
I tell everyone that is starting out to begin with small knives and use a reliable, easy to work with steel like 01.
Neil

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New Hawkbill Pics!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 
well i have a cut off tool, drill press, bench grinder, a bad belt and disc santer and a orbter sander
thats about it becides a couple other things
i allso have axcess to the shop at my high school
 
well, there's no use for an orbital sander, sand by hand! it'll leave little swirls in your handles and blade. i wouldn't start with a throwing knife, good throwing knives need to be balanced. an easy stainless to start off with is 440c. i can write instructions on hand rubbing the finish on your blade. and since you don't have a buffer, your pretty much stuck with it. the next tool you'll probably want to buy is a good 2"x72" belt sander. the one i plan on buying, if i don't make one, would be the 'hardcore' grinder. 'round 2k but it'll be worth it.
neil, i'm picking up a surface grinder tomorrow. i'm paying the guy one hand made knife, by me. good deal. i'll give you the size of this one tomorrow. i almost fell of my chair when dad told me about this deal.
 
Since you are just getting started, don't worry about having all the tools that someone that has been doing this a while has or has access to. You have just about everything you "really" need. You have a drill press and a belt sander/grinder. All you need to worry about now is getting some good belts for your grinder. If it is one of the 4 X 36 inch grinders from Sears or Delta you can even find the 120 grit belts at Sears. Anything finer and one of the places like MSC or Graingers will have those.
You won't be able to hollow grind with the equipment you have but there is nothing in the world wrong with a good flat grind.

Plan on spending a lot of time hand finishing or sanding. As far as a choice of steel, 440C or D2 are always good choices for steel whether this is your first knife or your hundredth.

The links that A. T. Barr gave you are a very, very good starting place. Make sure that you check out the Engnath site. Lots of good information there. Order a catalog from K & G, there is some knifemaking information there as well.

The folks on this forum are a great bunch of fellas. Don't hessitate asking any questions.

C Wilkins


 
Alright magnum,
I'll offer him 2 handmade knives
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what's his phone number?? I have looked at several surface grinders and about a dozen milling machines.....all JUNK
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I don't think Florida is a good place for used machine tools! I have access to both machines at work but my boss gets a little funny when I break down a Bridgeport that is set up so I can do some knife work on it! Imagine that.......
Neil

------------------
New Hawkbill Pics!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 
already picked it up and started percision grinding some cutt off, it works great! it's a sanford, older model. i'm gonna replace some of the older parts on it with new stuff, and get a carbide grinding wheel. i can make daggers now! i'm gonna keep my eyes open for a deal on a vertical milling machine. they take up alot of space though.
 
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