Impossible to find a working design

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grumpy_grinder

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Oct 2, 2015
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Hey folks , I'm new to the site. And just got into knife making. Long story short I already do leather work for myself and I don't have much time on my hands with the young fella , wife and a full time job. just wondering where you guys get the inspiration for your knife designs? Some of you guys do amazing work. Is there a catalogue or entry level books on knife making or designs someone could recommend? I'm just looking to make something for myself for trapping / hunting / bush craft. I'm not asking for someone to make a design for me as I'd like it to be my own. I guess all the different types of steel , angles on bevels and edges and everything else is a lot to take on!

Thanks

Grumpy_grinder
 
I look at pics, go to shows, think of all the knives I've had and pic one. Thing is, all of them have had something I didn't like. Since I make knives, this is easy to fix. I take basic shapes and designs and draw them with my twists. That's it. Make a template and see how it feels. Perfect it and you have yourself a pattern.
 
Good advice Matt. My thoughts exactly. This is how it went for me.
Every time you see a picture of a knife, try to figure out what detail makes you like or dislike it. Meanwhile, buy a package of pencils, a mountain of graph paper, and a ruler. Sketch, sketch, and sketch some more. I probably used 10 miles of pencil lead sketching before I even touched a piece of steel. When you get hung up on an area as your sketching, browse threads and focus on that area. Don't copy what you see, just get the concept of different portions, of a blade and why they are the way they are (angles, shapes lengths, etc..) When you're on your thrid package of pencils, and have killed a forest of graph paper, start transferring designs to heavy cardboard or pegboard type material(without the holes, not sure what its called but it works great). Now you'll see how you're drawings work, or don't work in the hand. Then go back to demolishing graph paper.
I have learned an insane amount of patience in knifemaking.
In my experience, wanting instant success usually results in instant failure.
 
Haha thanks , you guys are great. Definitely some smart folks on here. Rather then always pestering you guys I like to do a bit of reading
 
Average dummy here. I know that when I made the decision to make knives, I looked for books and was intimidated by tutorials with alien equipment. Don't get in a hurry and absorb everything you see in shoptalk, before too long, it starts to make sense. If you think out your questions well, these guys will point you in the exact direction you want to go. My advice is just to study the basic ergonomics, geometry, and concept first, then give hell to some graph paper.
 
I have read "Step by Step Knifemaking" by David Boye. A little dated but good basic info. Also "How to Make Knives" by Richard Barney/Robert Loveless
Besides this forum I have one of these on order for design inspiration: "Knives 2016: The World's Greatest Knife Book" edited by Joe Kertzman
 
Thanks less , it's definitely overwhelming when you first jump into it. Some of you guys are natural artists , there's some nice pieces out there!
 
grumpy_grinder said:
Haha thanks , you guys are great. Definitely some smart folks on here. Rather then always pestering you guys I like to do a bit of reading
Click to expand...

This mindset will carry you a long ways. Knifemakers are some of the nicest, most helpful people I've ever met. That being said, I know I always take note as to whether someone who's asking for help, have taken the time to help themselves. It appears you have. We were all new once. Like you, I tried to figure things out as much as possible before I asked for help on here. Learning how to learn and find the information you seek is valuable in itself. So many new guys come in here and just want info spoon fed to them. They ask questions that are, many times, covered in great length in the stickies.

As far as your question, look at and use as many knives as possible. I'm constantly browsing the for sale section and gallery on here. I'm not suggesting that you directly copy someones design, but there are many generic features you can use and put your on spin on. Id also suggest getting a set of French curve stencils from either Office Depot or OfficeMax. I can't draw a lick and they've helped me a lot with my design process.

There are a lot of generic/classic designs out there that are fine to use. Many makers do nothing but Loveless style knives. There are tons of skinner, bushcraft/Woodlore, bird and trout, kephart, etc... designs out there you can use. Google image is your friend.

Good luck and welcome to bladeforums.
 
Maybe get Murrey Carter's book 101 knife designs.

He talk a lot about what makes a good knife as pertaining to design. And while I do not agree with him on everything. It'll at least get you started in the right mind set.
 
Bob Engnath Knife Designs.

http://www.engnath.com/ Click on the book, and then click any style you wish to display templates and info.



Also, Lloyd Harding left all his templates and designs to knifemakers for free when he died in 2003. It often takes a bit of searching and a download, but they are out there. If searching use Lloyd Harding knife gallery or Lloyd Harding knife templates.
Here are some places you can find them:
http://wetlands.simplyaquatics.com/v/knife-making/design/lloyd/
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/articles/free-knife-designs/100-lloyd-harding-s-knife-templates




In the Stickys, there is a link to both Bob Engnath and Lloyd Harding's drawings, as well as much more info.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/603203-Online-Knife-making-books-on-Google
 
I downloaded open office free drawing program. Then i can clip any picture of a knife from online into the program. You can rotate and resize easily.

I used those as starting points when i as starting.
 
Here's a great thread regarding hunting knife designs! http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1269614-Your-thoughts-on-hunters

I get a lot of my inspiration from the "Custom & Handmade" subforum, the "Knifemaker's For sale: Fixed Blades" subforum, Facebook, Google image search, Bladeforums search engine, not the search bar at the top of each page here, but the google custom bladeforums search, (see the sticky for link).

I really enjoy threads showing what the other makers are bringing to upcomming shows, like The Blade Show for example.. here are a few of those types of threads..

ICCE show 2015: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1313516-I-C-C-E-What-are-you-bringing-to-K-C

Blade Show 2015: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1281065-BLADE-SHOW-’2015-Show-Us-What-You-Got!

Seattle Knife Show 2015: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...how-Knife-Thread-Makers-what-are-you-bringing

Those are just a few. I also love looking and the end of the year "Best Bowie of the Year" threads.. These are more so eye candy thread for me :D . I definitely find inspiration in everything posted, but unless you are wanting to make a large bowie, you won't find many useful pattern's to go from. Not trying to overwhelm you, but here are the last three years for whenever ya have some free browsing time. ;)

From last year.. Best bowie 2014: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...T-BOWIE-2014-Voting-CLOSED-Finalists-Selected!

Best bowie 2013: https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNFbY9mDDq2ZdFdJylM0V9t5obc9ng

Best Bowie 2012: https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNEw8jH4ghTvaqqdm2BemlTzxplS_Q

Just look aroung, read the stickies, find a style you like, draw up a design to your liking, post the rough draft here for critique, and go forward to make your first blade from there. Or just jump in an do some trial by fire so to speak, then you'll have a better idea of what questions to ask, which are mostly likely already answered and in the stickies or an older thread, which is what the bladeforums search is great for. :)

Hope this helps, and doesn't overwhelm you even more. :o

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
LX_Emergency said:
Maybe get Murrey Carter's book 101 knife designs.

He talk a lot about what makes a good knife as pertaining to design. And while I do not agree with him on everything. It'll at least get you started in the right mind set.
Click to expand...

^^ I 100"% agree with this.. Great book on the fundamentals of knife design and some good inspiration as well. Murray's neck knives are a great overall knife design for the catagories you listed. I've made a number of knives based off of that design, and it's easy enough to alter the blade shape to whatever style you want, it's the size and handle/butt/finger choil that really make it great. He actually has templates in the back of that book if you want to photocopy them and use them as your actual templates, or cut them straight outa the book.. :)

I also don't agree with Murray on everthing, but his neck knife style, It's an ingenious design imho :)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
I just finished looking through the Blade Forum best bowie 2014. Now lemme tell ya, I USUALLY am pretty satisfied with my own work but I look at those knives and I realize just how far I have to go. One excellent (dare i say elegant?) blade after the other. Makes me think of selling the grinder and taking up golf. (Not really)
 
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This is what I came up with
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