It's time to start making knives!!!

Ken C.

Ken C.

Jack of all trades, master of none.
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Over the last 6 mos. I have tossed around the idea of starting a small knife shop. I have made a few knives in the past but always with hand tools and alot of sweat, blood, and tears. Most of my knives were made out of G-10 and were fairly simple to make. I have decided that I want to work in steel. I have at least a notebook full of designs and have been told by more than one knifemaker that I have a good eye for knife designs. I wish to make these designs a reality. My one question is......

What basic tools are need to start a fairly decent knife shop?

If someone could post a list of the basics it would be much appreciated. I have my wifes full support on this and she wishes that I start to do it as well.

Thanks in advance for your help and insight. :)
 
For a stock removalist type like me I'd say a bandsaw, drill press and grinder will get you a long way :)
 
I'd skip the bandsaw and use a 4 inch angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel. With the money you save spend it on a belt sander. The first tool to buy and one of the cheapest is the angle grinder, with different wheels you can cut or grind.

However a belt sander is a pleasure to use compared to a grinder.

Don't spend a fortune on tools until you know if you like it.
All the best
Pinpoint
 
I agree with pinpoint. Get the best grinder you can find but...(There's always a but) you will need some way to heat treat too unless you plan to send everything away. That's going to cut into your profits and in my humble opinion, heat treating to your specs is as much the mark of a professional knifemaker as his perfect grindlines.

I wish you the best because it's a difficult business to get started in. I have nothing but admiration for the guys here that make a full time living by doing this.
 
Check out Wayne Goddard's book "The $50 Knife Shop." You'll find all sorts of good ideas there and at least it will get you started. Hang out here and ask lots of questions and your wallet will be lightened in no time! ;)
 
Yea what Peter said:p
The Goddard book will save you the initial cost many times over in learning by your mistakes!!!
 
I'm in the same spot as Remster, who started this discussion. I've made some ok knives with a little 2x48 Craftsman grinder. I used a Bader for the first time last summer, what a difference! Lucky for me (I think) I'm in the Mighty 10th Mountain Division where they give us plenty of time to stay overseas and save our money... So now I'm planning on spending all of this cash when I return next summer. I'm thinking about a Bader, mainly because it's all I've used. I'm also looking at a forge. Everyone tells me to make my own, but I don't want to make forges, I want to make knives!! Any advice on the forge, the grinder, or what else I need? Not looking to go full-time, just looking to make awesome knives like the rest of you.
Oh, and is there really a Hammer-In planned in Albany, NY? It's on Jerry Fisk's website, but haven't seen it anywhere else. Thanks,

Whit
 
Hello all,
Any reccos on which brand of angle grinder to buy?
I too am in a similar position as remster.
Thanks!
 
Good news! I have secured myself a metal cutting bandsaw. It doesn't work right now but that can be fixed. It needs a motor and I know where to get one. I have also decided that a Bader BM III is what I need. I will of course need a hollow grinding jig until I can get proficient at grinding on the left side of the blade (I'm a lefty and I can grind perfectly on the right, weak hand needs some practice). But in all honesty, I'll use whatever I can to make a good, sturdy knife, whether or not some people consider it cheating. When I do start to sell my knives the price will reflect that I had assistance. Cheap well made knives for the masses I always say! Now I have to clean out the garage!
 
if you are going to use a jig to grind instead of freehand it is important that you tell you customers. i let them know i do all steel and handle work freehand and have the HT done by paul bos and a couple of gents i farm out the leather shealth making to. good luck.
 
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