Kit Knives

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ljcsov

Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Messages
201
Hello everyone!

After searching around for a new hobby, I find myself debating whether or not I want to take up some beginner's knife making. Around the internet I noticed there are numerous places to get knife kits that already have shaped metal. It seems for the most part all I would have to do is sharpen it up, add handles, and do whatever mods that I find appropriate.

Anyone have experience with these? The steel seems to be pretty decent. The only problem the projects pose for me would be the required tools. What will I need? I have a sharpening kit which is all the work that I feel needs to go into the actual blade. As for the handle, I think I may be able to get away with a hand drill and some sand paper.

Am I getting in over my head?

Thanks. I feel this will be a great hobby with an outstanding reward! I just want to keep it on a budget.
 
You won't need much. Depending on the kit, perhaps nothing more than some files and sandpaper, maybe some wood finishing products if you aren't using stabilized wood for handle material. Have fun!
 
I noticed a lot of the steels are Aus8, 440, and Aus6 stainless. Is it bad to go with stainless? A lot of my favorite knives are made of tool steel.
 
ljcsov

In my experience, the kit knives I've made had completed blades that only needed handles put on. They were fun at the time so knock your socks off and have fun. You mentioned making mods to the blade. What kit(s) are you considering and what sort of mods were you thinking of? I suggest that you start small and simple unless you're adept at industrial arts sorts of stuff.

A word of caution though, the consensus on this forum is that it is not considered ethical to tell people you "made the knife" when using a kit knife blade. As I understand it, it doesn't matter how much you modify it or dress it up, if you didn't grind or file the bevels you didn't make the knife.

- Paul Meske
 
Regarding your question about stainless steel, I don't see where it matters much since most kits knives are ground, polished, and heat treated. If you like tool steel then look for kits where the blades are made from it. It's not "bad" to go with stainless steel. I think you'll find most of them are made from stainless steel.

There are a minority of kits that give you a knife "blank" (piece of steel in the profile of a knife) that you have to truly make into a knife and will require heat treatment. In these cases the type of steel would matter.

- Paul Meske
 
Thanks!

I hope to find a kit with 1095, but so far my search hasn't been successful.
 
Try the Russell Green River kits. Their blades are high carbon probably similar to 1095 CV. I like the belt blade as Jantz has a notched guard blank that fits the thickness of the blade. The most difficult part, for me, was countersinking and setting the handle rivets.
 
Hello ljcsov, if you fill out your profile including your location there may be a maker close by that will invite you for a shop visit. I would be willing to make you some 1095 blades that you could finish and handle. Price would depend on size, design, & degree of finish. Let me know if you're interested.
 
Im starting out with these kits too. I saw some 1095 stuff on usaknifesupply and i ordered a few preground blanks to practise on from northcoastknives. Hopefully they turn out nice!

Darin would you cut blanks from a template i draw? I think that would be awsome! My choice of shape and material is one step closer to making my own knife. Baby steps right? Id be interested in buying precut blanks from you for sure as i live in a 800 sq. Ft. Apartment and i dont have the luxury of a shop. Yet..... :-)
 
Yes I would consider it depending on the design. When you get a chance give me a call and we can talk it over.
 
ljcsov said:
Thanks!

I hope to find a kit with 1095, but so far my search hasn't been successful.
Click to expand...

I second teh Green River kits. You can also get the Enzo Trapper blank in O1. It isn't 1095 but it is carbon steel. They're pretty popular with the bushcraft crowd. call Ben, Back in the Woods.

randy
 
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