Kit questions for the newbie and for the Scouts

[phatch]

At the top right of this forum is a link: http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/knifekits.html

They look interesting, but don't indicate the level of work required to finish them or the tools necessary.

I am toying with the idea of using these kits as a project with my scout troop. But I don't know enough to make that decision yet.

So please help me understand the safety issues, tools, techniques and time frame required to properly assemble and finish one of these knife kits, if you can.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[Bill_H]

I have no experience with any of these kits so I can't answer your questions regarding them (IMO, a fixed blade would be a better scout project), but remembering way back when to when I was a scout... well, I made some ugly stuff But I really wish I'd had a chance back then to do the following:
Check out the Brusletto kits, the #2 looks to be almost too simple; but the #1 only requires shaping the wood handle and making the sheath from scratch, and includes the leather. I did one of these, it's a nice kit and a good first time project. The Helle kit is even nicer but might be too difficult for the first one.
I'd recommend Bo Bergman's book Knifemaking "A Complete Guide to Crafting Knives, Handles & Sheaths" for you to see what's involved before you decide. Available at Amazon or with the knife kit from: http://www.ragweedforge.com/BladeCatalog.html#kits

That's a great idea for a scout project, Good Luck!

 

[peter nap]

I hate to admit this but I have never been able to build a good folder. I bought one of his kits and it couldn't have been easier. The parts are firsst rate and only minor (by my standards) fitting and finishing were required. Unless scouts have changed in the last 45 years:footinmou ,I don't think they will have any problems building it.