Knife Kit Questions/Help

T

thekidd76

Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
6
I'm afraid I probably already know the answer, but is it possible using a kit to make a knife in time for Christmas for my Dad, having never done this before? I just thought of this today, so I'm already behind the gun. I thought it would be nice to make him a hunting blade to package with the rifle I'm giving him for Christmas. If the answer is yes, it can be done, what is your suggestion on the best kits out there on quality and value? I'm looking at a hunter style, full tang blade, that I can get some nice handle material and put together for him. This would be my first attempt at this, though I've wanted to do this for a long time. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
 
Extremely doubtful. If you order today, have experience with tools and everything in place when it shows up, MAYBE. But it's a real bad idea to rush the first time (or any other time, really).

Sorry. When's his birthday?
 
Thanks James…and i was thinking the same thing…birthday is March, so that's definitely an option. Any recommendations on a good kit, or good place that sells quality kits?
 
Enzo for an easy to assemble kit. So long as you get it quickly, you should be able to complete one in a relatively short period of time.

For a more in depth project check out Gene Martins blanks and materials. They are very nice.
 
I'd suggest getting two kits, or one kit and an extra blade of similar handle size and shape. Get some extra pin material and buy some cheap 1/2 x 2" Oak from your local big box building supply. This wood is not ideal for knife handles but this is just for practice. Use the spare blade to practice making scales, you'll learn a LOT on the first few knife handles. I wouldn't glue your first set of practice scales since that would just make them harder to take off when you want to try again. However, you might want to glue up at least one set of practice scales before working on the gift knife. Plan on spending the better part of a day on each set of practice scales. Give yourself a full weekend, and maybe a few evenings, to do the gift knife.
Also, have a Plan B gift ready.
 
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I took me about 10 minutes to put together my kits. why would it take any more time than that please?? the instructions where on the back of the kit and I have never put one together before.
 
If it's a kit with preformed or preprofiled scales, then it wouldn't take much time at all.
If you're starting with slabs of wood or micarta that have to be shaped, then it takes a lot more time.
 
The first kit I put together, working with hand tools took more than 10 hours over several weeks. That was a paring knife (Green River) blade. My second kit, a skinner took about the same amount of time. The last one I did, a belt knife, including a pin and soldered guard took about 4 hours over 4 days. This was using unformed slabs for the handle and power tools. If you have the time and the ability then March is doable.
 
thekidd76 said:
I'm afraid I probably already know the answer, but is it possible using a kit to make a knife in time for Christmas for my Dad, having never done this before? I just thought of this today, so I'm already behind the gun. I thought it would be nice to make him a hunting blade to package with the rifle I'm giving him for Christmas. If the answer is yes, it can be done, what is your suggestion on the best kits out there on quality and value? I'm looking at a hunter style, full tang blade, that I can get some nice handle material and put together for him. This would be my first attempt at this, though I've wanted to do this for a long time. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
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YES! Go to http://www.knifemaking.com or call 1-800-351-8900 for information. Jantz has kits that can be completed with very minimal tools. They have kits for virtually any type knife, preshaped blades are completely finished and sharpened, they have handles that are already formed for many blades, some just need to be assembled, others are called 'weekend projects and only take a few hours, others are more difficult. They will ask a few questions and lead you in the right direction. Also blades made completely in the USA for paracord handles. They just need to be wrapped, add a few touches of your own if you wish. Also a service to laser your name onto the blade, not sure about delivery or price, just ask when you can or email. Great customer service by people who care and want you to get what you need! Most items are in stock and can be shipped same or next day!!!
 
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