Knife Making is Hard

I

itrade

Joined
Jul 3, 2002
Messages
645
At first it seems so easy. Then in the middle of making your first knife, it's hard work but not intellectually challenging. Then when it's done you say, "That's easy - make another."

But after awhile you start to appreciate the smaller details in design, construction, and methods. Then you get picky. Then you get REALLY picky.

Well, that's where I am right now. My standards are higher than my skills. It's very frustrating. Every time I wiggle while grinding I know what work that creates for me down the line. So, I get frustrated. I can't get anything straight enough or flat enough.

Also, the whole knowledge thing. I figured I'd have the basics learned in a year. And could just make knives. After all, it's just a piece of steel with some wood over one end. Man was I wrong! It feels like I'll never understang what's going on.

I am so buried from a lack of skill and knowledge it feels like I'll never finish another knife. I have to tell myself that there must be some folks on this forum that have been thru the same thing.

Steve
 
Amen brother.

Which is why I keep looking at my grinder lately and finding something else to do around apt. Even though I'm done with both work and classes now, so have more than enough time.

But hey, taht's the true art and craftsmanship shining through.

Keep at it. I know that I'll never make a knife that I'm completely satisfied with, and NEVER reach the level of skills and quality that some of the makers here have, but that, while horribly frustrating at times, is also one of the best parts about knifemaking. With my work, computer stuff, there isn't much room for improvement anymore. Not to brag, but I know my work, I do it well, and it's just not an artistic/creative field, so not room for continual improvement/accomplishment.

This there is. Sure there will always be something you want to do better. And you should pay attention to those, and continue to strive to improve. But don't let that make you overlook the advances and good work that you are doing now. Sure, my last knife had some little gaps in bolster/handle(well, not gaps, as they are filled with JB weld/epoxy, but not perfect fit I wanted), and there are fishhooks towards the spine in the hand rubbing, but that doesn't change fact that I can enjoy it's by far best blade I've made, best heat treat so far, best looking handle, first bolster, etc. I'll do my best to improve those flaws next time, but I also enjoy the good things that I did accomplish.

So anyways, keep at it. You're not alone.
 
I understand. Confidence grows, skills grow,
uncertainty remains. Ruin is always that one hiccup away
on any blade, and we all battle it forever.

As I said on another thread recently, one can be proud of ones
growth and accomplishment, but never satisfied.
There is always the "Murphy" lurking in the background, and there is always that gink in the knife that you know about and others
don't see until it's pointed out to them.

We all face it every time we go into the shop, and there should always be a safe, bare spot on the wall to toss things at when we have too much anger. :D

Not being a wiseass at all, "It's a journey, Grasshopper, and not a destination.":) You're doing just fine....
 
Yes, most of us have been through that. When I first started out, my problem was what to do first, so the other things fall into place sequentially. It got so confusing that I decided to write it all down, in order, for reference.
After filling up 6-7 pages of legal pad, and still not done, I said the Hell with it. It was very discouraging looking at that list.
I threw it away, and just took one thing at a time.
It will all fall into place, as you gain experience. :D
 
I know how you're feeling. I feel frustrated sometimes because it doesn't turn out how I want. But sometimes I grind away and am completely amazed at what I've created. Then, I start looking at it and notice those little things that "aren't quite right" and I start on it again.

One thing that frustrates me is that I don't have the extra cash to buy some of the things I want for knifemaking. And when I do have the money, I have to resist not buying some knife that one of you put up for sell, or some production knife. Now I'm deciding if I should change from "Gold" to knifemaker. I've decided I'd like to sell some knives, but don't feel I deserve "knifemaker" status yet.

From what I've seen, you do fantastic work -- I say keep at it and don't give up.
 
The basic patterns will soon get boring so thats when the real fun starts on knives that are more challenging and satisfying. Just remember that "There is no perfect knife" . This helps me accept the small mistakes I make.
 
Hey Steve: if it was easy we'd all be doing it.

Don't cut yourself short. I've looked at your stuff. Carry on!!!

Roger
 
Just leave it alone for awhile, it will still be there. I find myself forging to beat the band but struggle trying to get myself to finish a blade. I believe all of us run into a wall at times.....
 
Yep, I know exactly what you mean. I finish almost every project faster and with better results than the last, but for some reason always put off the next one for a day or two.
The worst thing is that crucial step that can make or break you. With folders, I always dread cutting and fitting the lock. There's no way to do it first. You have to make the liners and blade, and have everything there to lay it out. And if you screw up, you have to start over on that liner, and get it to match up with the other stuff perfectly :(
I actually put it off until there was nothing but finish work left on the one I'm working on right now. Then I looked at it, and wondered what the hell I was thinking. It turned out fine and I'll have a folder to show off in another 2-3 days.
Finishing the blade is a bear too. I grind everything on an 8" bench grinder. Like how fast it gets things done, and wouldn't trade it for anything but a 2X72 set up which I can't afford. It makes a very rough plunge cut though. A clean one, but deeply scratched. Makes handrubbing the blade a chore I always try to put off too.
Overall its a lot of fun though. Just like anything else, there's good times and bad times. I love training horses too, even if cleaning stalls is no fun.
 
Steve, I beleive you are self-taught, and you do better work than you give yourself credit for. One thing about folks like us that are self-taught, we learn our lessons well, and some of them are not easy. I also beleive all knife makers back off from the shop now and then. You have to, if you have been hitting it pretty hard for too long or too hard. It's also called keeping all your digits still attatched where they are supposed to be.
 
Steve, I'm with you man. I know I've only been making knives for a few years (but once I fell in I pretty much quite working so I guess I got a little experience). I couldn't even think, last year, of finishing a knife if I even twitched while grining the blade. Now, if I notice a flaw I would have (and have had) no problem putting a finished "knife" back on a belt to clean up a slight flaw in the blade. I still am never completely happy when I finish a knife. I always think "this will be a great one" at 400 grit. Then when I finish I think, that could have been better! Tess says that's what will make the knives better, I guess I should believe her. I think we're all like that to different extents but, I don't think you have much to worry about. I've been looking at one of your latest knives and it is truely beautiful. I know there are a few little clean up points left to do (that you mentioned) but, if you can make a knife like that don't worry . Your doing great.
 
Man I still fell like this after all these years myself.I feel I learn something new from every knife I make.When I die I hope I know how to make a knife correctly myself without having to fix things all the time.
Your doing outstanding work so just keep at it and grind - grind - grind..
Bruce
 
I know exaclty where your coming from. When I first started I just wanted to make knives. Years ago I would have been extreamly happy with what I'm doing now, but with experiance and that criticle eye I can spot flaws that most people will never see, and they drive me up the wall! And if I see those same flaws on someone elses work its not as noticlble to me as the ones on my work. Nobody can pick a knife to death like it's maker!
 
Knifemaking is hard work. We are our own worst critiques. It will all come together in time, just dont give up. I was once told knifemakers don't make mistakes..........just modifications! :) How true it is! ;)
 
My way of looking at it is a new "Challenge" to overcome , like many i search for Perfection on each knife , some times you don't get it but , you still try like hell . i find i spend alot more time "finishing" than ever before . i think we all can make a pecfect knife if we try hard enough and have enough time to do it .

Just my opinion.:D
 
Thanks Gang - appreciate it.

I've no intention of giving up, but I have a better appreciation for you professionals.

Fortunately, what appeared to be a simple skill to master, has turned into a life long quest for the perfect blade.

Steve
 
I wonder if Stradivarius felt this way about his violins, or Michelangelo about the Statue of David, or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
 
....my sanding arm has been getting real tired lately.....it also seems that my finishes get more acceptable (to me) when the number of sanding sheets used equals the number of bandaids applied to my digits.

Bob
 
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