Knife Making Starter Book Recommendation?

J

jayjaygee

Joined
Mar 13, 2023
Messages
266
I saw "Basic Knife Making" byu Ernst something, and wondered if it's good for a total novice who is just curious now and might get inspired to take up the hobby.

I also saw "Simple Knifemaking" by Nicholas Tomihama.

Can the hobbyists here recommend one over the other, or maybe a third? Thanks!
 
Good question but try asking in the bladesmith forum. I would like to know as well.
 
jayjaygee said:
I also saw "Simple Knifemaking" by Nicholas Tomihama.
Click to expand...

He's here - https://www.youtube.com/@BackyardBowyer/videos , if you want to checkout his style.

You might also try member Red Beard Knives channel - https://www.youtube.com/@RedBeardOps/videos , he's got stuff from simple to technical.

Books? The Loveless / Barney book mentioned above, and Goddard's "The $50 Knifeshop".

----------------------------------------------

Here's the Loveless video, that will show you some of the stuff in the book -

.
 
Not sure on books as I banned them from my life after college :) but Walter Sorrells puts out a lot of good youtube stuff and he has been around for a long time. Japanese swords through modern CNC making in his career. It is a good rounded overall explanation/exposure to knife making imo. Good luck!
 
I'm not a knife maker, so take anything I suggest with a grain of salt. But...

I've always heard that "Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can do it!", by David Boye, is a good place to start. This book has been around nearly 50 years, and is still available new.
 
Triple_D said:
I'm not a knife maker, so take anything I suggest with a grain of salt. But...

I've always heard that "Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can do it!", by David Boye, is a good place to start. This book has been around nearly 50 years, and is still available new.
Click to expand...

I read that book over and over when I started, I also recommend it.
I also like:
Custom Knifemaking: 10 Projects from a Master Craftsman
 
There are many good books on getting started. The ones listed and others are in The Stickys Good Info thread.
One book I would recommend anyone interested in learning to make knives get is Dr. Larrin Thomas' book "Knife Engineering". IT won't tell you how to shape a knife or put on a handle. But it will explain knife metallurgy and heat treatment with great detail. The lists of parameters for most every knife steel in the back is worth the price alone.
 
I just finished reading the Loveless portion of the “Loveless” book. It was definitely informative but maybe not all that helpful. Part of that is because it’s pretty dated from an equipment standpoint and the other part is because it just doesn’t do justice to how difficult some of the steps are. It’s almost like “now I’ll put a perfect hollow grind on this knife and if it warps a little I’ll fix it.” When people get that good at something they sometimes have a hard time dumbing it down for the rest of us.
I use “Knife Engineering” all the time for heat treat. Other than that I come on here and ask questions or look for YouTube videos when I’m struggling with something. I’ve also gotten to know a few experienced knifemakers in the real world I can bounce things off of too. That’s been extremely helpful.
 
I read 2 or 3 that my library had first because it cost me nothing. Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop was the first. It's ok but somewhat dated. I bought Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can do it! by David Boye, it's a good one, I recommend it. Knife Engineering by Larrin Thomas is a must have. Like Stacy said, it won't show you how to make a complete knife but it will tell you more than you need to know about nearly every kind of steel that will harden.
 
jayjaygee said:
I saw "Basic Knife Making" byu Ernst something, and wondered if it's good for a total novice who is just curious now and might get inspired to take up the hobby.

I also saw "Simple Knifemaking" by Nicholas Tomihama.

Can the hobbyists here recommend one over the other, or maybe a third? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I consider myself a logical person....
I know why (I make) knives. And I knew even before I started.
For me, Yes I enjoy making things. I do get a sense of pride, and I like making people happy. Idk if I just wasn't looking hard enough, but it seemed like there were less people here making knives for others...when I started.
Now, there is quite a few of us. It seems.
Maybe it's cycles of makers coming and going? Idk if I would of started if I didn't Have to...?

Do you make OTHER things? Anything?
I started off life as a tool room machinist. "In My head", I think I can make Anything.
I know it's not true, but I feel that way.

What's funny is only a small amount from Machining crosses over into knife making. Maybe half, maybe a little more? Idk, But I'm surprised how much More I had to learn. I'm not talking information (that too) but, I'm talking about physical skills. Grinding knife bevels free hand at a belt grinder Isn't the same as deburring parts, or sharpening lathe bits. Sorta. All kinds of thinks like that. Even though I thought I knew alot, I didnt.....Ha. :)
It takes Lots of knives to Get It.

I'm curious how many accountants or such make knives?

Are you thinking of making knives, or just a knife.
Determining your philosophy on knives, what You think they Should be, how You want them to be, and how you want to go about making them will determine HOW you will make them. I know that's a hard question. You don't know what you don't know (Now).....but, then it will all just fall into place.

*don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone can learn more. We still do.f

-I agree with the above of finding a knife making mentor.
Better if it was local, even
 
Triple_D said:
I'm not a knife maker, so take anything I suggest with a grain of salt. But...

I've always heard that "Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can do it!", by David Boye, is a good place to start. This book has been around nearly 50 years, and is still available new.
Click to expand...
thanks , that was one I wanted to make sure got on the list 👍
 
Agree with recommendations so far. Goddard's is good, but dated. I've also written a couple. I have "Knifemaking Hacks", a book of tips and tricks and pretty pictures. It's not a linear how-to, but has alot to offer that the beginner might not consider. I also have "Next Level Knifemaking," a book with essays by 17 different authors on what it takes to move up in the knife world. It has chapters on equipment, design, heat treat, forges, anvils, and a all kinds of other things.
 
Hi,
It would be helpful to know what kinds of tools you have available for this first build? Do you have a belt grinder? metal cutting bandsaw? drill press? angle grinder, dremel tool, good files?

For your first, I wouldn't even deal with heat treating yourself, and find someone local or send it out to Peter's or somewhere that can do 1 for you. Ask here, several knifemakers would help you out I'm sure.

Once having a few under you belt, the Knife Engineering book will help familiarize yourself with the heat treating process.

I like the Loveless / Barney book because it presents two approaches. One assumes a basic toolkit and uses files/sandpaper for shaping and beveling. If following this route, I would also recommend this video on a filing jig that would have made my life easier when doing the file method:

I have a soft spot for the Tim McCreight book on 10 projects in custom knifemaking as it is one that I had when starting. Keep in mind, he is a jewelry maker who did some knifemaking.

Of course, there are many many you tube videos out there. I caution you from going too deep in YT because of paralysis by analysis. The absolute best thing you can do is to start and finish one and not get bogged own in overload of information. That being said, I find Red beard ops to have some well done videos with some that emphasize hand tools.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top