Knifemakers Get In Here New Guy With Lots Of Questions!

B

Blades77

Joined
May 10, 2009
Messages
1
Been browsin' the site for a few days and building up a host of questions. First post and I want to say I am impressed so far with this forum. It seems like a knowlegable and civil group to be a part of. So here goes.....
I want to get started in knifemaking and I have no idea where to start. Let me give you a little background. Ive been a diemaker/ machinist for 12 years now. I completed a deimaking apprenticeship and worked as a die maker for 8 years while also attending school. I graduated with a degree in machine tool technology and then took a job in the racing industry as a cnc programmer. So with that out of the way Im not a total novice in metalworking. I guess what I would like to ask is what are the best materials (books, websites etc.) to gain more info on this subject? Second is what are the basic tools required to get off to a good start. Ill leave it at that for now as Im sure Ill have more questions to come.
Thanks for your time. :)
 
Take a look in the "Newbies" thread pinned at the top of the forum, that should get you going.

Welcome to the forum!

-d
 
RUN!!! Don't get sucked in to the addiction!

Just kidding! Welcome!
 
Welcome,
Check out all the stickies at the top of this forum. There is a lot of info there. You will need several days to peruse it all.

I appreciate your background info, it helps a lot to have an idea of who you are advising.
Fill out your profile to give us your location and such,too.
I got an email last week from a person like you asking for some guidance and help selecting what steel to start with and buy. I emailed back the a little bio and background would be helpful. Turned out that the person lived one mile from my shop. We are setting up some shop learning for the summer.

Welcome, again,
Stacy
 
Welcome 77

You need to start by designing your knife on paper and decide what steel and handle materials to use. Stock removal or forged. Read everything here you can especially on the heat treating specific to blades. Ask here as you go after that.

By your background I dont think you will have much trouble making a knife. Challenge yourself to make them better each time. Write daily in a log book. I wish I would have. I forget half of what I know.

Again Welcome to the family
 
77,

I am a newer maker, less than 30 knives under my belt. There are many resources for you to find in these forums. As the others have stated, the "stickies" in the forums will help a great deal and never be afraid to ask questions. Here are a couple book recommendations to give you some informative reading:

http://www.amazon.com/Wayne-Goddards-Knife-Shop-Revised/dp/0896892956
http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Knives-Richard-Barney/dp/087341389X
http://www.amazon.com/Blades-Guide-Making-Knives-Kertzman/dp/0896892409
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=hand...keeslar&aq=0&oq=handles+and+gu&fp=-dx2DTn7Pl4
http://www.amazon.com/Knives-2009-J...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242311219&sr=1-1

The information in these books has been invaluable to me, I am constantly reviewing them and finding new information each time.

Welcome to the forums,

Bob,

Hershey, PA
 
indian george said:
If you live in my area, we could get you started and cut your learning curve in half.:D
Click to expand...

I think you have that backwards IG, if he comes to your shop he'll learn half as much right?

Only 'cuz the drinkin' and HT'g relish will kill off those fresh synapse links! ;)

I can't wait to see what a diemaker comes up with for a first knife...make sure you show us! :)

-d
 
Welcome! Fill out your profile so other makers will know where you're from, there might be a maker within a short drive you could visit and get some pointers...
 
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