I don't post a lot here, but I read the forums just about every day. This month marks my first year of knife making and I thought I would share some of my experiences. Maybe someone who is just getting in to this can learn from some of my successes and failures. Please don't take these as expert advise, they are just some of the things I learned in my first year.
1. Get some instruction. I started by taking some classes from a wonderful local bladesmith and this was the smartest thing I could have ever done. Aside from the instruction, I was able to ask a ton of questions and also get to try out his gear before I purchased my own. These classes were worth ever penny. I figure they saved me at least six months of trial and error and potentially saved me from buying tools that I didn't need or like.
2. Read! Bladeforums has been a great source of instruction for me. There are different ways to go about making knives - grind geometry, materials, etc. I wouldn't say any one way is right or wrong, so it is good to explore what is out there, try as many as you can and see what is right for you.
3. Practice Grinding. Grinding is an art that takes a lot of time and practice to perfect. There's no worse feeling than profiling a blade only to screw it up when you grindingg the bevel. It happens, so get used to it. There are some things you can do to help. I got a handful of paint stirrers from home depot, slowed my grinder down and practiced on them. Once I felt comfortable with wood, I moved up to some junk steel. After that, I started grinding blade steel. I still screw one up occasionally...
4. Build some kit knives first. Like many people, this is where I started. I figured it would be best to get comfortable making handles on relatively cheap blades before I made my own. I didn't want to spend the time and effort to finish a blade only to put an ugly handle on it. Another lesson I learned in this area was that most beginning knifemakers make handles too thick.
5. Know your customers. I don't have any intention of quitting my day job but I have equipment and materials to pay for so that means I have to sell the knives I make. My customers are primarily hunters and fishermen who intend to use the knives they purchase. This has steered most of my knifemaking towards skinning and fillet knives becuase I know these will sell. I love all kinds of knives and look forward to making all kinds but for now, I'm sticking to what will sell for now so I can pay off my tools. The materials I use are also driven by the fact that these knives will be used. It is also good to know what your customers are willing to pay. Don't sell yourself short, but it doesn't do you any good to build something with damascus and ivory when your customers aren't willing to spend more than $250.
6. Dust collection and a respirator are good investments.
7. Plan ahead and purchase materials accordingly. You should think through the next batch of knives you are going to make and make sure you have the right materials on hand. I can't buy belts, blade steel, etc. locally so I need to make sure I place my orders ahead of time so I have what I need on-hand. (Actually, I can buy locally, but my day-job makes it difficult to get over to TKS during store hours). I also grind two of each blade I make so I have a backup if I screw one up. Lately, this hasn't been a problem so it just means I have one more to sell.
8. Hammer and hammer some more. If you are pinning bolsters on your knives, tap them until you think they are good and then tap some more!
9. Donate some knives. I started donating knives this year to a cancer charity that my company (day job) works with. In addition to raising money for a good cause, this has helped me get my name out there and meet new customers.
These are just a few of the lessons I have learned in my first year. I am thankful for BF and everyone's willingness to give advice and share their techniques. The knifemaking community is full of great people and I am glad to be a part of it.
Brett
1. Get some instruction. I started by taking some classes from a wonderful local bladesmith and this was the smartest thing I could have ever done. Aside from the instruction, I was able to ask a ton of questions and also get to try out his gear before I purchased my own. These classes were worth ever penny. I figure they saved me at least six months of trial and error and potentially saved me from buying tools that I didn't need or like.
2. Read! Bladeforums has been a great source of instruction for me. There are different ways to go about making knives - grind geometry, materials, etc. I wouldn't say any one way is right or wrong, so it is good to explore what is out there, try as many as you can and see what is right for you.
3. Practice Grinding. Grinding is an art that takes a lot of time and practice to perfect. There's no worse feeling than profiling a blade only to screw it up when you grindingg the bevel. It happens, so get used to it. There are some things you can do to help. I got a handful of paint stirrers from home depot, slowed my grinder down and practiced on them. Once I felt comfortable with wood, I moved up to some junk steel. After that, I started grinding blade steel. I still screw one up occasionally...
4. Build some kit knives first. Like many people, this is where I started. I figured it would be best to get comfortable making handles on relatively cheap blades before I made my own. I didn't want to spend the time and effort to finish a blade only to put an ugly handle on it. Another lesson I learned in this area was that most beginning knifemakers make handles too thick.
5. Know your customers. I don't have any intention of quitting my day job but I have equipment and materials to pay for so that means I have to sell the knives I make. My customers are primarily hunters and fishermen who intend to use the knives they purchase. This has steered most of my knifemaking towards skinning and fillet knives becuase I know these will sell. I love all kinds of knives and look forward to making all kinds but for now, I'm sticking to what will sell for now so I can pay off my tools. The materials I use are also driven by the fact that these knives will be used. It is also good to know what your customers are willing to pay. Don't sell yourself short, but it doesn't do you any good to build something with damascus and ivory when your customers aren't willing to spend more than $250.
6. Dust collection and a respirator are good investments.
7. Plan ahead and purchase materials accordingly. You should think through the next batch of knives you are going to make and make sure you have the right materials on hand. I can't buy belts, blade steel, etc. locally so I need to make sure I place my orders ahead of time so I have what I need on-hand. (Actually, I can buy locally, but my day-job makes it difficult to get over to TKS during store hours). I also grind two of each blade I make so I have a backup if I screw one up. Lately, this hasn't been a problem so it just means I have one more to sell.
8. Hammer and hammer some more. If you are pinning bolsters on your knives, tap them until you think they are good and then tap some more!
9. Donate some knives. I started donating knives this year to a cancer charity that my company (day job) works with. In addition to raising money for a good cause, this has helped me get my name out there and meet new customers.
These are just a few of the lessons I have learned in my first year. I am thankful for BF and everyone's willingness to give advice and share their techniques. The knifemaking community is full of great people and I am glad to be a part of it.
Brett
