Looking for a knife maker in Waco, TX

turbodog10

turbodog10

Joined
Aug 9, 2013
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I'm 27 and I have had a passion for knives and steel for almost as long as I remember. I lived in New Mexico for about a year and towards the end of my stay there, I met a high school teacher who forged steel and made knives. This was the first time I was introduced the idea of making my own knives. Unfortunately, I had to move home before I could really learn the craft from this man. I've spent the last several years collecting ideas and information and I'm finally ready to dive into making my own knives.

All I have now is a metal file, a little workbench in the corner of my garage, and some ambition.

There is obviously a plethora of information on here which has been and will continue to be massively useful, but I really want to pick someone's brain in person regarding tools I should get where to get them, materials to use and where to get them, how to set up a shop, and general techniques for a starter like myself.

Any takers in the Waco, TX area?

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
 
If you come up to Dallas, give me a shout and Ill be happy to help
 
:DCan't hardly swing a dead cat in Texas without hittin a knife maker:D

Stan
 
I would really like to get in on this too . I live in dallas so if any of you gentlemen would like to trade some knowledge for free labor , count me in .
 
Thanks so much guys! I appreciate everyone's willingness but I'm really hoping for a local. There has to be someone!
 
Homestead Heritage is fun to go check out. It is open to the public and they teach Blacksmithing classes. I don't think they teach knifemaking but it is worth visiting just to see the Smithy.
 
Ya I've been out to Homestead a few times. The smithy is awesome and I would live to get into blacksmithing as well but the prices on those classes are ridiculous. For that money, I'd rather take a vacation with my family!
 
Travis Fry said:
I make it a point to dodge those when swung my way. I'll be back in Katy sometime next year. Why don't we all put some sort of event together?
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That sounds great! And we can all meet at a central location- like Waco- since you're each 2-3 hours from here in all different directions. I'm surprised a good knife maker in central TX hasn't seen this yet. I'll admit, I am definitely bummed none of you are local after looking at each of your websites and drooling over your beautiful pieces.
 
I guess, while I'm waiting for the event or someone in my area to volunteer their wisdom, I can go ahead and pose some questions.

How did y'all get started making knives? (i.e. With what tools and materials did you make your first knife? What style of knife was it? Were you happy with it? Any pictures?) What lessons did you learn and what did you change in making your next knife?

Do you think the "Absoloute cheapskate way to start making knives" in this thread is a good approach?
( http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/801933-I-want-to-start-making-knives-What-do-I-need)

Do you suggest getting spring steel from an axle shop or do you have a better suggestion? What about the filing work? I've sharpened my axes and hatchets with a file, and with the slow progress I experienced there, I'm weary of how long filing a knife into shape may take. Maybe it's my Ace Hardware file? Do you suggest a certain brand and type of file?

Do all of you do your work on 2x72 belt sanders? That seems to be the popular choice on here but both the prefab ones and the kits are definitely out of my budget right now. What do you suggest as the next value-minded step up from files?

I've got lot's more questions if you're willing to put up with them.
 
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I would suggest buying a known steel, 1084/95 and Im a big fan of Aldo so thats where I get all of mine. I started with a sears 2x42 sander and youll find many others here that have used them as well and the $1-150 isnt too bad of a cost. But once you use a variable speed 72", youll wonder how you ever used that. Below is my first sole authorship knife and it was made on one.
 

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Beautiful knife, Cory! I really like the mosaic pins. So by "sole authorship" do you mean you had done work on knives prior to this? Just curious, how do you brand your blades?

Ok so I think I found Aldo, the NJ Steel Baron. What the heck are all these color rectangles? Why is that not explained!?


SBuzek said:
Sounds like a plan.

Stan
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^ I see what you did there! :rolleyes:
 
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Yes, probably 15 years ago I started with kit blades. Then making blades and buying premade bolsters/guards/etc. That was first one I made the blade, bolsters, everything from raw stock. I dont even know where that knife is anymore, but Id probably be embarrassed to show it to anyone anyway, ha. My name is put on with an electro-chemical etch.

Steel is marked by color to identify what it is. The colors are marked on the end of the bar
 
I'm by no means a pro.just getting started myself but I'm pretty close to Waco, about 30 miles.I'm currently just doing stock removal but I'm fixing to build a forge and try my hand at forging some blades.ya ever want to get together and com pair notes just let me know
 
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