Looking for 'Advice to geting into knife makeing?

L

L Farmer

Joined
Jan 16, 2013
Messages
4
Hello I'll just cut to the point, I really want to start making knives. I have allot of time on my hands, and even more now. I have been "sick" for along time and now it's just getting worse, and I need something like this to do. I have the time and the want to, but not the knowledge. I really want to make traditional folding knives like my Papaw had. My Grandfathers Brother ( my great uncle) left behind some good stuff from his peddling in this art. He left a Cast Iron Forge, 60 Pound anvil and a bench grinder. Like What are the tools I will need? I would rather do most of it by hand because it would use the most time. And what are the realistic expectations for me to work my skill to be able to make a folder that resembles this
imgres
, now that is just an image I found on the net but close to what I want to make. Like what Files do I need, and what are they called, what hammer do I need? how do I "Heat Treat". Where do I buy the Metal? I know I want to work With carbon steel, but do not know where to buy it, How do I build The fire in this forge? Any help would be appreciated thinks a ton!
 
All I can say is start reading. Here is a link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...mon-Questions-Asked-by-New-Makers-and-Members that will start ya off. You will answer a bunch of your own questions just looking thru most of that stuff. Then you can start narrowing down your questions to specifics. I have been learning how for the past year or so and still read a ton of stuff. Still alot of things I have not learned how to do yet.

Good luck and this place is a wealth of information. Sounds like ya got a few of the big ticket items to start off with.
 
L Farmer said:
Hello I'll just cut to the point, I really want to start making knives. I have allot of time on my hands, and even more now. I have been "sick" for along time and now it's just getting worse, and I need something like this to do. I have the time and the want to, but not the knowledge. I really want to make traditional folding knives like my Papaw had. My Grandfathers Brother ( my great uncle) left behind some good stuff from his peddling in this art. He left a Cast Iron Forge, 60 Pound anvil and a bench grinder. Like What are the tools I will need? I would rather do most of it by hand because it would use the most time. And what are the realistic expectations for me to work my skill to be able to make a folder that resembles this
imgres
, now that is just an image I found on the net but close to what I want to make. Like what Files do I need, and what are they called, what hammer do I need? how do I "Heat Treat". Where do I buy the Metal? I know I want to work With carbon steel, but do not know where to buy it, How do I build The fire in this forge? Any help would be appreciated thinks a ton!
Click to expand...

Your photo dosen't show up for me, but links to this page
http://www.radharcknives.com/Lapis_Thuya_Folder.htm

I don't see all the photos on that page either, but the text on that page lists AUS-8 blade


That and this photo that I do see makes me suspect it is produced from a DDR2 kit from Knifekits.com

(If he's selling kits as fully custom handmade knives, I believe that's dishonest)

Lapis%20Thuya%20Folding%20Knife.jpg


http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=1
ddr2_mb_550.jpg

Making a folder is quite difficult for a first timer and you will learn much by finishing a kit or two.

After that, try making one from scratch using the kits as a pattern.
 
Last edited:
Okay Thinks for the help on that. I definitely will not be able to make that for a while. Should I start out with like a fixed blade?
 
Just a general bit of advice about learning and using this forum: Read all the way through some of the stickies and FAQ threads such as the one Quint linked prior to asking a ton of questions. The guys here are great on giving advice, especially if you show you're actually serious about learning by reading up before firing away with questions.

I do not mean to sound overly severe or anything of the sort. Just offering this advice to help you get off on the right foot here in Shoptalk. Glad to have you here!
 
Well I made my First Knife! I used and old piece of "mystery" grade steel, a decent flat head hammer and a old file and the forge. I turned out better then I expected I then filed it to a "Decent grind" and sharpened it up on an old stone! I love this thing it's strong, sharp and not so pretty! I want to make a hand for it but that will take a while got to wait for it to dry up around here. Thinks for the help and advice!
 
Good for you. Be sure to share pictures. This is a great art that can fill more hours than there are in a day.

Hopefully you'll find some joy in making something with your own hands.

Fill out your profile. You might find more established makers will invite you over to visit if they know you love close.
 
L Farmer said:
Well I made my First Knife! I used and old piece of "mystery" grade steel, a decent flat head hammer and a old file and the forge. I turned out better then I expected I then filed it to a "Decent grind" and sharpened it up on an old stone! I love this thing it's strong, sharp and not so pretty! I want to make a hand for it but that will take a while got to wait for it to dry up around here. Thinks for the help and advice!
Click to expand...

I have been guilty of not reading all posts before commenting and (while reading early in the thread) was conjuring a quip about how failure is a better teacher than success, to "read-and-heed" (as others have replied) but get started and not worry about having it all 100% figured out. Make a mistake or two and come back and ask how to fix it following the premise that a problem well stated is a problem half solved. Lo and behold you beat me to it! ;) Well done!

Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top