Low volume manufacturing.

E

Erik.E

Joined
Aug 22, 2017
Messages
32
I'm looking for pointers on outsourcing knife-making manufacturing. What manufacturing methods are viable. I'm am more interested in the design aspect of knife making and am trying to figure out what I can outsource to companies specializing in automated processes.

To give an idea of what I mean, I'd like to make folders where the parts like liners and blades are done on waterjets or similar, then I can grind blades, assemble, and all other fit and finish.

I would really appreciate some pointers to get moving in this direction.

Thanks in advance, and all the best.
 
Not sure you've got the appropriate membership for this type of conversation. I'm sure the moderators will chime in here.
 
In response to weo's concern:
If Erik is making them for his own use. this is fine. If he is planning on making them to sell, he needs a Knifemaker membership level to discuss sales and manufacturing.

Erik,
You can design them in a proper CAD program and have most any good shop with a CNC machine or laser cut them out. In The Exchange sub-forum there is a section Knifemaker Services Wanted. That is where you should post your question to find a maker who does this.

Another option is to purchase kits from knifekits.com . The liners are well machined and have the holes tapped. Their kits have all the parts and screws as well as good instructions. Use the blade provided as a template and make your blade in the material you desire. The bolsters can be replaced with other metals, too. Most of their kits have scales available that are cut to fit, but you may want to use your own material and replace them, too. After you have made a few this way you will likely see that cutting and drilling your own scales and liners is just as easy.
 
Thank you, Stacy! Just what I was looking for. I'm just trying to get started for myself at the moment. If I ever get to the point of selling knives, I'd be sure to upgrade my membership. This seems like a great community and resource.

Thanks again.
Erik
 
Your are welcome. Post your CAD here for the folder guys to critique. They may see a flaw that you don't know about.
There is also a sub-forum dedicated to Maintenance, Tinkering, and Embellishment. It often has folks who specialize in the things you need.
 
Erik.E said:
I'm looking for pointers on outsourcing knife-making manufacturing. What manufacturing methods are viable. I'm am more interested in the design aspect of knife making and am trying to figure out what I can outsource to companies specializing in automated processes.

To give an idea of what I mean, I'd like to make folders where the parts like liners and blades are done on waterjets or similar, then I can grind blades, assemble, and all other fit and finish.

I would really appreciate some pointers to get moving in this direction.

Thanks in advance, and all the best.
Click to expand...

One word: 500 railroad spikes.
 
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