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Knifeclerk

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Jul 16, 2004
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What books would you all think of as essential for starting out? I already have a copy of the $50 Knife Shop by Wayne Goddard. I would like something that goes into more detail, though. What books would you recomend for learning to grind edges properly?
-KC
 
I am not happy with the books I have so I can comment you not to buy :D .
Dont buy hirosoulas's "complete Bladesmits". It didnt helped me about grinding or forging much.
 
hi guys

One book I read and learned alot from is The wonder of Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard. I use this book as a reference for heat treating on a regular basis. A must have for any knifemaker (in my opinion).

cya
jimi
 
Someone once pointed out that it's really the "$69.95 Knife Shop", after you pay for the book.


The classic Loveless "How to make knives" covers a little bit about grinding. The problem, I think, is it's almost impossible to describe grinding words. The usual answer (and best) is to buy 1/4 x 1" wood latice strips and go to work. It's cheaper than a book and works better.

Steve
 
Well, I stole the book from my coworker, so I'm still in the clear. Thanks for the input. I was really hoping I could get an in depth book that could cover grinding, because I can't get to it very often. You see my workshop has no electricity (Have to run an extension cable from the house) and no lights. And because of the cable, I can only work in clear weather (Which we are somewhat scarce on right now) The book is just to make sure the time I DO get to spend on the grinder is as profitable as possible.
I think I'll look into that Loveless book ASAP.
 
Seeing as you're in Santa Cruz, ever gotten to a BAKCA meeting?
There's one Thursday night at 7:30 in Newark.
A bunch of makers in the club, and you can pick their brains for some more info.
Howie
 
Knifeclerk said:
What books would you all think of as essential for starting out? I already have a copy of the $50 Knife Shop by Wayne Goddard. I would like something that goes into more detail, though. What books would you recomend for learning to grind edges properly?
-KC
Click to expand...

David Boyes book is good on things like grinding. The Loveless video is mostly grinding.

Drew
 
You may find some of the best grinding advice anywhere in these pages. If it works for you, try a search for "grinding" in titles and text. I think you'll be amazed. I learned more here in a couple of years than in half a lifetime reading every book and magazine I could get my hands on.

Also check Dan Gray's website for tutorials - there are plenty that cover the basics and lots of photos how to grind.

Good luck!
 
Try and find a knife maker close to you to get basics then go back to books and dvds. I got tired of all the dvds, books, tapes leaving steps out. Or they had a million dollar shop to work in. So I got together with 2 other knife makers and shot my own dvds. Forgeing using hammer and anvil, and power hammer. Grinding using craftsman 1 x 42, a 6 x 48 and a 2 x 72. Covers modified convex, convex, flat, and hollow grinding. Live dvds with screw ups and how to fix them. All the little things that makes life easier and will improve your grinding times.
Burnt fingers, messing up plunge lines. It was a blast to make. Just wanted to show everyone that mistakes happen to everyone and because I'm cheap I figured out how to salvage most mistakes. As a matter of fact this subject should make an entertaining dvd. Got to have fun. Send me an email. :p
 
I don't own any videos, but I would think in this day and age videos are going to be a better bet. Kim Breed has just come out with a grinding vid that covers everything. I don't own it, so I can't comment on how good it is, but Kim told me if I can sell a dozen of them that he'd send me one gratis (joking!!!!). Seriously, looking at the webpage for it it looks like a good one, and it's DVD for like $40, so you can't go wrong. These are dynamic skills, so a video is probably worth 1,000,000 words.

There are other vids out, too, but this is the first all grinding video that covers a bunch of different things in one shot. If you get it, let us know how it is!

Here's the URL to Kim's Ebay site for this video:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6160912801
 
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