My first knife designs

jvthor

jvthor

Joined
Feb 23, 2010
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285
I'm looking for some criticism on my knife designs. I.e. problems with cutting/grinding these shapes, recommended steel for these applications, etc.

I'm considering purchasing some scrap metal from a local saw blade manufacturer. Does anyone have any experience buying metal from these type of businesses? Do they usually reforge their scrap and recycle it for more product?

First necker.

IMG_0602.jpg


Second necker

IMG_0603.jpg


A Camp style knife and a sabre ground fighter. One of these will be my "first" and will be my safe queen.

IMG_0601.jpg


My signature will be a mirror image a Pi, which also reads as my initials (J T)

Any and all criticisms are welcomed and encouraged.

Thanks,

Jace
 
First, It is good to draw the knife out and see how it looks. making cardboard cutouts and seeing how they feel in the hand is the next step. Asking for the critique of others is also a sign of a serious craftsman.

All that said, not one of those does a thing for me. They look impractical to make or use, and seem like they would be very uncomfortable in the hand. There are other issues, but they just don't appeal to me. Other folks may like them, and if they appeal to you, by all means make them. But since you asked, I answered honestly.
 
Not to discourage you at all, but those are some pretty complicated designs for your first knives. You're going to have trouble with the grinds and some of the profiling. I would suggest starting with something a little simpler in profile with fewer curves and tight spots and a more practical blade shape. This will let you get a feel for grinding and handle the basics.

I would also have to echo Stacy's thoughts on the practicality of them. Not really good designs if you intend to use them.

But all our tastes are different and if you're set on making them, I say go for it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because that's how we learn.
 
I think the second necker and Sabre Fighter could work into something! Keep it up...sketching is how it starts. Looking forward to seeing them come into a reality:thumbup:

Chris
 
My next step will be with some plexiglass to sort out the rough edges.

I do appreciate the criticism; What would make them better? Honestly, my designs are something that I would buy from a maker.

Thanks for the thoughts!
 
"Honestly, my designs are something that I would buy from a maker."
Of course you would!
But, they are impractical designs.
 
IMO these border on the fantasy knife world.If thats what you want to make that is fine,but they are not practical for use.As said most will be a pain to rofile and grind.
Make a few simple knives so you get the feel of removing metal and getting thing to fit and then do what you desire.
Stan
 
So far all of the input is on par with what I would expect, but I'll give you my worthless opinions...

1. Don't bother starting with cheap scrap steel. All you'll do is waste your time with something that may or may not end up working, with a variable you have little or no control over that could be easily eliminated! If you're po', send me your email address and I'll see what I can do.
2. Try your ideas. Keep sketching and improving them, but remember that there's no substitute for having it in hand. I've never been one to make templates, but many say it's good practice.
3. Not sure why you'd need a penetrator tip, but unhardened steel is nowhere near as strong as properly tempered hardened steel.
4. You might find that the compound grind you've got on the big knife is trickier to grind than it seems... might be better off saving that one for a future project.
5. 'Practical' is completely different for everyone. I see lots of folks making and selling blades that would give me back injuries just trying to carry them, and are the ergonomic equivalent of a snowplow on a Geo Metro. The only way you can figure out what is 'right' is by trying it.
6. It might help you get better input if we knew what kind of equipment you have, although there's lots of makers out there that make vastly superior blades to my own with files and sandpaper.

Hope this helps - and don't get discouraged by getting 'tough love'... if you learn the way I do, you need to exhaust yourself doing it wrong before you can move on to what others knew all along! ; )
 
Just another thing to think about possibly.

In my experience, the first design of a knife is always going to look great to YOU. It will be your favorite, as it is new and yours. However, if you now design 10 more knives, and where asked to say three favorites, in my experience, it is rarely the first one. Your designs get better, each drawn on the experience of others.

Also as stated, get some cardboard, and cut it out of them and see how it feels, I bet you will be surprised.

Just my two cents from the peanut gallery.
 
Thank you guys; I know you all will be right too!

I think that's why every knifemaker I've spoken with keeps their first knife is to see how far they've come. I'll probably end up giving away my first few designs to friend and family anyway. I'll be cutting out some of the disigns today, so I'll probably come back here and say something like "Dear gods, you guys were right. How impractical!" But that's alright, I learn by doing, putting my hands on it and waving it around a bit.

As for the scrap steel, the company I was referring to use high quality tool steels, something similar to A2, D2, etc. Here is a brief description of their blades:

http://www.calsaw.com/mills/circular/alloy.htm

I've spoken with someone who works there. They seem like a classy establishment.
 
Jace,

Just keep it up whatever you do buddy. I also like to make different "non practical" blades. Not to say the average every day blade has not proven itself. Its nice to see something different. While it may not work for everyone.....if its for you grind it out and have a blast.

Like I said, I think both the second necker and Sabre ground fighter would be a hell of a blade! But I do agree, them grinds are for the skilled:D Just practice and keep sketching out new designs. If someone doesnt like it....screw them, you like it and thats all that matters.

If one day you start selling...I would def. listen to what others are requesting and offer a more pratical design so your not just limited to a few like me that like what your doing:D

Keep it up buddy. Next step is transferring them to steel and let the games begin. You will get frustrated in the beginning but just keep at it. Ask questions and read the stickies!

Have a blast, Jace.

Chris
 
I agree go for something less complected at first. If you intended to make a kerabit you would be a lot better off training under someone who understands them prior to making them. I think Steve Tarani is still based in California he would be a great place to start.
 
I kind of already have a sensei, a local knifemaker who made me a knife (the one that's my avatar). I'm gonna see if he wouldn't mind me visiting his workshop and watch him in action. I think it'll be a pretty cool experience.

Also, thanks for the kind words, Chris! I still have my ear to the ground for that VFD for ya!
 
That is the best thing you could do , Jace!!! Right on:thumbup: I have been doing trial and error. Help from a skilled maker will help speed up that learning curve. Looking forward to seeing some WIP's buddy.

No worries on the VFD, if you come across one just let me know.:D

Chris

jvthor said:
I kind of already have a sensei, a local knifemaker who made me a knife (the one that's my avatar). I'm gonna see if he wouldn't mind me visiting his workshop and watch him in action. I think it'll be a pretty cool experience.

Also, thanks for the kind words, Chris! I still have my ear to the ground for that VFD for ya!
Click to expand...
 
I like your designs because I like seeing where knife making can go. Nice orginal stuff. My only comment is on the first three I like to have something between my finger and the sharp edge, a little slip could be painfull.

Metal is pretty cheap, you can get 1084 which is easy to HT, you need to grind and test while cutting. You can practice on some thin wood.

Nice out of the box thinking
 
Each of the knives in the first photo look dangerous. And not the "holy crap, that's totally awesome" kinda dangerous. The "you will cut your hand off if you try to use it" dangerous.
 
It would be easier to simply buy some 1095 or ATS-34 rather than recycling saw blade scrap.

Personally, I'd choose something simple for a first knife. If you try to get too complicated, you'll probably get frustrated.
 
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