Photos My first knife...

[AB+ BFG]

I gotta admit, I feel that pricing is a touchy subject. If I could, I would gladly pay every maker their asking worth and more. However, obviously, on the realistic side and given current value of currency (whatever that means), I'd probably say $275-$350 (200-260 quid) for a completely handmade piece like that in the states would be pretty reasonably. I feel that a realistic British pricing would have to be at least 40-60% higher.

With a small run, having some of the heavy lifting done by local shops, and in a steel like CPM-MagnaCut, I think $200-$225 (145-165 quid) would be about right.

Hahahha, I'm glad my intuition was right! Definitely can see some of the graphic designer influence coming out. Speaking of which, do you have a 3D printer? Might as well take your skills as a graphic designer and put it to use. A handle design could be rapidly modeled, prototyped, and fitted with a 3D printer.

Mods, if the pricing discussion is out of line, please let me know, will delete.

Thanks Spears. And yes, sorry Mods. If it is naughty, it was question from before Blues let me know what's what.

In any case, I'm on these forums to talk to people about knives not sell them. It was more from a interest / fantasising perspective. Im trying to weigh up if this would be something worth investing more time into and as a potential side hustle.

Thats very insightful though! I think I would only be interested in fully hand made knives initially. I also like engineering and mechanisms so I'd like to get into folders at some stage?! Obviously there's a lot of variables here, but those kind of general prices for hand made work could make it feasible for me. If I can find somewhere to have a workshop at the very least

3D printers YES. But I'm worried I'm too primitive for that. My fiancé and I were thinking of getting one that can also do some light laser etching. In my mind for exactly that purpose. She also crafts, and actually works on an artistic form or micarta from before we met. Go figure?!

Do you make or are you just an enthusiast?

 

[Blues]

Let's keep it generic, leave out discussions of pricing and orders and lists from this point on and we won't have to send any enforcers to anyone's home.

 

[AB+ BFG]

Let's keep it generic, leave out discussions of pricing and orders and lists from this point on and we won't have to send any enforcers to anyone's home.

Yeh sorry, that was old me. Before you educated me. No need for the heavies!

 

[C.Kelly Custom Knives]

Chad, without this getting too weird. When I was reading your response to my fiancé I nearly teared up. Thank you, it means a lot to me!

Your lists are gold. As well as everyones comments. I completely agree with your thoughts. One thing I've learnt is how much patience plays a part. Knowing what can be a bit rushed, what needs to be done slowly. I find working with hand tools I'll be super motivated at the start of any phase. By the end, I'm trying to get it done so I can move on to the next phase. Just because of the excitement of seeing it come together. Hopefully I've got that out of my system somewhat!

Ha... you've just verbalised something that I've not really rationalise in my own mind, with a simple genetic analogy! Ive had ventures into craft before, more so when I was younger at collage. This is the first thing I've really made as an adult. So its something that's been dormant, but that perfectly describes how I'm feeling at the moment.

The offer for advice is amazing thank you so much. I will defiantly take you up on it. Most people associate knives in London with aggravated assault so its a bit of a struggle to find like minded people. How would I message you? Sorry if that's a stooped question. Im still working out this site.

ps. Ive checked out what I can see of your insta without having an account. Your work is incredible! Handles are outstanding. I also like the look of your mod work. Id definitly let you work on my prized Shaman!

Thanks again!

You're right that patience is an enormous part of knife making. In fact, the more you do the more patient you'll learn to be with it.

It's super hard to start a labor intensive process that physically wears you out and have it go on for days upon days, or even weeks or month sometimes, I know...been there. That's just part of the process you'll have to push through. If you want to keep making knives in the future you'll likely see tremendous value in some rather expensive tools that make your life easier by speeding things up. Selling a few knives would be a great way to pay for those tools too.

I think when people automatically assume a knife is a weapon something is seriously wrong with them...honestly. Doesn't EVERYONE use knives to eat every day..even in London? Aren't knives the oldest and most useful TOOLS humans still use to this day? Haven't outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen of every sort been relying on knives as indispensable tools for centuries? I'm not really asking for answers...I just don't get people that think knives are for stabbing people..WTF!?..sorry rant over..

Yah..the maker gene..it's a real thing if you ask me. Seriously.

I'm kinda' new to this site too and I don't even know if there's a private message option here. Sign up an Instagram account and private message me there. There's also a ton of makers posting good helpful stuff there that you'll want to see. We can trade emails from there as well if you'd like.

Best regards,

Chad

 

[Spears]

Thanks Spears. And yes, sorry Mods. If it is naughty, it was question from before Blues let me know what's what.

In any case, I'm on these forums to talk to people about knives not sell them. It was more from a interest / fantasising perspective. Im trying to weigh up if this would be something worth investing more time into and as a potential side hustle.

Thats very insightful though! I think I would only be interested in fully hand made knives initially. I also like engineering and mechanisms so I'd like to get into folders at some stage?! Obviously there's a lot of variables here, but those kind of general prices for hand made work could make it feasible for me. If I can find somewhere to have a workshop at the very least

3D printers YES. But I'm worried I'm too primitive for that. My fiancé and I were thinking of getting one that can also do some light laser etching. In my mind for exactly that purpose. She also crafts, and actually works on an artistic form or micarta from before we met. Go figure?!

Do you make or are you just an enthusiast?

Mainly an enthusiast but I would certainly like to start making/designing, as well.

I've CADed up a couple of designs here and there; though, nothing physically made. Like you, I enjoy a bit of engineering and have a couple of locking mechanisms that I'd like to implement just for the heck of it.

It's a decent chunk of change to have the right setup to even do basic stock removal (belts, belts, belts), let alone having the space for everything. I'd want to start right and make sure my setup was the best it could be.

Sounds like you and your fiancé would make a pretty darn good team for knives between the graphic design and artistic/crafting background. I don't think anyone is too primitive for a 3D printer in this day and age. I'm sure you or your fiancé would be able to find some use for it.

I think when people automatically assume a knife is a weapon something is seriously wrong with them...honestly. Doesn't EVERYONE use knives to eat every day..even in London? Aren't knives the oldest and most useful TOOLS humans still use to this day? Haven't outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen of every sort been relying on knives as indispensable tools for centuries? I'm not really asking for answers...I just don't get people that think knives are for stabbing people..WTF!?..sorry rant over..

I don't have the data; though, just from deductive reasoning, I'm pretty sure kitchen knives account for the majority of knife sales in the US. It is also not unreasonable to say that every household (yes, every single one) in the US has at least one knife of some sort for kitchen duty, likely a chef's knife or paring knife. It'd be a real dumb census to run, for sure, not to mention weird. Though, I doubt any household would say "no" when asked, "Do you own kitchen knives?"

 

[AB+ BFG]

You're right that patience is an enormous part of knife making. In fact, the more you do the more patient you'll learn to be with it.

It's super hard to start a labor intensive process that physically wears you out and have it go on for days upon days, or even weeks or month sometimes, I know...been there. That's just part of the process you'll have to push through. If you want to keep making knives in the future you'll likely see tremendous value in some rather expensive tools that make your life easier by speeding things up. Selling a few knives would be a great way to pay for those tools too.

I think when people automatically assume a knife is a weapon something is seriously wrong with them...honestly. Doesn't EVERYONE use knives to eat every day..even in London? Aren't knives the oldest and most useful TOOLS humans still use to this day? Haven't outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen of every sort been relying on knives as indispensable tools for centuries? I'm not really asking for answers...I just don't get people that think knives are for stabbing people..WTF!?..sorry rant over..

Yah..the maker gene..it's a real thing if you ask me. Seriously.

I'm kinda' new to this site too and I don't even know if there's a private message option here. Sign up an Instagram account and private message me there. There's also a ton of makers posting good helpful stuff there that you'll want to see. We can trade emails from there as well if you'd like.

Best regards,

Chad

I absolutely agree with your rant. Unfortunately what I'm learning the older I get is in the grand scheme of things. Very few people are sensible and have common sense. As a result, lifes rules are set for the lowest common denominator. So unless people have a crafty / arty / tooly way of thinking they will think of knives in the UK as weapons. Granted kitchen and every day use. But anything outside that and people get scared. I usually have a small UKPK that I cary with me. Legal, but with good reason if asked by police. I can't also take it to the pub, or a gig or something. Large public areas. But even so, there is only about 7/8 people that know I carry it. And only because they know me well enough to not completely disown me. That said I am finding a nice knife community in the UK too. But its real enthusiasts from what I can see.

YES... I've already had the lure of power tools. Belt grinder, Bandsaw, Pillar drill. Think that would do me just fine. Just need somewhere to put them

Patience is needed in many regards I'm finding. Im struggling to find the patience to clean up the mess I made in our spare room after knife one.

 

[AB+ BFG]

Mainly an enthusiast but I would certainly like to start making/designing, as well.

I've CADed up a couple of designs here and there; though, nothing physically made. Like you, I enjoy a bit of engineering and have a couple of locking mechanisms that I'd like to implement just for the heck of it.

It's a decent chunk of change to have the right setup to even do basic stock removal (belts, belts, belts), let alone having the space for everything. I'd want to start right and make sure my setup was the best it could be.

Sounds like you and your fiancé would make a pretty darn good team for knives between the graphic design and artistic/crafting background. I don't think anyone is too primitive for a 3D printer in this day and age. I'm sure you or your fiancé would be able to find some use for it.



I don't have the data; though, just from deductive reasoning, I'm pretty sure kitchen knives account for the majority of knife sales in the US. It is also not unreasonable to say that every household (yes, every single one) in the US has at least one knife of some sort for kitchen duty, likely a chef's knife or paring knife. It'd be a real dumb census to run, for sure, not to mention weird. Though, I doubt any household would say "no" when asked, "Do you own kitchen knives?"

Ha... sounds like me. Except instead of CAD I use sketching. Yeh I've been looking at locks and some disassembly methods after seeing the craziness that 'snecx' does in his customs.

It sounds like we're in really similar situations actually. I have nowhere to work and no tools really. Thats the next step. If you're up for some show and tell, I'd be up for bouncing ideas off each other. I just made a knife insta. We can chart on there if you're interested. @abpositivek

Thats what I keep telling her too. I gave her my QSP Penguin scales to make me something to replace them with about 7 months ago. Still no sign of any scales. She's way more into the arty side of it, "objects" for interiors. So in the meantime, I just learnt to do it.

 

[C.Kelly Custom Knives]

I absolutely agree with your rant. Unfortunately what I'm learning the older I get is in the grand scheme of things. Very few people are sensible and have common sense. As a result, lifes rules are set for the lowest common denominator. So unless people have a crafty / arty / tooly way of thinking they will think of knives in the UK as weapons. Granted kitchen and every day use. But anything outside that and people get scared. I usually have a small UKPK that I cary with me. Legal, but with good reason if asked by police. I can't also take it to the pub, or a gig or something. Large public areas. But even so, there is only about 7/8 people that know I carry it. And only because they know me well enough to not completely disown me. That said I am finding a nice knife community in the UK too. But its real enthusiasts from what I can see.

YES... I've already had the lure of power tools. Belt grinder, Bandsaw, Pillar drill. Think that would do me just fine. Just need somewhere to put them

Patience is needed in many regards I'm finding. Im struggling to find the patience to clean up the mess I made in our spare room after knife one.

Didn't mean to make my rank a topic..sorry. I just get a little triggered when I hear about unreasonable fears affecting people and negatively impacting the invaluable tools that I'm passionate about.

Space for the tools and somewhere for the dust and metal to fly is what you need . But meanwhile you can do a lot with a little if you're determined.

Patience in knife making is something that will grow and develop in time like anything else. The first time you drive to a new location it seems like it takes longer than it does after you've been there 10 times. When I first started doing hand rubbed finishes on blades I used to count sanding strokes as I sanded..1, 2, 3, 4, and when I got to 100 I'd look at the progress. After counting to 100 about 50 times I would be sick of hand sanding and cursing that "last damn scratch". But, many years later I'm better with my techniques, I've made better hand sanding tools, I don't count while I sand , and I get through it much faster. Most importantly, I've done it so many times that I don't even think about how long it takes anymore. As you do more you'll adjust to the time-frame each task requires.

Cleaning up the mess might suck but it's really important IMHO. I just finished a 2 month project and I'm doing a thorough cleaning in my shop today in fact. Getting the work area clean before you start the next project helps you to keep your mind clear and focused when it's time to start working on the next knife.

Best regards,
CK

 

[David Mary]

I just wanted to get some photos up initially and hopefully get some feedback

Here's some things to focus on for improvement..
Handle ergonomics

That was the most noticeable thing for me. Actually, no. The first thing I noticed was "that's a first knife!?". As first knives go, this has to be one of the nicer ones I have seen. But secondly, yes, I did notice the handle. I knew it would not be comfortable for me to use. Anywhere you have a crisp transition between facets could and probably will be a hot spot in moderate to hard use. I would soften them with hand sanding if it were my knife. The 90° scale edges at the butt of the handle especially would dig into my palm, creating deal breaker hotspots. The number 1 rule for handle ergonomics that I apply in my own knife making is this: If I cannot white knuckle the handle comfortably, it is not ready. People are sometimes going to grip the knife really tight, and apply a ton of force, so the ergos have to accommodate that. Round is your friend when it comes to handle ergos, and sharp is your enemy.

Maybe kydex

Make sure you can ventilate, as when Kydex is heated up it releases stinky gasses. Buy a pancake griddle for Kydex and nothing but Kydex. Don't use the kitchen oven, unless you want to make your next 25 meals taste like Kydex (and garner the ire of all who also eat food cooked therein!). I've been there. It's not fun.

Lastly, I would urge against a Kydex sheath for the present knife model, as the knife is not suitable for Kydex. There's nothing for the Kydex to snap onto for retention. You can try to mold it around the blade bevel, but you're going to scratch the blade and cut the sheath every time you deploy the knife and resheath it. I've been there, too.

Good for you for making this happen. If you stick around, and I hope you do, I expect to see great things from you. Welcome to the community.

 

[Dimashkieh]

Besides being absolutely beautiful and meticulously made, I love that it is an authentic design. To me at least, it doesn't look like any knife I've seen, and I've seen a lot of knives. Kudos!

 

[tony281sc2]

That’s a pretty cool knife. When i look at the blade shape I can’t help but think of the ZT 0456, but a fixed blade. The handle looks really good, nice work

 

[AB+ BFG]

The first thing I noticed was "that's a first knife!?"

Thank you very much for your kind words David. Thank you for welcoming me into the community. I have to say I've been so pleasantly surprised by the warmness of everyone. It really is a community.

Thats some great advice! Yeh the handle has let me down. I was definitely going for style over substance. Lesson learned. Curvy rounded.

Very good tips about kydex. I would probably suffocate in my flat! It's also begging for leather with the general aesthetic. Something patinas and gnarled. Learn one skill at as time. That will follow. Plus I dont really have the space for more than one skill

I should be starting work on my next knife today. I'll back posting

 

[AB+ BFG]

Besides being absolutely beautiful and meticulously made, I love that it is an authentic design. To me at least, it doesn't look like any knife I've seen, and I've seen a lot of knives. Kudos!

Wow thanks Dimashkieh! Originality is something that's very important to me. So that means a lot. I think I just got lucky though.

Anyways, I'll post more work and I'd love to hear more of your thoughts!

 

[AB+ BFG]

That’s a pretty cool knife. When i look at the blade shape I can’t help but think of the ZT 0456, but a fixed blade. The handle looks really good, nice work

Hey Tony. Thanks! Yeh its not far off is it. Except the ZT blade is infinitely more intricate and complex. But great compliment. Ive kind of been thinking of it a clipped leaf shaped blade. Its also reminiscent of a Bunka tip to me.