New and need some help

L

Lagoen

Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Messages
10
Hey guys! After about a year or more of reading this forum and marveling at the amazing work you all do, I am finally in a position back in the states where I can actually begin some work of my own and even start setting up a shop! I have one of those knife kits where basically you do the finishing work and the handle that my wife bought me and I've been slowly working on. However I really want to make my own designs (as I'm sure is obvious).

I'm a Soldier so the few knives I have in mind I do want to be functional. Is SS or Carbon better for functional blades, or is that just maker's preference?
Also for cutting blanks (and tools in general) all that I have is a hacksaw, files and sandpaper. I've been looking at HF since there is one in my area of CO and thinking of a simple drill press and belt sander. Any other suggestions of what to start out with?

Any advice in addition is greatly appreciated! I can't wait to really get started and hopefully share what I'm working on.

Thanks all!

Patrick
 
I welcome you to the forums. There is lots of help here. Any knife making equipment you may be able to get will certainly help you on your way. Frank
 
In my opinion skip the belt sander and spend the extra money on a good drill press. Many knives have been made with just files, a hacksaw and some sandpaper. Read the stickies at the top of the page. Most of the questions you will ask, will be answered in those posts. As far as SS v.Carbon, it depends on the use of the blade. That is kind of like asking which is better, a car or a pick-up truck. It all depends on what you are going to use it for.
 
What is better, carbon or ss?
HTing ss at home is quite complicated but HTing carbon isn't just a simple task either.
Both can be outsourced. Both have pro's and con's. I use a high quality PM steel that is stainless and outsource HT. To me the 'stainlessness' outweighs the pro's of carbon steel for the knives I make. (2" to 5" users)
I don't think one is better then the other it is preference and weighing the pro's and con's.

Advice in addition? read, red, read :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top