New guy here! I have a few questions

L

Lunarzero

Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
14
Hi all,

I want to start making my own knives. Interestingly enough I have access to CNC machinery and other mass production machines, but I do not have any access to traditional forging techniques.

I would love to start from the ground up and develop my own techniques, but as a newly graduated and unemployed Master's student I don't have much money to work with. I do have connections to those machinery, however I feel like I am going to lose out on forging techniques that makes one's blade truly unique.

So my question is: As a beginner knife maker in progress, do you think I'm will be missing out on key skills that defines a true knife maker if I simply use those machines?
 
Forget the forging and do some grinding is one way to get started. You will still have lots to learn even with all of that equipment. Frank
 
start reading first
Very good info on this website, but also good paper books if you prefer that.

Get an idea, get some steel, a few files and sandpaper.
Start out that way and by the time you have finished a knife with hand tools you understand how machines can help.
 
If you spend the next few years perfecting your forging skills what comes next is grinding anyway..
 
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Start out that way and by the time you have finished a knife with hand tools you understand how machines can help.
Click to expand...

Hengelo, you just made my quote of the day ! I couldn't relate more ! :D
 
If you have a Masters Degree,I feel you are over qualified for the job.Just kidding of course,but you certainly dont need no CNC equipment.Start simple and just make a knife.You will get the bug and be off and running.When I say start simple ,I mean literally simple.Haven't you ever heard of the K.I.S.S. method.Most Knife Makers use this method first.
 
I think what defines a true knifemaker is that you make knives, regardless of the method. It might be extremely uncommon, but you wouldn't be the first knifemaker to completely CNC your knives without knowing how to do stock removal.
 
I went the stock removal and forging route and at least in my case its a lot to chew on. Stock removal is easier compared to forging. You can buy a few files, clamps and sandpaper and make a knife. Some guys will go a step further and buy a few power tools like a small belt grinder and bench vice. I went whole hog and pretty much put an entire knife shop together first and it is daunting. Forging is an art, not many can just pick a hammer up and make the steel do what they want without honing your technique over many forging sessions. And that is just to get basics down like tapering, rounding, upsetting etc. Trust me you're not going to start smithing and a week later bang out tongs and hardy tools. That and blacksmithing has gotten very expensive. I know its cool and takes you back to ancient times but price an anvil and coal in your area before you even consider it, unless money is not an issue. Also consider the smoke, a lot of guys in the city get setup only to get shut down for good by a neighbor who complains to the city because of the smoke or constant ringing. Also antique dealers in my neck of the woods have driven the price of anvils and other tools through the roof and coal is becoming extinct, bituminous coal anyway. Hard to get locally and a dollar a pound on the net, propane isn't much cheaper compared to coal.

To see how little tools you need to at least grind a knife to send to heat treat check out MarinMTL's thread. Excellent job for basically no power tools, unless you count his ikea drill which I didn't even know existed ;) Killer job Marin!

Good luck my friend, but I warn you it is very addictive!
 
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