New here and to knifemaking

A

Andy C

Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Messages
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Hi! first time posting but long time lurker without an account. So I started making my own blades about 2 months ago. Just with simple tools (angle grinder, rail track, hammer, drill press and a campfire pit). I buy flat steel from the local scrap yard to use for material. This far in I mostly do stock removal for the basic shape then forge to bend, flatten, and then heat treat. I have shown the knives I have made to friends and family and much to my surprise they all think they are great quality for the tools I have.

Now for some reason I have had a bunch of people ask if I can sell/make them knives for a decent amount of money. The problem is I feel like a fraud. Maybe this is due to the fact that I'm pretty inexperienced and am slowly learning the trade as I go. And I would consider myself super amateur even though the final product looks pretty decent. I guess I just feel bad accepting money for something I'm doing for fun when I'm not a professional. Any input would be greatly appreciated on the subject. Thanks in advance!
 
Would be easier to do show if you post some of your work. IF you aren't happy with selling it? Don't sell it then
 
I am happy with selling them. Super happy. I just feel like a fraud because I'm already selling some with such little experience. More less just wondering if it's frowned upon selling them unless you're a professional or super experienced
 
I am certainly no expert and only intend to make a humble suggestion—make many knives and hand them out to those that will put them to use. Try all of your friends, family, and perhaps to a few here if it’s allowed and you want further feedback. Tweek the designs as needed and have a way of testing your heat treat.
If all goes swimmingly, SELL SELL SELL !!

Edit* If you are already selling them, great. You don’t need to be a “professional” to sell anything, if there is a market for your wares, go for it. I would certainly have a method for testing your processes as many here will most likely expect standard hardness levels specific to the type of steel used.
 
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Thanks for the reply and for the suggestion. In the past month I have made 17 for other people. And just given them away. As early Xmas presents. I test them by splitting wood and cutting vegetables would that be enough testing?
 
No idea there, but I am sure others can shed light. There is a whole section dedicated for these types of questions on the forums—some great knowledge to be had there for sure.
 
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