New knife maker and critique is welcomed, photos

[john april]

lookin good ! it took me 40 knives to make one that nice, seriously.

 

[Richard Coyle]

I started this hobby in March, all started with a Benchmade knife purchase just before. I was amazed with workmanship and how light it was. Than bingo, I have been pursuing a hobby since retiring and decided to research knife making. Found a southern California knife show in Brea, Ca and it began. Well, Covid also started and it has left me with no hands on training, literally all research on web. I built a grinder from plans on net, used Ameribrade parts since they are so close to me and very good people. Planned for Tru-grit to do my heat treating but this Covid killed my patience, just could not fathom waiting weeks for turn around, even when I live 30 miles from them, back-log.
Long story short, I decided to use 1084 and heat treat myself by making a copy of Atlas mini forge and buying their burner and few other parts. This is my current knife, probably 12th, this is fun but I could learn from hands on from a class.

Looking good man! I’m also just learning bladesmithing and it’s nice to see somebody else learning too.

 

[scherf68]

Thanks for the inspiration gents, this is just a fun hobby. Need to learn how to make sheaths now, making a kydex press but leaning to leather.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Kydex has its uses, but also its drawbacks. Most prefer leather.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

I prefer leather sheaths too. All my fixed blades get leather first. Then kydex if requested. You have skills! First ones look good! Only thing I would suggest at the moment would be what others have said...longer handle length.
When it comes to lanyard holes, best is to figure out where they will be best out of the way when someone is gripping and using the knife.
Keep having fun, and never stop learning.

 

[scherf68]

Went with leather for sheaths, another learning curve to work out. Practice makes perfect but they are at least serviceable.