New Knife Maker Questions

T

Trauma

Joined
May 26, 2019
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I am just getting into knife making (have not mad one yet) but I am ordering some tools and supplies to make my first one. Going for a simple knife. Looking at a 4" blade with a 6" handle. I am going to use 1084 3/16 thick by 2" wide steel. Doing stock removal for now.

What handle material would you suggest? G10, micarta? Also what thickness should I use for the scales and what size pins should I use? I am planning on using 2 pins.

I have been reading the forum topic/sticky for beginner knife makers and have found a lot of great info there.

Thanks
 
For a 4" blade use 1/8" thick, 3/16 is to thick unless you are going to do a deep hollow grind.

Use micarta for the handle and 1/8" pins. Micarta 3/16" thick is good.
 
If your just starting out a thicker stock is easier to grind and gives you more wiggle room to fix mistakes. I wouldn't be scared to use 3/16. I like to use .250 scales and pins. If you haven't watched ekim knives you tube series on making a fixed blade check it out. I find g10 is the easiest matrial to work with but micarta isnt much more difficult. Whatever you decide good luck. And post up some pictures.
 
He Trauma! Its a lot of fun! Dont forget to show pictures...
10 inch in total is kind of big... in my book at least. :D
I made my first knives small ones. About an 2 inch blade. More like a neckknife. The thing is, there's a lot to learn on your first knives. At least got me... making smaller knives as your first, most likely, saves you time and frustration. The learningproces is the same wether you make a big or a small one. As you figure out the proces, put more time in bigger better, cleaner lines and more complex designs.

G10 and micarta are both very nice and easy to work with. Wear a respirator. Micarta for the fumes, g10 for the fumes and glassparticles.

Good luck!
Joseph.
 
Welcome Trauma, add your location and some info to your profile so we know where you are and a bit about you.

I'm with Adam. Most first knives have WAY too fat handles and the blade is twice as thick as needed. Measure some of your favorite knives and you will find they are a lot thinner than you thought.
Use 1/8" 1084 and canvas Micarta. 3/16" micarta will give you a nice sleek handle. Use 1/2" thick micarta if you plan on sculpting the handle.

On your first knife it is best to stay simple. Full Flat Grind blade with a drop point. No blade extras like clips or thumb ramps.
Basic flat side handle that rounds into the top and bottom ( flat side oval). No extreme handle shapes.

It is also a very good idea to make some sketches on paper before you start cutting and shaping steel - then post them here for the chaps to look at and give their opinion of the shape and such.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions.​
 
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