new this this

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winkydo

Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
99
okay, so i'm new to this knife making gig. last weekend i purchased a knife blank from a guy at the dallas gun show, and after a trip to woodcraft, i found a beautiful piece of bocote. so the last week i've done some sandbaggin here and pokin around on the tubes, and came up with a decent enough handle. i feel like i made some mistake to learn from, and i'm ready to try a second.

my question is, do i take another try with premade knife blanks that are hardend, sharpend, and ready to slap some slabs on? ...or do i take a stab at making a knife from scratch?

i have a decent set of wood working tools, but i lack a drill press, band saw, and bench grinder. i have a feeling, of those three, the bench grinder and the drill press should be a decently high priority.

what would you guys recommend?

here's my knife...

3491004279_6fc076fc58.jpg


by the way, i live just east of fort worth in the heb area and work in richardson. i'd love to get an opportunity to see a local shop in action.

also, can anyone recommend a nice place to purchase knife blanks in the dfw area? is it cheating if i work from a knife blank?
 
I think your next tool should be a drill press out of those options. You can make a knife with a hacksaw and files. There are quite a few makers in Texas that you may be able to learn from. I would also suggest not using another knife blank, but instead to use a hacksaw and files and make a knife. Then you will learn what would make your life a lot easier for the next knife you do.
 
That looks like a pretty good start. I am too far south to be of any help. There are some good makers up in North Texas. Welcome to Blade Forums and good luck. I lived in Arlington for 10 yrs.

-frank
 
Looks good. Be careful... this stuff is really addictive.
Like panch0 I'm a bit too far off (Jasper, between Beaumont and Lufkin.)
Definately need to try one from scratch. You get a sense of accomplishment like none other.
 
I think you already know the answer to your question.;) Lots of great makers in that part of the country. :thumbup:There is also the "Bill Moran school of Bladesmithing" at Texarkana college in Old Washington Arkansas.:D
Mace
 
If i were you ide buy at least a 150 to 200 dollar drill press i know it seems like alot but i use mine 20 times a day min . I bought some drum type rubber sanding drums and they work deadly sor sanding hard to get at spots and curves. Buy a couple cobalt bits like a 1/4 inch 7/32 5/32 and 1/8 if you can get a small set do it these are some of the best bits ive used so far. I just started 3 months ago and as of today im working on 4 at a time and have made over 20 knives with sheaths. this hobby is addictive lol
 
There are a bunch of online spots to get supplies and such.

texas knifemaker supply
midwest knifemaker supply
pops knife supply

Get a drill press first. Some guys have had OK luck with Harbor Freights cheapies. I didn't.

Putting handles on knives is a good way to learn that process. Also repairing and modding old knives you find at flea markets and garage sales is a good way to learn how to overcome problems!
 
I would recommend as others have suggested, investing in a cheap drill press. I bought my 12 spd. floor model from Grizzly industrial and I love it. http://www.grizzly.com/images/catalog/2009/springflyer/x3y2b-06.jpg They have a variety of inexpensive models (Floor & Bench Top). They also have cheap band saws that are more than adequate for burgeoning knife makers.

As far as what way to go next, that kinda up to you. You could purchase some bar-stock and "file everything away that doesn't look like a knife", send out to heat treat. You could purchase a cheap grinder, like this one from Grizzly http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/images/pics/jpeg288/g/g1015.jpg and be on your way in the stock removal business. Or you could invest in a cheap forge and start banging away on some old railroad track, like me.

In keeping with what others have said here, be warned, it is an extremely addicting venture for sure. BTW, Nice start with your first foe-ye, My very first knife looked a bit like that, although I believe I used Zebra wood.

Welcome and Good Luck!

Bob
 
thanks for all the great comments. i have been watching for a drill press on craigslist. after drilling out the pin holes on the knife blank i just completed, i totally understand why a drill press is so handy.
 
winkydo said:
after drilling out the pin holes on the knife blank i just completed, i totally understand why a drill press is so handy.
Click to expand...

Yup. :) After using even a very basic press (get a nice vise for it, too, and a level and square to check the table, etc), you'll be spoiled.

If you want a grinder, I'd suggest a disk or belt sander over a bench type with "stone" wheels. Much easier to get nice clean grinds.

If you wait for deals like you mentioned, you could probably get set up with a real basic grinder and press (think Harbor Freight, Craftsman, Black & Decker, etc.), and everything you need to get going for $300 or less, and have a fairly decent set-up to start with.
 
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