New to Forum "testing the water"

S

shawn_f

Joined
Feb 15, 2012
Messages
6
Just checking to see if I will be welcome here! I'll start off by saying that I know nothing about traditional knife making,but I want to learn so there maybe alot of stupid question's asked.I have metalworking experience, spent 16 yrs as a tool and die maker and the last five as a manufacturing manager at a small cnc jobshop.I didn't know if I would be frowned upon by starting my venture into knifemaking using modern equipment or not so I thought I would post to see what kind of reception I would get.

Shawn
 
All types welcome here!

You're not alone. There are several tool n die machinest types here in Shoptalk.

There's no RIGHT way to make a knife. Use your strengths and make what you want, how you want.
 
Welcome!

I'm a relative newbie myself.

It seems like any method of making a good knife is accepted around here.

See some of Nathan the Machinists posts. Here's one.
 
I can't speak for everyone else, but I see no problems with it at all. The means don't matter, just the end product. If you can make a more consistent product with better quality that way, do it. It's like riding motorcycles, it isn't so much what you ride, it's that you're riding. It's incredibly addictive though. The first time you take those raw materials and turn them into an amazing tool and piece of art, it's an incredible feeling. The big thing is to keep pushing yourself and trying something different.
 
The only thing that seems to be truly unwelcome here is people assembling knife kits and selling the end product as "custom". Oh, and people who insist on quenching their knives in virgin's blood. Very bad form that.
 
Welcome Pilgrim. Lots of knowledge floating around on this forum.

Do a lot of searching and a lot of reading. You will find all kinds of good info.

Robert
 
TOOL AND DIE!!! ... CNC!!.... nope.... no sir.... I don't like him.:grumpy:

:p:thumbup:I spent 14yrs in the tool, die and mold industry before hitting hot stuff with hammers. Check out the "stickies" to nip some of the easier question in the bud. (Maybe the Count will post his Standard Newbie Reply) Lots of good info to be had, here.

WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!

Rick:D
 
Welcome to the addiction from another Upstater -- I'm in Simpsonville.
I think you will benefit most from your background if you make your first few knives with files and sandpaper. Once you learn in the simplest form, all that high tech equipment -- the stuff that makes the rest of us jealous -- will be easier to use to your advantage. You don't HAVE to have modern equipment -- you know, like electricity -- but it isn't a sin either.
There's lots of good info and good people on this site.
Wayne
 
I'm in Fountain Inn. I would like to meet up with local knife maker's if anyone is open to it! There is a lot I need to learn, I like to do research before I jump into something, no need on wasting too much time and $ on something that doesn't work.
 
I would offer being I am jut down the road in Greer but I am just getting into this so I don't have any knowledge to pass along. There is a few older knife makers around the upstate I have tried contacting to see if they wouldn't mind helping out a new guy but havnt heard back from them.
 
Welcome Shawn. I don't know if you SC guys know it but The North Carolina Custom Knife Makers Guild is just up the road. There are some great makers willing toanswer all questions. Would love to see you guys at the next meeting. Come check it out. http://www.ncknifeguild.org/
 
JGguns said:
I would offer being I am jut down the road in Greer but I am just getting into this so I don't have any knowledge to pass along. There is a few older knife makers around the upstate I have tried contacting to see if they wouldn't mind helping out a new guy but havnt heard back from them.
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I'm up for a road trip! Do you know where and when the next meeting is? Maybe some of the other guy's in SC would want to get together and come check it out.

shawn
 
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