new to knife making, taking the next step

L

LostElk

Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
7
Just wanted to say hi, I'm new to knifemaking and I'm interested in aquiring knowledge and passing on what I know. I've been making basic blade and slab handle working knives for my own use, but would like to proceed on to making the knives that I envision. I am almost complete setting up my shop for some serious work. I no longer collect or use knives by any manufacturer, I'm only satisfied if I make it myself. Looking forward to asking questions and uncovering secrets.
 
Let me welcome you and then tell you there are no secrets. Those who know will answer your questions fully and willingly. It will be up to you to then use the information . You say you are all ready to go ahead. Does that mean you have a good 2X72 grinder, a drill press and a metal cutting band saw? If so I'm suggesting you go out and buy 10' or 20' of mild steel say 1 1/8" X 1/8" and start cutting out and grinding some patterns you like. I believe you will have a lot of questions after doing this and the people here will answer them for you. Frank
 
Practice, and refine the knowledge you already know, and read up on the information here and ask us any questions. This place is a wealth of information for anything about knives, and people here are more than willing to share their knowledge.

Welcome to the addiction!
 
Thanks for the welcome and the input. Today I built/ assembled a grinder from an old industrial grade 10" bench grinder, took off the side plates put on rubber coated aluminum wheels, welded up a platform and attached 2 wheels on each side 18'' below the main drive with an adjustment on the lower 2 wheels. The lower back 2 wheels are on a locking sliding track which enables the machine to take various belt sizes. I built a forge a while back and have been pounding out knives from leaf springs and old files as well as rebar, the first knives were pretty darn hidious, but they have gotten better. I want to start taking this whole thing a little more serious and make knives with better fit and finish, more attention to detail.
 
I found that there are some books listed inthis thread that seem really good

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6737052

and there are some really good videos made by makers, some even who post here

links to a few:
http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=59_39_50

some i've seen are better than others, but watching a video or seeing it done in person can be so helpful

When it comes to fit and finish, I try to go to as many knife shows as I can and take a good long look at the good ones.

Your fingers and fingernails are a lot more senditive than your eyes for picking up bumps, dips and sharp edges.
You can see a lot of different ways of doing things and it dosen't take long to recogonize different styles and levels of finish.
Asking specific questions to the good makers may teach you alot.
 
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