New to the world looking for a start

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ssgmarvel

Joined
Apr 30, 2009
Messages
2
I by no means consider myself a knife maker. I have made close to 15 knives over the past 2 years. After joining this forum figured I would spare myself the critics and not put pictures of few that I thought looked ok into this thread. I decided that I would put more time into this hobby and began to shop for the tools and supplies I need to go at this full bore. What I quickly found is that there is alot of veriety out there. If some one can help advise me on what I will need to begin making decent knives it would be very helpful.
So far all of my knives have been made what I call the hard way. Tools included small adjustable vice and various files with a decent diamond sharpening kit. The metal I have used has been everything from dozer blades (D2 steel) to scrap metal on which type I am not sure. Some good pointers on how to get started will be very helpful.
 
i'm a newbie myself but just wanted to welcome you to the forums!

there is always the sticky's at the top of the forum.

welcome friend

jake
 
Welcome!
I like seeing photos, I don't think that we are that tough of critics. I am sure that they are not that bad. I assumed that you meant Dozier, is it from the machine? :foot:
 
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Like Jake and Jason have said, read all the books you can find on this stuff and the Newbie stickie contains enough information for a PhD in knifemaking. (well almost). Start saving for a belt grinder, it will allow you to make mistakes much faster.

Kevin
 
I'm a new maker myself... I did my first few blades with files. I've got a long way to go before I'm anywhere near the level of most of the guys here, but I keep working to improve. If you can swing it, get a 2x72 grinder... it'll be your best friend. Stick with known steel, it'll save you a lot of headaches. I think we all go through abrasives like crazy, so keep a reasonable sandpaper budget. If those dozer blades are definitely D2, and you have a good supply, it's a fine blade steel to use. Do you have any way to anneal it? I've never done it beyond final finishing, but grinding hardened D2, or any other steel would probably be a pain and eat up a lot of belts. I'm just starting to get the tools together for forging, so I'll let someone else chime in on that front. I could go on and on... I learned everything I know from the good people here in the forum, a few books and lots of practice... and I'm learning more every second I spend in the shop. Good luck in your pursuit (and show some pix already!).
 
Mainly just read all of the stickies at the top, and search through the forum with any questions by typing this format into google

what you are searching for site:bladeforums.com

If you wanted to look up d2 steel, you would type

d2 steel site:bladeforums.com
 
Three words: read, read, read. :) "$50 Dollar Knife Shop" and "How To Make Knives" are pretty much the go-to books on my shelf.

Getting started depends entirely on your budget of money and time. Let's assume you're talking stock-removal... If I was starting from scratch on a tight budget, I'd save up $500... spend it on a small drill press with a couple good bits in your most-used sizes, 2x42 grinder with a bunch of low-to-medium grit belts, a solid bench vise and machinist's vice (for the drill press), a fistful of good files and sandpaper, plenty of known steel and a membership here (TONS of free searchable info and advice!). The balance would be spent on handle materials, pins/bolts and other fun stuff. (center punch, framing hammer, small rubber/plastic mallet, file guide, machinist's square, lay-out dye, scribe and a notebook for well, taking notes would top that list.)

If I was a beginning hammer-jockey, I think I'd put the grinder/belt money into building a small forge and a used or improvised anvil.

Don't sweat the heat-treat right off the bat. Read and learn as much as you can about the subject in general, but remember there are pros all over the country that can do it for you at a nominal fee. Concentrate on designing/building the best knives you possibly can, while learning about HT from the experienced guys. That's my approach, anyway.

Have fun!
 
I've seen very good knives made by people on these forums with files and all manner of tools and sandpaper on sticks. Buy the very best belt grinder you can afford and welcome to the addiction!
Ken
 
ssgmarvel said:
I by no means consider myself a knife maker. I have made close to 15 knives over the past 2 years. After joining this forum figured I would spare myself the critics and not put pictures of few that I thought looked ok into this thread. I decided that I would put more time into this hobby and began to shop for the tools and supplies I need to go at this full bore. What I quickly found is that there is alot of veriety out there. If some one can help advise me on what I will need to begin making decent knives it would be very helpful.
So far all of my knives have been made what I call the hard way. Tools included small adjustable vice and various files with a decent diamond sharpening kit. The metal I have used has been everything from dozer blades (D2 steel) to scrap metal on which type I am not sure. Some good pointers on how to get started will be very helpful.
Click to expand...
You live in arkansas check for any local makers it seems like you can't throw a stick down there without hitting another knifemaker. also check out the ABS school in old washington.
 
I would like to thank everyone so far for their advice. At least now I have a starting point for my shopping list. Thanks for the in on the names of some good books. Almost bought a book just today. The lady at books a million searched all over the store for the one knife making book they had. When she found it I gave it the once over and looked like I could pass it up. Turns out good choice just ordered the ones refered tonight cant wait. I will keep everyone with any intrest informed, and maybe show a few pictures. Again thanks for everyones help.
 
Marvel, You at Chaffee, Robinson? There's a maker from Ft Chaffee but he's deployed on a MTT currently. There's plenty of makers in and around Arkansas.

One thing, you said you didn't show a picture because you wanted to spare yourself the critics. Remember, this is an old craft, it's a journey that's often filled with bumps and potholes some are self made, some are just part of the trip. "The critics" will help with the journey if you allow them.
 
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