- Joined
- Dec 5, 2013
- Messages
- 1,180
I felt like sharing this photo but, I think it needs some context. I was thinking about the discussion a while back where newer makers were asking about selling less-than-perfect knives. Maybe my little trip down memory lane will help inspire other new makers.
I joined this forum in December of 2013 because I had a crazy idea that I wanted to try making knives. I started out, like most do, reading as much as I could to get a feel for what was involved in creating a knife. I then began asking questions, and I asked a lot of them! I decided to build a Grinder in a Box as a relatively inexpensive way of getting into grinding knives and I found plenty of help right here in Shop Talk. I started working on designs and BladeForums members were kind enough to critique them without being too harsh. When I finally put steel to a grinding belt, I felt awkward and clumsy and my grinds reflected it. In June of 2014 I took a knifemaking class with Johnny Stout and documented the whole class right here on BladeForums. I completed my first knife in that class, a fixed blade hunter in 440C with nickel-silver bolsters and micarta scales. After that class, I knew knifemaking was going to be my thing and I have been obsessed with it ever since. I've made about sixty knives in the last fifteen months and every one has had its' challenges but, I try to stay focused and find a way to make the knife come out the way I envision.
This photo is one of my Freelancer mid-sized linerlocks that I'm currently working on for the I.C.C.E. show in Kansas City. I decided to try something well outside my comfort zone on this knife and I am feeling that it is going to pay off. This blade was ground freehand on a 10" wheel. I took my time and developed the grind as I worked through the grits. Hand finishing was purely a matter of removing the 400 grit scratches from the final belt. All told, I probably have 4-5 hours in this blade. There is a very nice hamon waiting to be brought out on this blade as well.
In the Army, we used to have a saying when training CQB, "Slow is smooth, Smooth is fast". I think it applies to knifemaking as well. Take your time and get things right and you will be producing higher quality faster.
Bob
Untitled by Bob, on Flickr
I joined this forum in December of 2013 because I had a crazy idea that I wanted to try making knives. I started out, like most do, reading as much as I could to get a feel for what was involved in creating a knife. I then began asking questions, and I asked a lot of them! I decided to build a Grinder in a Box as a relatively inexpensive way of getting into grinding knives and I found plenty of help right here in Shop Talk. I started working on designs and BladeForums members were kind enough to critique them without being too harsh. When I finally put steel to a grinding belt, I felt awkward and clumsy and my grinds reflected it. In June of 2014 I took a knifemaking class with Johnny Stout and documented the whole class right here on BladeForums. I completed my first knife in that class, a fixed blade hunter in 440C with nickel-silver bolsters and micarta scales. After that class, I knew knifemaking was going to be my thing and I have been obsessed with it ever since. I've made about sixty knives in the last fifteen months and every one has had its' challenges but, I try to stay focused and find a way to make the knife come out the way I envision.
This photo is one of my Freelancer mid-sized linerlocks that I'm currently working on for the I.C.C.E. show in Kansas City. I decided to try something well outside my comfort zone on this knife and I am feeling that it is going to pay off. This blade was ground freehand on a 10" wheel. I took my time and developed the grind as I worked through the grits. Hand finishing was purely a matter of removing the 400 grit scratches from the final belt. All told, I probably have 4-5 hours in this blade. There is a very nice hamon waiting to be brought out on this blade as well.
In the Army, we used to have a saying when training CQB, "Slow is smooth, Smooth is fast". I think it applies to knifemaking as well. Take your time and get things right and you will be producing higher quality faster.
Bob
Untitled by Bob, on Flickr
