Please give me advice on how to start....

3Phase

3Phase

Joined
Feb 13, 2004
Messages
71
Howdy All.

I have been on this forum for almost 4 years now. I lurk more than I post, for sure. I used to be 'Iverson' here, but had a run of bad luck, and no computer access, so revived myself as 3phase now that I got into the I.B.E.W. as an apprentice Electrician.

Anyway, I want to start making my own knives. I have done the 'Search' function on many different subjects relating to this, but have not found what I want to know.

So... I was hoping I could get some advice from those of you have been where I am now.


My situation: I have no shop, no grinder, no steel.


I have read 3 books about stock removal knife making, but they concentrate on grinder work. I do plan to get a grinder in the future, but was wondering what I could do until that time. I really have no interest in making a knife kit, as I want the blade to be made by me.

Would you all please give me suggestions of what basic setup I need to start my own knife? I have files, clamps, sandpaper, and Desire.... what do I do from here? Any personal tips, links to good info for a rank beginner, (or if you ARE or KNOW a knifemaker in the Bellingham/Seattle WA, area who wants an apprentice who will work hard for free, in exchange for knowledge) Please let me know.

Thanks to all for reading this, and to everyone here on the forum for all of the knowledge I have absorbed thus far.


-Dave Iverson


aka

3phase
 
Dave, Grizzly grinders are on sale for $275 this summer. I would pick one up and try it out. Darned handy machine that you will use for the rest of your life for all kinds of things besides just knifemaking. And it will be a terrific backup machine if you find out you really like knifemaking and upgrade to a better grinder. The grinder really is the basic tool that makes life so much easier and enjoyable.
 
Thanks Peter...

I live about 10 minutes away from one of Grizzly's national showrooms, I might be able to get a floor model for less $$$.... who knows?


Right now, however, I have a lot of drive, and very little money. I want to invest some elbow grease into my first knife. I'm looking for advice on maybe how to make a rudimentary setup for sitting on my porch and hand filing a blade. I've been thinking a lot about it, but I really don't have much of an idea of where to start.


-Dave
 
The book, "How To Make Knives" by Barney, and Loveless tells about four different ways to make knives, and sheaths. One of those ways is by using a file.
www.amazon.com
 
Dave,
There is a book called "Custom Knifemaking" by Tim McCreight that help me out considerably when i first start knifemaking. It is worth buying for sure, there is also a book called "$50 Knife Shop" by Wayne Goddard that should be of some interest to you as well. I own both of them but haven't read the "$50 Knife Shop" just thumb through it a little bit. I bought both of them out of Texas Knifemaker's Supply Catalog.
I hope this helps you out,
Troy
 
We all started somewhere:D
If you have any powertools or access to them USE THEM
I started with a used bench grinder and a fine stone
Did a hollow grind and lots of sandpaper
Profile the blade with a hacksaw and then file to clean up.
With a file I suggest you rough in the flat grinds and find someone with an electric sander to true up and take to at least 220 grit.
Do the HT
After that crosshatch sand with a flat backer to 400 grit. Then draw lengthwise to whatever finish you want...for a satin finish

Keep the design simple and on the small side!
Full tang and slab handles
How do you plan on doing a HT?
Option: Use 5160 steel---Find someone with a torch and quench in transmission fluid.
OR When you get to that point send it on and I will do a HT for you just cover postage.
 
3phase, you're lucky. I never had a lady respond to my questions here. OOH, Cavelady too. I wonder if she'd like to play with my cave bear tooth knife. :o :o :o

(thanks for being a sport Cindy; I hope) :)

RL
 
Thanks again, all. I think I have all of the tools I need gathered up now. I just need some pin material and wood for the handle. I'll look for that tomorrow.

I called around to Auto shops to see if I could find some 5160 spring steel, but no luck in my area. Any other suggestions, other than ordering from a knifemakers supply catalog?

Thanks once again, everyone.


-Dave
 
Careful Rodger.....where you find a cave lady, you are likely to find a CAVEMAN! :D
Sorry Cindy, I just couldn't resist! :footinmou
images
 
3Phase,

Be sure to check your local library for the books mentioned, and possibly some others. You can check the books out of the library (for free!! :) ), read them, and then decide if the book is helpful enough to add to your home library.

I assume you are in Whatcom County from your post. Go to http://www.wcls.org for the Whatcom Countly Library System online services. Below are the books they list in their system from a search I did on the word "knifemaking" at at that site:
-----
1. Step-by-step knifemaking : you can do it!
by Boye, David.
Dolan Springs, Ariz. : Boye Knives Press, 2000, c1977.
-----
2. The wonder of knifemaking
by Goddard, Wayne.
Iola, WI : Krause Publications, c2000.
-----
3. Ed Fowler's knife talk : the art & science of knifemaking.
by Fowler, Ed (Ed A.)
Iola, WI : Krause, c1998.
-----
4. Knifemaking : a complete guide to crafting knives, handles & sheaths
by Bergman, Bo.
Asheville, NC, USA : Lark Books ; [New York] : Distributed by Random House, c1997.
-----
5. Custom knifemaking : 10 projects from a master craftsman
by McCreight, Tim.
Harrisburg, PA : Stackpole Books, c1985.
-----

Among the results from a "knife" search was:
-----
12. Wayne Goddard's $50 knife shop
by Goddard, Wayne.
Iola, Wis. : Krause Publications, c2001.
-----
33. The master bladesmith : advanced studies in steel
by Hrisoulas, Jim.
Boulder, Colo. : Paladin Press, c1991.
-----
39. The hand forged knife : an introduction to the working of modern tool steels
by Schroen, Karl.
Knoxville, Tenn. : Knife World Publications, c1985.
-----

Hope that helps you a bit.
 
Thanks a lot fellas (and lady) for all the advice.

I never thought of looking on ebay for steel, good call. I will definitely check my local library for books as well.

Thanks again

-Dave
 
I just need some pin material and wood for the handle. I'll look for that tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Wire clothes-hangers work and are about as inexpensive as you can get.
 
Good advise Peter. I'll take it.
--------------

3Phase, for about 40 bucks you can start with a 1 X 30 belt grinder. Many of us have. Beats the crap out of hand filing tapers. The belts aren't that much for them; just don't stock up on a big bunch of them because you will later want a larger belt grinder. You can make great knives using a 1 X 30 and it will help teach you hand control because they SCREAM.

Anyhow, you seem to be determined and I am sure regardless of how you begin (and actually you already have) you will become a fine knife maker. I doubt it not.

EDIT: OH, on a great blade steel to start with: O1. I have some. Email me and I will send you enough for your first knife. I will also give you a complimentary heat treat on your first blade, or I and others here will be happy to advise you on how you yourself can heat treat your O1 blade.

RL
 
Wow, thats rlinger. I will e-mail you now. I appreciate all the advice you guys have given me so far... now it's my turn to DO IT!. And that I will.


Thanks again.

-Dave
 
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