Progression question...

Ron Raducanu

Ron Raducanu

Joined
Feb 10, 2021
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It's a slow day at work, so I was contemplating about the mode of progression in this art.

More specifically, on blade shape. I don't have any interest in making swords or other weapons. Just basic knives.

Is it better to try and learn to make a variety of blade shapes at first, or just get really good at doing one or two shapes when trying to push myself? I realize that I've only completed one knife so far, but am enjoying making the second one much more, blade shape wise. Or am I just overthinking things...just make knives!

Any input would be great! Thanks!
 
I started a couple of years ago & I have to say that my work has been influenced by my own insights & the work of other makers I've seen. The first knife is usually a good knife which cuts, but refinements are ongoing in my experience & design changes, BTE thickness, fit & finish are a constant learning curve for me.

I look at my first blades & designs, then see where they're much better due to practice. Grips are more comfortable, finish is better & things just continue to evolve. I still don't have a "perfect" design & knife that I've made, but I continue to improve on all levels.
 
My suggestion is to first make 10 or so knives with some variety of constructions.
After that I found myself drawn into exciting ambitious designs that are hard to execute perfectly.
At some point after say 20-30 knives, I think it is valuable to take a step back to a simple design such as a 4" hunter and try to do each aspect perfectly.
This is what I'm considering next, a simple design with perfect execution...
 
Richard338 said:
My suggestion is to first make 10 or so knives with some variety of constructions.
After that I found myself drawn into exciting ambitious designs that are hard to execute perfectly.
At some point after say 20-30 knives, I think it is valuable to take a step back to a simple design such as a 4" hunter and try to do each aspect perfectly.
This is what I'm considering next, a simple design with perfect execution...
Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks!
 
Just look at a lot of knives and make what you like.
Most important: enjoy what you are doing.
Then after a while you'll find what you like, either perfectionate a hand full of designs or make every possible knife tou can think of.
 
I suggest you go to Chris Crawfords website and check out all of his videos. He has some top makers showing in detail how to make various styles of knives.

Pick one you are interested in making and watch it over and over again, then attempt to duplicate it.

Do it over and over again. ONce you are able to make it to a good fit and finish you will have gained enough experience to make more and more styles.
 
AVigil said:
I suggest you go to Chris Crawfords website and check out all of his videos. He has some top makers showing in detail how to make various styles of knives.

Pick one you are interested in making and watch it over and over again, then attempt to duplicate it.

Do it over and over again. ONce you are able to make it to a good fit and finish you will have gained enough experience to make more and more styles.
Click to expand...

Wow, what am awesome website! Thank you!!
 
I wish my knives would have been as simple as they are now when I first started making knives. Back then every knife I made had to be a tour de force masterpiece. Now I just want to make a good looking knife that cuts. Now after about 12 years or so my knives are simple enough that I can whip them out fairly quickly and they still look good.
 
I think it's important to try new stuff, but also to be realistic about your skills, tools and overall capability.
Pick projects that are achievable but that will also force you to learn a new technique. Of course somtimes you will inevitively fly to close to the sun and mess things up but that's all part of the process

Personally I'll take a simple well finished knife over a more complex design with finish errors any day.

For me, I'm a hunter, spearfisherman and cook. I use and like knives in these roles. So I just made whatever I wanted to use. Now I'm starting to see commissions come in which is great as it will help pay for some tooling, but I'm allready missing being able to make whatever I like. I think I will do 1 for one on commission sales and gifts/users
 
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