Question for knifemakers

JGarrison Knives

JGarrison Knives

Joined
May 28, 2005
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Well now that Ive been helping and learning in my buddies shop for the past two months Ive gotten a hankering for buying a grinder and making some knives as a hobby. I have a small Kalamazoo but never took to it. Now that Ive been using a KMG and TW-90 Im kinda spoiled. Thinking about selling a couple of pricey knives to fund a KMG or similar. My question really is when you started making your own knives did you sell most of the stuff you got from other knifemakers and do you still buy stuff from other makers?
 
I only had a couple "good" knives and have kept them, my opinion of them hasn't changed.
I find myself really not interested in most industrially produced stuff though. Again, I didn't have a large collection and didn't sell anything, but I doubt I'd buy anything else without a very specific reason. For example, I might buy a Becker or KA-BAR as a reasonably priced "beat the snot out of it" knife if I ever lost my SRK.

As for buying from other makers, I haven't since I started making my own, but that isn't saying much. There's plenty I've seen that I wanted to buy but just couldn't spare the cash for. There are plenty I plan to buy when I can afford to.
 
I started making knives because I couldn't afford to buy the ones I liked. The irony is that now that I can make them, I sell them rather than keep them.
 
Ban let you loose in the shop eh? I never bought any customs. I started making just for myself and family, and still am. I hope to find some time, hopefully not by loosing my day job, to make some to sell. Good luck, and invest in bandaids...
 
Your bud with the kmg and tw90 has some great grinders to work with. Which one do you prefer to work on and why?
 
I make knives and started to b/c of the creative outlet and chance to work with power equipment on a regular basis. I sit in front of a computer all day for work, so when I'm off I head to the grinder and make something with my hands and mind. Right now I'm starting, so just making knives for myself and friends, but I still buy knives and will continue to from other makers and manufacturers. You are very lucky to get to work on such nice grinders.. I'm saving for a KMG right now, stocking a little bit at a time in between belts, steel and handle material. I myself am working on a self modified Craftsman 2x42. I'm surprised what I can do with 1/3HP and a short belt running super fast.
 
I still buy knives. I am fortunate in that I have never had to sell a knife to fund knife making. I know several makers who have though; I guess it really depends on your situation or how attached you are to your collection.
 
Yup, in Bans shop using his machines. When It comes to the grinders I do about the same on both. I know the TW-90 comes with a few extra features but not enough for me to justify the cost right now. Ill still appreciate other makers knives right now from afar but probably wont be buying them anytime soon, except maybe a few folders if Im lucky enough to come across a deal.
 
I was invited to see a knifemaker's shop and took his advice to get the proper equipment first time around. I had to make a sizeable investment and the internet as we know it was not even on the horizon back then making it harder to find suppliers. Local machine shop suppliers provided the metal cutting bandsaw, and Wilton grinder and all the belts. Koval knives and Texas knifemakers Supply provided the needed steel, handle materials, rivets etc. Later on I found domestic suppliers for steel. Hard to find items like the heat treating oven I got through advertising in the knife magazines.
 
I don't buy like I used to, but trading with other makers/friends is a great way to keep some steel in your pocket.
 
Hawk45 said:
I make knives and started to b/c of the creative outlet and chance to work with power equipment on a regular basis. I sit in front of a computer all day for work, so when I'm off I head to the grinder and make something with my hands and mind. Right now I'm starting, so just making knives for myself and friends, but I still buy knives and will continue to from other makers and manufacturers. You are very lucky to get to work on such nice grinders.. I'm saving for a KMG right now, stocking a little bit at a time in between belts, steel and handle material. I myself am working on a self modified Craftsman 2x42. I'm surprised what I can do with 1/3HP and a short belt running super fast.
Click to expand...

This is me to a T. If I had my way I would become a blacksmith
 
I have bought from other makers because its just like collecting a case xx knife , USA made and supporting it.. Its part of knife making...Once you buy more knives then you need you know your hooked... Even thou I started making my own 12 years ago , I wanted what I needed made..Collected for years discontinued USA PRODUCTS ..Now I can pick and choose what to sell to up grade my tooling as I grow into better faster good quality ,knife making..I suggest buying what you can 1 time ,I have upgraded 4 machines later for sewing leather,,and 4 machines later for grinding my blades ,KMG now ,I have started making holders and jigs for it .. Now I am looking for an even heat oven , number 2 ,I have been told it will not end,,Hold off buy good quality tools it pays off...
I will never quit buying custom knives from other makers ,, its just fun , and you meet and chat with the others and share your goods and tricks ...
USA made is still USA made ... I may buy another grinder some day..If I do it will be what ever is the new hit...USA made. Its a fun great hobby,,
Good Luck ...Stay SAFE...
Greg
 
I got into this hobby because I have a knife addiction. I've always had way more knives than I could use. It seems now I buy just as many knives as I always have, but now they're custom knives and not production run knives. I like knife making because it gives me a creative outlet (probably the same reason I like woodworking) an it gives me something to do with my hands. I love creating things.

Another equally important reason I keep buying custom knives is to see how my knives stack up. I need something to gauge them to in order to tell when I'm good enough to start selling them. I also use other makers knives to judge my heat treating since I do it in a small propane forge. Purchasing custom knives is not only fun to me, it's a "business" decision every bit as important as buying any tool in my garage! It's the same reason I go to a lot of gun shows. So I can handle a wide range of knives and judge my work. I need to know where I'm at with my skills and handing other makers knives let me know this!
 
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