Questions from a new maker

L

Lima Kilo

Joined
Nov 24, 2005
Messages
60
Hi! I'm new to all this and wondering about forging. Is it better than cutting a knife out of steel and what is involved in doing it? Thank ya'll for taking time to answer my questions and tolerateing a new-b.

Logan
 
Cutting the knife from sheet steel and grinding it is called "stock removal".The advantage of this is no need to forge the steel,and it is simpler.The advantage of forging is the ability to control the amount of steel used and define shape. Besides, forging is just plain cool! Most people start with stock removal,and as they become proficient,move to forging.Either way you have to refine the forging and do the final shaping with tools (either power grinders,or files).Both methods require heat treating( hardening and tempering) the finished blade.
Get a couple of good books on knife making and this will be clearer.Doing a search on these topics and reading the tutorials available (find them in a search,too) will get you started.
Stacy
 
I have two knives I cut out using srock removal. My next big step on these knives is heat treating. How do I go about doing that myself? I know someone I can send them to but can I do it myself with a forge? And if so how?
About the books, which ones do you recomend?
Thanks again for your time Stacy, the input from an experienced smith is appreciated.

Logan
 
Lima:
A must-read book is "How to Make Knives" - by Richard W. Barney and Robert W. Loveless. This is a 'bible' of the craft, and will give you all you need to know about getting started. $13.95 from Krause Publications. For info on Krause, buy the latest "Blade" magazine .
Be careful - knife making is highly addictive.
 
The link is always in the "Hey, it's Thursday again, chat at my place" posts by Bruce. Today, the link is on "Are we chatting today"
 
bladsmth said:
Cutting the knife from sheet steel and grinding it is called "stock removal".The advantage of this is no need to forge the steel,and it is simpler.The advantage of forging is the ability to control the amount of steel used and define shape. Besides, forging is just plain cool! Most people start with stock removal,and as they become proficient,move to forging.Either way you have to refine the forging and do the final shaping with tools (either power grinders,or files).Both methods require heat treating( hardening and tempering) the finished blade.
Get a couple of good books on knife making and this will be clearer.Doing a search on these topics and reading the tutorials available (find them in a search,too) will get you started.
Stacy
Click to expand...
Excuse me? http://home.earthlink.net/~michaellovett/
 
Buy the book or knifemaking books on Ebay
Read them and try a few knives
Every newbi question has been addressed in this forum at some point.
Pick a topic and search
Do this first and you will find the experienced smiths more than willing to help
 
Thanks Blinker I'll do that. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. So sorry mlovett and bladsmth. I'll read the books and do the searches. I apologize again.
 
Logan, I don't see anything you said needs an apology. Most everyone new will get directed to using the search function and reading. That way they have a basic understanding and know their terminology a lot better. I'm sure you can understand that these questions are asked very frequently.

"Forging versus stock removal" can cause a stir, opinions vary dramatically, and if you detect any testosterone in this thread that's what it's about. It's not to do with you.

Welcome to knifemaking and BF. It's a good place. Stick around.

I'll fish out a couple links to a lot of tutorials from another computer.

Edited to add: I didn't realize that Peter Ryt's link was one I was seeking. That place is LOADED with info. Another is
www.knivesby.com and look for the tutorials portion.
 
thanks fitzo. Ok, I'm glad I didnt offend anyone. I'm new and didnt want to start off bad my first day, :) . Thanks for the web site.

Logan
 
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