starting help?

C

ChrisUSMC

Joined
Feb 20, 2014
Messages
6
Hello everyone I'm looking to get into knife making as a hobby to help combat some ptsd symptoms and pass the time. What would be the best tools to start with on a budget? or any dvd's/videos that I should watch? Thanks for your help.
 
First off, thank you for your service. If you are ready to drink from the fire hose that is knife making, check out the stickies at the top of this page. Check out Walter Sorrells, Nick Wheeler, Aaron Gough's youtube channels. Especially Walter, that dude will calm anyone's nerves and brighten your day. He has a whole "tips for the knife maker" category that I found invaluable starting out. When you get stuck on something you don't understand after soaking all that in, please ask questions here and folks will help out. Make sure you fill out your profile so people know what part of the country you are in. That could lead to the coveted shop visit! Welcome to blade forums.
 
Awesome advice from kdog. I would do all of the above for sure.

What type of knives interest you? What is your current level of experience in metal working?

Typically people start with fixed blades. They are a great starting point in knife making. Start simple. A 4" drop point, full tang knife is a good starting knife. My first tools involved an angle grinder or reciprocating saw for cutting the steel, some form of metal abrasive like a 1x30 belt grinder or a 2x48, a drill, and some files. All of the above can be had for $250 or less. You will need some high carbon steel which can be purchased from New Jersey Steel Baron for a couple of dollars. I would watch those videos first to gauge how comfortable you feel with knife making, and if everything makes sense, round up some tools and some steel and jump right in. The big boys make it look easy but I will tell you from experience that this sport takes practice. Take your time, check your work, and you will end up with a great usable knife.

Any questions dont hesitate to ask here. This place is full of knowledgeable people very willing to help.
 
Hey brother I'm a disabled veteran also so I feel ya. Knife making has helped me out tremendously. It can get a bit expensive but you can't put a price on our sanity.
Either grab some files or jump on Craigslist for a craftsman 2x42 should be able to pick up one for under 100 bucks. Then head over to trugrit.com they have 1095 steel (Kabar steel) and get 6 ft of metal for only 15 bucks while your there grab some belts. While your waiting for that to come in jump on YouTube and watch those videos kdog recommended. Along with ekim knives guy has awesome tutorials. Start simple with a blade design and be patient. Pm me if you need anything. Us vets gotta take care of each other
 
Thanks for the help guys I've watched a few of Walter Sorrells videos already. I was looking at making fixed blades. My metal working experience is limited but I'm usually a quick learner.
 
ChrisUSMC said:
Thanks for the help guys I've watched a few of Walter Sorrells videos already. I was looking at making fixed blades. My metal working experience is limited but I'm usually a quick learner.
Click to expand...

It's an addiction man once you get into it you will love it
 
If you go with 1095, I recommend sending it out to heat treat. If you intend to heat treat yourself, go with 1080 or 1084.
 
Check out the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild.
http://www.ncknifeguild.com/home.html

They hold classes on knifemaking several times a year at Haywood Community College and Montgomery Community College, as well as some hammer-ins in your part of the state. There are a lot of knifemakers in your area.

To get started, check out the tutorial in the Stickys - How to Instructions for Making a Knife.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

It covers the basic tools and procedures to get started. If you want to draw up a sketch of your first knife plan and post it ( either here or in a new thread) the group will help with any refinements needed before you start on it in steel. After the drawing is done, I will profile the blank in steel for you and send you the blank at no charge. If you haven't met a local maker who can help you with the HT when done with the initial steps, you can send it to me when ready and I will do the HT.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Check out the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild.
http://www.ncknifeguild.com/home.html

They hold classes on knifemaking several times a year at Haywood Community College and Montgomery Community College, as well as some hammer-ins in your part of the state. There are a lot of knifemakers in your area.

To get started, check out the tutorial in the Stickys - How to Instructions for Making a Knife.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/694673-How-to-instructions-for-making-a-knife

It covers the basic tools and procedures to get started. If you want to draw up a sketch of your first knife plan and post it ( either here or in a new thread) the group will help with any refinements needed before you start on it in steel. After the drawing is done, I will profile the blank in steel for you and send you the blank at no charge. If you haven't met a local maker who can help you with the HT when done with the initial steps, you can send it to me when ready and I will do the HT.
Click to expand...
Thank you

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
 
ChrisUSMC said:
Hello everyone I'm looking to get into knife making as a hobby to help combat some ptsd symptoms and pass the time. What would be the best tools to start with on a budget? or any dvd's/videos that I should watch? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

thank you for your service. review the stickies here would be a start. you can visit my shop just north of Falls Lake, if you are interested, please PM.
scott USN(Ret.)
 
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