Starting out... sorta

eyeeatingfish

eyeeatingfish

Joined
Dec 9, 2003
Messages
4,817
I made a knife in japan witht he help of a real knifemaker and since then ive been interested in doing some knife work.
I have a belt/disc sander from delta and i know thats not the best tool but it will do some work right? Im guessing a bench grinder with various wheels is more what im looking for right? I think a drill press would likely come in handy, do i need a bandsaw too?
Ive also heard something about files, i need a set? Very hard steel im guessing?
How about places to get metal? Do i get it heat treated or do some work and then send it to get heat treated?

Recently i took this cheapo fixed blade. Some maxam from japan and took a round file to it putting serrations the whole length of the blade. Not done yet but it seems like an interesting way to start. Seems to grind into the metal well, im guessing more expensive steels would be better to work?
I got another made in china knife i was thinking about experminenting on.

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.
 
I do not mean to sound like I am brushing you aside, but the most important tool you need is knowledge. Buy some books first! If you are near a real maker, seek him out and talk to him, if he has the time. Ask specific questions here, and you will get a better response. You are asking a lot at one time which makes it difficult to give proper and consise answers. Most on this board will be more than willing to help.
 
Looks like your off to a good start. You can do nearly everything with files, sandpaper and a drill and patience. A belt grinder is nothing more than a faster file.

Take some time and look through the site and do some reading. Wayne Godard's "50$ knife shop" is an excellent starting point, amoung others.

Welcome aboard
 
When I started making knives over 25 years ago, books on the subject were almost non-existant. I did the same thing you are doing now; making knives from anything steel ( saw blades, butter knives, fender from an old Chevy pickup.) I struggled for years with trail and error and made some very ugly and non usable knives. Today you have the advantage of vidios, books, excellent supply houses, neighbors who are knife makers, etc. Take advantage of what is out there but it is still important to get the feel of the tools you have available so keep fooling with what you have at hand at the moment. But be very careful knifemaking is very addicting and you could end up with a shop full of tools and a table full of knives at a show someday.
 
Thanks for all the recomendations. I seem to have a natural sense with my hands on crafts like this, so i jsut need a good imagination. I have some cheap chinese knives im using to gain my experience.
I made this knife
http://usera.imagecave.com/eyeeatingfish/107_0787.JPG
And i learned a lot about knifemaking. Not going to be heat treating or anything like that anytime soon. Ive learned a whole lot from this website already.
I guess where i wanted to start was just learn where is a good pace to order steel and other knife materials?
Im not much of a book reader but ill check out the links provided, thanks guys
 
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