Step 1

Chambers

Chambers

Joined
Jul 11, 2001
Messages
1,137
Hello all. This is my first venture into this corner of Bladeforums. I've been a collector for a while and I've sketched a few things out on paper. I'm moving into a new house here pretty soon and there's this wooden shed in the back yard that for some reason just screams at me: "I could be a knife workshop, buy a grinder, go forth and play with steel."
So I have this urge to clean the shed out and buy a few pieces of equipment and try my hand at learning the craft. I know absolutely less than zero about making knives so I'm wondering how does one get started? I was planning to put "The 50$ knife shop" and "How to make Knives" on my Christmas list figuring that would be a good place to start.
I also know that there is a wealth of knowledge in here so I would appreciate some input. I'm guessing I'd start out doing stock removal rather than forging. From my limited knowledge I understand that to be akin to taking a file and grinding on it until it looks something like a knife. I am guessing it would be easier to get started there rather than in forging and also I want to be as quiet as possible due to the residential neighborhood. I was guessing forging would be bloody loud.
So thanks in advance for the advice. Please remember I literally have no idea of how to go about making knives so start gently. If you'd rather email me than post here shoot them to
Thesharp1@gmail.com
Thanks.
 
You should see if there is a maker near you. If so call him and tell him that you want to learn. This way you can see if you like it or not before making any investments.:D BECAUSE once you start you can't STOP.:eek: :eek: Just like eating potato chip.;) :D
 
It is very addicting like Indian George said. sometimes I can't sleep at night for thinking about the next knife I will make.

Too answer your main question:
I did a few "kit knives" first. purchased them from Jantz supply. You can get them for 15 or 20 dollars to start. This is blade, handle, and pins. you only need epoxy. This will get you started shaping handles. After a few of these I moved on to stock removal. I think it's much easier to get started than forging. but I also would like to try forging in the future. For right now I am stock removing cheap 1095 steel from Jantz. I have a kiln so I can heat treat myself.
 
joe9knives said:
...sometimes I can't sleep at night for thinking about the next knife I will make.
Click to expand...

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one. It gets me with the bigger projects --big pattern-welded swords and such.

I don't know when I loose more sleep, when the project is giving me trouble, or when things are going really well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top