Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 38,512
There is often a thread about how to get started in knifemaking. Other threads are about this tool vs that tool to get started with. I thought I would toss out the ten tools I think are needed to get started. There are many other tools, but these would probably be the first ones you get and use.
1) Files - a set of three or four good quality ( Nicholson or similar) files. A10" flat Bastard, a 10" Second cut, an 8" half round bastard, and a 8" triangle file.
2) Granite surface block - a flat surface to sand on and check for straightness. It can be something other than a certified surface block, but they are cheap and the accuracy is known. A sheet of heavy glass, a countertop cut-out, or a piece of Corian will work.
3) Sandpaper - A good selection of Wet-or-Dry type paper from 100 grit to 1000 grit. For flat sanding ,tape it to the flat block above. For hand sanding, use a hard block of wood to back the paper.
4) C-clamps - A few C-clamps to hold the blade to the work board are invaluable.
5) High tension Hacksaw - As nice as a metal cutting band saw is, a High Tension hacksaw and a ten-pack of Lenox bi-metal blades will cut steel very well.
6) Marking tools and supplies - Sharpie pens, a scribe of some sort, a metal ruler, pencils, etc. Graph paper for laying out designs.
7) Drill - You have to be able to drill a few holes. A cordless drill will work, but eventually a drill press is going to be needed. The drill press is probably the first power tool you will buy. A good set of drill bits is a must. You don't need every size, but several of each in 1/16, 1/8/3/16, and 1/4 will suffice. The drill bits can be used to scribe the center line on the blade.
8) Work Space - This is as much a tool as anything. You need a sturdy table or bench in a place where you can safely work. Bins or boxes to put supplies in, and a shop vac to keep it clean.
9) Ball peen hammer - An 8 oz. ball peen hammer is very useful. It will set your rivets and tap things in place.
10) Basic hand tools - A small box with screwdrivers, pliers, vice grips, etc. will find lots of use. Having the box dedicated to the knife work will keep these items handy when needed.
11) Bonus tool - Bladeforums !
So, what do you guys find as required basic tools needed to get started?
1) Files - a set of three or four good quality ( Nicholson or similar) files. A10" flat Bastard, a 10" Second cut, an 8" half round bastard, and a 8" triangle file.
2) Granite surface block - a flat surface to sand on and check for straightness. It can be something other than a certified surface block, but they are cheap and the accuracy is known. A sheet of heavy glass, a countertop cut-out, or a piece of Corian will work.
3) Sandpaper - A good selection of Wet-or-Dry type paper from 100 grit to 1000 grit. For flat sanding ,tape it to the flat block above. For hand sanding, use a hard block of wood to back the paper.
4) C-clamps - A few C-clamps to hold the blade to the work board are invaluable.
5) High tension Hacksaw - As nice as a metal cutting band saw is, a High Tension hacksaw and a ten-pack of Lenox bi-metal blades will cut steel very well.
6) Marking tools and supplies - Sharpie pens, a scribe of some sort, a metal ruler, pencils, etc. Graph paper for laying out designs.
7) Drill - You have to be able to drill a few holes. A cordless drill will work, but eventually a drill press is going to be needed. The drill press is probably the first power tool you will buy. A good set of drill bits is a must. You don't need every size, but several of each in 1/16, 1/8/3/16, and 1/4 will suffice. The drill bits can be used to scribe the center line on the blade.
8) Work Space - This is as much a tool as anything. You need a sturdy table or bench in a place where you can safely work. Bins or boxes to put supplies in, and a shop vac to keep it clean.
9) Ball peen hammer - An 8 oz. ball peen hammer is very useful. It will set your rivets and tap things in place.
10) Basic hand tools - A small box with screwdrivers, pliers, vice grips, etc. will find lots of use. Having the box dedicated to the knife work will keep these items handy when needed.
11) Bonus tool - Bladeforums !
So, what do you guys find as required basic tools needed to get started?
And help in using a search engine. Honestly, I have sent days and hours trying to find information, only to find a word that unleashed all the information I needed. Or not.
) can be had for 10-15$. Skip the sharpie and buy a small can of layout fluid. Much more precise, more resistant and will last forever. Again useful in your post knifemaking phase.
