Texts and resources for getting started...

Apebrains

Apebrains

Joined
Dec 15, 2009
Messages
412
Hey guys, I'm trying to get started in knife making, so I purchased my first text on the subject. I wanted to know if any of you have read Wayne Goddard's "$50 Knife Shop" and what your thoughts are on it? I've read about halfway through so far, and got it the day before yesterday. I have noticed that it seems to be aimed toward people already familiar with blacksmith terminology or the otherwise already initiated, and he doesn't number the pictures at all, so when he references them, you have to kind of guess.

Now I'd like to think I'm no dolt, so I can learn all of the terminology via google and dictionary and so forth, but I would like to know if you guys have any other resources to suggest. Any favorite texts or DVD's or whatever for the beginner? I'm adamant about this project, and regardless of what happens I will succeed. I've loved knives since I was a child, and I'm ready to take that passion to the next level, even if only for a hobby.

Any help is appreciated as always folks. You guys rock, as always.

-Ape
 
Read the stickies above... man then re-read them. They are a veritable college of information. then get out there and practice, pick up some 1084 from Aldo, Kelly, or Tracey over in the supplies area, and start forging. if you dont have a forge, google Tim Lively, or Wayne's book also shows you how to make one too I believe. Also for basic Forging and Smithing techniques you tube Purgatory Ironworks... lots of good demo's

Jason
 
I have a couple of DVDs by Harvey Dean and Ed Caffrey, and they've helped a lot. But I've learned a lot more just by reading the sticky threads and various tutorials in this forum. The folks on the forum have also been very generous with answers to any specific questions I have asked, too.
 
That's the kind of stuff I like to hear guys. Don't mean to be one of those annoying newbies asking the same question for the 357th time, but know that all of your words are extremely helpful, and none fall on deaf ears.

Any other books and DVD's that are helpful will be appreciated.

I'll get on 'dem stickies! :thumbup:
 
Tim McCreight-Custom Knifemaking, David Boye-Step by Step Knifemaking, Joe Kertzman-Blades Guide to Making Knives, Richard Barney-How to make Knives, Wayne Goddard-the Wonder of Knifemaking, Tim McCreight-The Complete Metalsmith, Lorelei Sims-The Backyard Blacksmith. I have at least one more in the shop but I cant remember the name of it. They are all great books and while you may not use everything in them, you WILL use at least one bit of info from every one of them. On my wish list is the $50 Knife shop and Gas burners for Forges, Furnaces and Kilns. Some jewelry books are even helpful in ways you wouldnt expect. Happy reading!
 
This one has a nice list
http://www.knifedogs.com/showthread.php?t=5285

This thread on BF has links to some of those books linked as online, or pdf previews.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603203


A good HT basics video
http://www.archive.org/download/gov.ntis.ava08799vnb1/ava08799vnb1_512kb.mp4

Green Pete's video on how to make a Mora style bushcraft knife - simple jig stock removal with hand tools and a neo tribal / unplugged type heat treat. "Green Pete" posted it for for free distribution.
It is available here for those who can use torrent files.

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4995247/Greenpete_s__Knifemaking_Basics_-_Make_a_Mora_Bushcraft_Knife


The $50 knife shop is popular and starts a lot of people off but:
I find it confused me for a long time.
The goop quench is BS, there are commercially made quench oils available, (maybe even mentioned in the new edition)
Found steels are interesting,but require the skills of an experienced smith to be able to work and heat treat properly., you can buy proper steel cheaply(mentioned in the new edition)
Cable damascus is interesting, but not a beginners project either.

It leads you to believe that forging is necessary, but you can just file and grind everything away to create a knife (stock removal)

I like:
David Boye-Step by Step Knifemaking
Tim McCreight-Custom Knifemaking: 10 Projects from a Master Craftsman

Forging:
Lorelei Sims-The Backyard Blacksmith - I agree that is a good one , forging in general no knifemaking.
Jim Hrisoulas- has 3 books on forging, all 3 are good &available on Amazon

There are many videos available now, some are better than others, but all better than nothing.
 
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I have "How to Make Knives" by Bob Loveless and the "$50 Knife Shop". I haven't even picked up $50 Knife Shop yet, How to Make Knives is awesome. I don't have a lot of time to read up on the stuff, but it's easy/smooth reading.
 
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