Total newb with some questions

M

Merdox

Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
6
First off let me just say that I am really happy I found this site. I have been wanting to make knives for a while but never really new how to get started. A couple of months ago a friend of mine started making some knives and it sparked my interest again.

So my questions are what kind of tools should I be looking at? For example what should I use to cut out the blanks? (do I need a metal saw or a grinder or both) Once you get the blank cut out and you have your design ready how do you proceed in making the knife? Do you clamp it down and go to work with files or is there a better way?

My understanding is that when it somes to hardening and tempering it depends on what kind of metal you are working with.... I am sorry if these are the same question every newb asks, and I will continue to search this web site and see what more info I can find. And if anyone has any good sites for reading up on the process of knife making please send them my way.

thanks in advance
Joseph

By the way are there any knife makers here in Billings Montana?
 
One other question, how long does it take to make a knife? I realize it depends on size and how complex the design.
 
Merdox, welcome to the forums ! If you will check out the "sticky" thread by Dan Gray called "for the newbie starting out as well as the seasoned knifemaker II" that is at the top of this page you will find more info than you can use in a year!! Try this one out for starters http://www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm
 
Welcome to the forums. Please fill out your profile,so we know a bit about you and where you are.

A good start is the stickys at the top of the threads page. A better place is reading a few books (a list is in the stickys). "The $50 Knife Shop", by Wayne Goddard, is many newbies first book.
Stacy
 
to start, get some steel. (Obsidian etc. works too... :foot:)
then draw a design that suits your uses. then go from there!
 
Joseph, welcome.

Greg Brannon has some excellent links and tutorials on his site:
http://gbrannon.bizhat.com

Dan Gray also has an excellent links page.. I think the link is in the stickys at the top of this forum.. sorry I dont have that link at hand.

Good luck

Lang
 
thanks guys for the responce. I have started sifting through the links you have recommended, and wow. There is so much info it is like learning to swim by jumping into the middle of the Pacific. I think I will start by getting that book stacy recommended, I am a very hands on picture oriented person and I think it might help.
 
Joseph,

I'm a knifemaker that travels to Billings on business about once every two months or so. I'd be glad to stop in and visit, talk knives, assist, etc. The closest knifemaker to you that I can think of is Wade Colter in Colstrip, Montana. There is also one east of Billings someplace, I just can't think of his name and location off the top of my head.

Montana is filled with a lot of world class knifemakers. Most are in the central and western parts of the state. If you don't mind a drive, there are three or four knifemakers in Riverton, Wyoming. There are also makers in Gillette, Wyoming and Tensleep, Wyoming.

Scott Ickes
 
That would be great scott, maybe we could meet up for lunch or something, I will even buy. I would love to talk to someone who has some experience they would be willing to share.
 
The only contact I have had with someone who makes knives is on this forum, I wish i could go see another maker, one thing i would love to be taught is how to forge weld.
 
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