Wannabe knifemaker

Steven Roos

Steven Roos

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
4,131
I would like to start making knives, but I don't know where to start. I have a friend who owns a knifemaking shop (he's an aprentice knifemaker), and he's offered to let me use the shop. This will give me access to at least the basic tools. My friend will be there with me, so I'll have some help if needed, but I just want to make sure I have an idea of what is going on before I get there.

What should I read before I even touch any steel (or tools)? :confused:
 
BTW, in this case, please disregard the nick. ;)

I'm totally new at this and I'll like to learn as much as possible!
 
As a beginner myself I've done a lot of research.
You can start reading these URLs

http://www.customknifedirectory.com/CKD_TutorialFrameset.htm

http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html

http://www.engnath.com/public/manframe.htm

http://pub88.ezboard.com/ftheneotribalmetalsmithsfrm8

http://64.176.180.203/sitedirections.htm

Then I strongly advice you tu buy
"The Complete Bladesmith" by Jim Hrisoulas, Paladin Press
"The Master Bladesmith" same author and publisher
"The Pattern Welded Blade" same author and publisher
The last two books are perhaps a bit over the top for a beginner, but the contain lots of interesting advice and tips anyway.
The frist one, for example, contemplates forging and heat treating only on a coal forge, while the second comprises the gas forge.


There are many more siteswhich contain LOTS of useful info, but it'd be better if you just look up these first.
 
Originally posted by Alarion
Then I strongly advice you tu buy
"The Complete Bladesmith" by Jim Hrisoulas, Paladin Press
"The Master Bladesmith" same author and publisher
"The Pattern Welded Blade" same author and publisher
The last two books are perhaps a bit over the top for a beginner, but the contain lots of interesting advice and tips anyway.
The frist one, for example, contemplates forging and heat treating only on a coal forge, while the second comprises the gas forge.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links!

I'm pretty sure they have a gas forge at the shop I'd be using, so should I just buy the 2nd book, or get them both?
 
im2smrt4u,

You might want to pick up a copy of "How to make knives" by Barney and Loveless. That's the one that I cut my teeth on - Not very expensive either. With that book, some imagination, a small amount of tools, this forum and a few Bandaids, you'll be making knives in no time. It took me about 40 or 50 hours and about 50.00 in supplies and I had my first one conquered. Good luck and don't forget to post pic's of your progress!

Rick
 
There is nothing more valuable than learning how to do things "hands-on." So, if you're going to a shop where another maker is willing to teach you, the most important book you'll need is a notebook.

You'll soon find that no two makers do everything the same way, and most makers have good reasons why they do things a certain way.

Be polite. Work safe. Ask questions - and take notes! ;)
 
Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop, and The Wonder of Knifemaking are the best instruction books for a beginner in my opinion.
 
Originally posted by Tom Anderson
There is nothing more valuable than learning how to do things "hands-on." So, if you're going to a shop where another maker is willing to teach you, the most important book you'll need is a notebook.

You'll soon find that no two makers do everything the same way, and most makers have good reasons why they do things a certain way.

Be polite. Work safe. Ask questions - and take notes! ;)
Click to expand...

Good idea! Thanks!

I'll also check out all those books.
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
Thanks for the links!

I'm pretty sure they have a gas forge at the shop I'd be using, so should I just buy the 2nd book, or get them both?
Click to expand...

Both. The first book has a lot of tips that are overlooked in the second as they are given for known.
 
Do they teach you about superglue in the boy sprouts? I think I'm going to get one of those skin stapler thingies.
 
Originally posted by LaMess
Do they teach you about superglue in the boy sprouts? I think I'm going to get one of those skin stapler thingies.
Click to expand...

Actually, my first aid counselor said that superglue is good for closing clean cuts. ;)
 
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