What books for a first time grinder?

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
7,443
My good friend, who posts under Techna on this forum, has a new KMG with all the trimmings (rotary platen, flat platen, many sized contact wheels - the works) has been showing me the basics of knife grinding.

I love to read books to improve my understanding. I plan on making full tang bushcraft style knives with synthetic and stabilized wood scales.

What are the three best books for an absolute noob around the grinder that I should read?

Thanks,

TF
 
The only one I have that's mostly specific to stock-removal is "How to Make Knives" by none other than Bob Loveless. The picture reproductions kind of suck, but if you follow that book step-by-step, you'll be well on your way. He used hollow grinds, but you can apply the knowledge to flat grinds too. For now you can skip the bits about tapered tangs and bolsters and stuff, if you want. It also shows how he made his sheaths, but you probably already know that part. ;)

It also has a cool chapter on forging by Bill Moran and a section on hand-tools-only by some writer whose name I can't recall at the moment. An absolute classic.

There are others and I'm sure you'll get more responses. :thumbup:

Welcome to the Dark Side bwahahahahaah!!! :D
 
Last edited:
The newbie thread has a lot of good stuff in it. Also watch for almost anything posted here by Kevin Cashen and mete... they have tons of great solid info on heat-treating. Cashen just started an excellent thread on quenching.
 
No books

Check out the Breed / Wheeler Video "All about grinding." I've seen others, but this was the best for content.

Once you've seen that, try out a few blades - using blade steel so there is a bit of pressure to get it right. This will lead to some intelligent questions. Then set up a meet with someone who has it figured out. Tactile learning beats reading every time. :thumbup:

Rob!
 
James_Terrio said:
The only one I have that's mostly specific to stock-removal is "How to Make Knives" by none other than Bob Loveless. The picture reproductions kind of suck, but if you follow that book step-by-step, you'll be well on your way. He used hollow grinds, but you can apply the knowledge to flat grinds too. For now you can skip the bits about tapered tangs and bolsters and stuff, if you want. It also shows how he made his sheaths, but you probably already know that part. ;)

It also has a cool chapter on forging by Bill Moran and a section on hand-tools-only by some writer whose name I can't recall at the moment. An absolute classic.
Click to expand...

I agree with Mr. Terrio wholeheartedly! I go back to this book constantly.

Also, check out "Blade's Guide to Making Knives". Lots of good stuff there, too!

515PE8Q2Y1L._SS500_.jpg
 
Don't forget to check your local library for books worth reading, but maybe not worth buying just yet. Even books based on forging, like Goddard's and Fowler's, will definitely have stuff in them that will get you thinking. And the Knives Annuals have articles and literally thousands of pics that even if they don't apply to what you specifically want to do, will inspire you to do your best.

Rob! said:
Tactile learning beats reading every time. :thumbup:
Rob!
Click to expand...

Heck yes. You mentioned you're already working some with a maker in your area, that's awesome! There's no substitute for hands-on work, especially with guidance.
Having said that, I just plain enjoy reading as much as I can about knifemaking... way better than staring at most TV! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top