What I have learned...so far

TekSec

TekSec

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Dec 8, 2006
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Well, I just started making knives 6 months ago...okay, making pointy, sharp things that resemble knives. Anyhow, below is a list of 10 things that I have learned in my short time.

1. You'll burn your fingers. A lot.
2. Read, listen, and read some more...learn from it.
3. If you can find a maker to act as a coach or afford the time/money to go to a class, do it...if not, see #2.
4. You first knife won't be world class, but it will be best looking knife to you.
5. Wear safety glasses and a respirator...nobody wants to be blind and coughing up black stuff.
6. You'll cut or grind your fingers / hands...it's not the end of the world.
7. Hand sanding sucks. Either get really good on the grinder or get to like it.
8. If you got into this business just to make money, you won't. You have to love what you do before that happens.
9. It takes a lot of time to turn out a quality blade. Unless of course you've been doing this for 20 years...and even then....
10. You will burn yourself....a lot.

I've been learning how to make knives for years, just finally got to a place where I decided that I wanted to actually do it. I'm a hobbyist I suppose by most maker's definition and would love to do it full time. Maybe someday. Maker's who are full time inspire me. The pieces they turn out are wonderful. I can only aspire to that right now. That's all I have to say about that. Just my $.02.
 
11. If it was easy, a bunch of girls would be doin it :)
 
12. Many knives you make will not turn out as planned. I have many large knives that turned into toothpicks or scrap after trying to perfect my grinding. Incredible shrinking knives! ARRRRGH! And again, yes, you will cut/burn your hands.
 
13. Your latest knife is usually better than your last knife.

i agree about cutting and burning your hands. about a month and a half ago i singed my mustache and beard on my right side. man does the smell stink. HEHE!!! :D
 
DITTO #1 and #10!! Its like youre grinding along...:) :) :thumbup: , then WHAM!!:eek: :eek: :mad: That heat sneaks up on ya fast through the gloves! I have gotten real good at throwing off a pair of leather work gloves like hockey gloves pretty fast these days...
 
15. if you ever manage to get perfectly even grinds, the blade will crack in the HT
 
I'll bet, in spite of it all, not one of us will ever put down our hammers. God, ya gotta love it!
 
The longer you try to make knives, the more frustrated you will get because the screw ups will come later and later in the process:D
 
Hi Erik,
The inventory of what you learned is Great. If I could suggest that you might set yourself a goal for a year from now.
What I personally do is add a goal for each batch of knives I make ie; file work, or fit and finish, or better leather work.....
This is a great hobby, so take your time and inprove on your work. When your done you will have knives that you will be proud of!!!!
 
loussharp1 said:
Hi Erik,
The inventory of what you learned is Great. If I could suggest that you might set yourself a goal for a year from now.
What I personally do is add a goal for each batch of knives I make ie; file work, or fit and finish, or better leather work.....
This is a great hobby, so take your time and inprove on your work. When your done you will have knives that you will be proud of!!!!
Click to expand...

Dave,

Great advice! I actually started very slowly and concentrated on each piece of the process. First came the grind/plunge. Still working on it, but it improves greatly with each blade and I'm learning how to "fix" my mistakes. I've now gotten to concentrating on handle/balance. Flow, feel, etc. I've dabbled into sheathing, but lots and lots to learn there. My goal a year from now is to start forging and heat treating. I currently send out to Peters but down the road I'd like to be a standalone shop. I'm hoping to attend one of the classes in NC or AR, we'll see...

Thank you all for posting...loved the continuation of the numbers. This forum has been a plethra of information and I read it religiously every night before bed. Even though I don't make a living from it, I do treat it like a job trying to set some time aside each day or evening to get something accomplished...dang addiction...
 
TekSec,
If you need someone to talk down and dirty about knives, feel free to contact me. My contact info is on my website www.ealyknives.com
I'll warn you that I like to talk.
Del

bathunter.jpg
 
Del, now we have to ask, what are the specs on THAT sweet knife!? I looked at your site, and no info... Especially interested in the handle material.
 
Gixxer,
4 1/2" handle of stabilized spalted myrtle, 6 1/2" blade of my bat pattern damascus for a total of 11" overall. I started with 1/8" x 1" stock and tapered the tang.
Thanks,
Del
 
There is no end to the list. I have been full time for 8 years and I am still adding to the list. The unlimited learning is one of the wonders of the knife shop. The curve may change but you are always learning.

My personal favorite: never look away from your work while you are grinding.
That would probable be 6A on your list.

Knife makers should be born with extra layers of skin on their hands.:thumbup:

Fred
 
art summers told me you arent a true knife maker until you get stitches and he has had a few in his time. i got mine back in 93. #16 dont wear a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up, they can still get caught in your high speed buffer. (my right elbow finally healed up)
 
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