Where to start?

K

kolec94

Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
11
I am wanting to get into knife making or edc gear in general and I am having trouble figuring out where I should get started.
I was thinking of buying a couple knife kits and building them and the make custom scales for them to start but I don't know if this would be the best way to start?
any advice is appreciated Thank You.
 
Not much satisfaction in completing a kit knife in my opinion. Do you want to forge or do stock removal? Starting with a old file would be a good idea. Watch some YouTube videos and read some books (listed on the stickies).
Jump rite in and don't worry about making mistakes, they will happen.
 
I think a kit is a great idea, or just buy a blank and finish however you want. At the end you will have a usable knife, and you'll find out if knifemaking is really a path you want to follow. I have to disagree with the old file idea, even though I used them for my first blades. Some turned out good enough to still be in use in my shop or loaners, some wouldn't harden after a lot of effort and time spent. A 4 foot piece of blade steel isn't that expensive, and if you send it out for heat treat, you know exactly what steel you have, not a guess.
 
I would suggest the best way to start is to fill out your profile information so that people can see where you are located and then ask to visit a smith in your area. Knifemakers are generally very generous people and willing to share their craft. You will learn far more in one shop visit than you would trying to learn from trial and error.
 
Shipshores said:
Not much satisfaction in completing a kit knife in my opinion. Do you want to forge or do stock removal? Starting with a old file would be a good idea. Watch some YouTube videos and read some books (listed on the stickies).
Jump rite in and don't worry about making mistakes, they will happen.
Click to expand...

I want to do stock removal folder which is why I was thinking a kit then learn geometry of a folder mainly liner lock detent.

aarongb said:
I think a kit is a great idea, or just buy a blank and finish however you want. At the end you will have a usable knife, and you'll find out if knifemaking is really a path you want to follow. I have to disagree with the old file idea, even though I used them for my first blades. Some turned out good enough to still be in use in my shop or loaners, some wouldn't harden after a lot of effort and time spent. A 4 foot piece of blade steel isn't that expensive, and if you send it out for heat treat, you know exactly what steel you have, not a guess.
Click to expand...

this is why I was thinking a kit since I wouldn't have to heat treat myself

jawilder said:
I would suggest the best way to start is to fill out your profile information so that people can see where you are located and then ask to visit a smith in your area. Knifemakers are generally very generous people and willing to share their craft. You will learn far more in one shop visit than you would trying to learn from trial and error.
Click to expand...

I live in Iowa Quad City Area and I added some more to my profile.

I am wanting to do more of a cnc or manual milled knife if I find high have an interest in it, but I am not wanting to take that dive til I know if it is something I have a true interest in doing.
 
My suggestion is to get a ground straight knife and see what sort of a job you can and will take the time to complete. If all you want to do is get some scales on it and sharpen it then knife making may not be for you. On the other hand to give the blade a fine finish and installing some scales that are well fitted you may find there's a bit of work there that will be asking for you to show your skills. A folder kit isn't going to give you much room to work on.
Frank
 
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