Knifemaking, anyone try it?

2000Z-71 · Jan 20, 2010

I went to a seminar at a gallery here in Phoenix over the weekend deaturing a "custom" knife maker. I went primarily to get some restoration tips for my father's Bowie knife that he used hunting. The host of the workshop really wasn't what I would consider a "custom" maker. He buys blade blanks, creates/forms/carves/shapes handles for them and does the final finish and polish of the blade.

I left feeling kind of inspired thinking that I could do the same thing. No, I'm not thinking that I can do this and sell my wares at a local gallery. I'm thinking more as a hobby for myself and building some knives like a caping knife and a boot knife that I've wanted for a while. Anyone else on the forum tried this? I'd love to see pics of your work if you have.

afriqueart · Jan 20, 2010

BladeForums.com

They're to knives what www.smith-wessonforum.com is to Smith and Wessons.

bobf · Jan 20, 2010

I made knives for several years, mostly because I enjoyed it but I did make money too. After I quit making blades I customized blade blanks like the ones you saw for a hobby.

This one I made for my hunting partner in Alaska. The handle is mammoth ivory the sheath is covered with snakeskin.

This is a customized blade. I made the guard by silver soldering together two pieces of nickel silver barstock and brass sheet. The pins are made from tubes filled with colored epoxy.

The folders are made from kits using armadillo shell for the handles.

This was one of the most enjoyable hobbies I ever had.
Bob

sipowicz · Jan 20, 2010

I tried it once..but the screws took it away from me...

boykinlp · Jan 20, 2010

I saw a story on a famous knifemaker from my homestate of SC a few years ago and was intrigued. I think his last name was Herron. Thought it might be nice to own one of his knives until I saw the costs. May still get one someday.

Raider · Jan 20, 2010

Those are some beautiful, professional looking knives. I made this knife for my wife; it was my first try. The blade is laminated Norwegian steel and the handle is made from an oak axe handle. Making knives is fun and good for unleashing creative energy.

Charlie

bobf · Jan 20, 2010

That's better than my first one. The laminated blades make good knives.
Bob

Smith357 · Jan 20, 2010

I have made a few knives from pre-forged blades and a few using the stock relief method on barstock. At one time I started to build a forge but eventually lost interest as it started become more like work and less fun. I still have a half dozen in progress blades in my knife drawer in my shop. All my shop knives are home made, they are not pretty but they work hard.

The last knife I made was this watch caseback knife. I made it about a year ago from an old file with lacewood scales. Some forging was done with a propane torch and ballpeen on a vise. It's a chisle grind and very thick for prying. The lacewood was burned then wire brushed for a good grip. This is typical of my shop knives. Function over form.

A miniature damascus dagger I made from scraps.

One of my early bowies a premade german blade I attached stag scales to. alongside is the mini dagger.

A bootknife also from a pre made blade.

yet another pre made blade, but I did do alot of shaping on this one. And put a compass in the handle

And finally a Primitive blade made by grinding an old file and then acid etching the steel.

Krull · Jan 20, 2010

Always wanted to,now I'm starting up.

Not entirely pretty,but I am working with hand tools (for now)

ditrina · Jan 20, 2010

sipowicz said:
I tried it once..but the screws took it away from me...

That was a SHANK not a knife.. Remember knife sharp.. SHANK pointy.

spearcrow · Jan 20, 2010

Never tried, but it would be a neat hobby.

minuteman · Jan 20, 2010

George Herron

boykinlp said:
I saw a story on a famous knifemaker from my homestate of SC a few years ago and was intrigued. I think his last name was Herron. Thought it might be nice to own one of his knives until I saw the costs. May still get one someday.

Mr. George Herron passed away a while back. He was a master knifemaker, one of the best. I have one of his utility knifes I ordered from him several years ago. If you can find one of his knives at a reasonable cost, I would highly recommend buying it. It's value will only go up.

I dabbled in knifemaking for a couple years but reached a point where I thought my progress stopped. And I wasn't satisfied with the result. Takes a certain skill set I apparently don't have. But you sure learn what to look for in a hand made knife.

m657 · Jan 20, 2010

I helped a bit with a buddy that did hot forged custom blades.

It's a hell of a lot of work. He had some spectacular work and even got into the custom damascus stuff for a while. Cable welded hammer forged is an art in itself. Art blades are a specialty just as pure grunt field blades are for a different purpose.

Hot forged is a different process than the cold-grind style. That too is a lot of work.

gregintenn · Jan 20, 2010

I haven't, but my father made this for me when I stated I couldn't find a commercial knif heavy enough for my taste.

bk43 · Jan 21, 2010

minuteman said:
Mr. George Herron passed away a while back. He was a master knifemaker, one of the best.

I did not know he had passed. Herron served as president of the Knifemakers' Guild which puts him among the elites of knifemakers, people like Loveless, D'Alton Holder, Lile and Moran. His knives are certainly worth the big bucks.

Thanks to all who have posted pics. Great workmanship and fun to see.

Bob

Smilin-buddha · Jan 21, 2010

sipowicz said:
I tried it once..but the screws took it away from me...

Nice I didn't see that coming

Texas Star · Jan 21, 2010

Fallkniven offers blades as well as complete knives, and I've seen some remarkable knives made using their blades.

www.fallkniven.com

They also have a forum on knifeforums, where some of their customers from all over the world display their knives and their use of them in the field.

T-Star

n4zov · Jan 21, 2010

If you decide to give knife making a try, I suggest you check out Texas Knifemaker Supply in Houston. They are great folks to deal with and have a multitude of supplies;

http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/index.php

You will also find lots of knife making tips here:

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

Knifemaking, anyone try it?

2000Z-71

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afriqueart

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bobf

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sipowicz

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boykinlp

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Raider

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bobf

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Smith357

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Krull

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ditrina

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spearcrow

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minuteman

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m657

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gregintenn

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bk43

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Smilin-buddha

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Texas Star

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n4zov

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