Knife Making

[otto76]

Any knife makers here? I just got started and am really enjoying it. I’d love to see some pics, hear whatever secrets and tricks you’re willing to share.
I’m making mine out of 1095 right now, just doing stock removal. I’ve got a small forge but only using that for heat treating right now, tempering in a toaster oven. I’ve got stuff to make kydex sheaths and have been screwing around with that too. So far I’ve gotten two done with another one working, pics attached.

 

[Ad Astra]

Collector, not a maker, but love seeing customs.

Supposed I DID put live oak scales on a blade once; not a work of art though!


AA

 

[otto76]

Got another one finished today, calling this model the stubby wonder. I think I’ll make a few more with this blade style.

 

[otto76]

Made a few more recently.

 

[otto76]

#7, chunky edc for my brother in law. He wanted a really fat handle.

 

[otto76]

#8, little craft knife for my youngest daughter. Homemade micarta, came out pretty decent.

 

[otto76]

#9, food prep/edc I made for a friend. Thin grind, pretty slicy.

 

[otto76]

#10, bird/trout/edc I made for my youngest brother.

 

[otto76]

#11, thick 1084 edc, green micarta scales with red g10 pins. Keeping this one.

 

[Ridgeback]

I have been making Custom Chef Knives as a hobby for about 12 years....A pic of asingle bevel Deba

 

[whiteweed]

Nice, I willing be following this thread. Love to see knife making.

 

[TBoner]

I'm not a maker of knives, but I like being a maker of things, and I'd love to learn. Any insight on where/how to get started learning would be appreciated.

Some beautiful workmanship in these posts!

 

[otto76]

I'm not a maker of knives, but I like being a maker of things, and I'd love to learn. Any insight on where/how to get started learning would be appreciated.

Some beautiful workmanship in these posts!

Thanks!
I think a really good place to start is Walter Sorel’s videos on YouTube. I think I spelled that right. There are so many good knife makers doing videos but to me his were the simplest and most straightforward. He’s a natural teacher. I ordered some books when I was getting started to help me figure out what equipment I needed to get going but mostly just watched a ton of YouTube!

 

[Legion]

What are you using to grind the bevels?

 

[otto76]

What are you using to grind the bevels?

Hello Legion, been a minute. I’m using a 2x72” belt sander.

 

[Legion]

Hello Legion, been a minute. I’m using a 2x72” belt sander.

Is it a belt sander or grinder? I am planning to dip my toe into making these once I move from living in an apartment

 

[otto76]

It’s labeled a belt sander/buffer. This is a “shop fox” off Amazon, I’m not sure but it seems to be a rebranded Grizzly. It’s a good entry level and about as inexpensive as you can get into a 2x72 that I’ve seen.

 

[Legion]

It’s labeled a belt sander/buffer. This is a “shop fox” off Amazon, I’m not sure but it seems to be a rebranded Grizzly. It’s a good entry level and about as inexpensive as you can get into a 2x72 that I’ve seen.
View attachment 1131579

That looks more like a grinder. good stuff.

I already have a multitool grinder attachment which I will start with.

https://multitoolaustralia.com

There is a more fancy unit I have my eye on, but when finances allow...

 

[otto76]

That looks more like a grinder. good stuff.

I already have a multitool grinder attachment which I will start with.

https://multitoolaustralia.com

There is a more fancy unit I have my eye on, but when finances allow...

I’ve called it a grinder the whole time because that’s what I do with it! I’m eyeballing some nicer ones, whenever talent justifies it. Also thinking about upgrading drill press, band saw, buying a kiln...it doesn’t end. It’s a lot of fun though.
That multi tool attachment is pretty cool, I’ve never seen one of those.

 

[Ridgeback]

Check out North Ridge Tools...Best grinder on the market.