Knife making is a fun and rewarding hobby. But before you start, you need to understand the basics of the craft and what it takes to create a handmade knife.
Luckily, there are a number of options for beginners to choose from. These include forged knives, hand-made folding knives, and survival knives.
Basic Tools
Whether you’re looking to make your first knife for yourself or you want to turn your hobby into a side hustle, there are a few basic tools that you need. With these, you can get started on the journey to making your very own knife that you’ll be proud of and will look great in your home or garage!
One of the most important tools for making a blade is a hacksaw. Using a hacksaw can help you cut the raw steel into the right shape for your knife. You can also use a hacksaw in conjunction with a vice or clamps to ensure that your piece of steel is held tight so that you can make efficient cuts.
Another important tool for beginners is a digital caliper. A caliper is used to measure the thickness of your blade and the scales of your handle at different points throughout the knife-making process. It will help you stay as precise as possible while ensuring that your knives are of the highest quality.
Steel
If you’re a beginner knife maker, the steel you use can make or break your project. You want to pick a material that’s durable, holds an edge well, and can be heat-treated using your home furnace or forge.
Knife making is an art that takes time and practice to master. However, it’s not impossible.
There are many different types of steel to choose from, each with their own unique properties. Each type has its pros and cons, but it’s important to prioritize the properties that you need for your project.
There are a number of common knife steels available, including high carbon alloys like 1084 and 1095, and tool steels such as O1. These types of steels are inexpensive and easy to work with. They’re also able to be heat treated and hardened with a standard forge or blowtorch. The main drawback to these steels is that they can be difficult to sharpen.
Handles
Handles are an important part of any knife, providing a handle for the user to hold and grip the blade safely. They also add a sense of style and individuality to the overall design of the knife.
Knife handles are made from a variety of different materials. They can be wood, metal, or synthetic, depending on the intended use and personal preference of the knife owner.
Among these, wood is the most common material used to make knife handles. It is a versatile material that offers many benefits, including a good grip and a sturdy composition.
There are many different types of woods to choose from, so it is important to choose the right one for your project. Some popular types include walnut, mahogany, and cocobolo.
Finishing
Finishing is a crucial aspect of knife making, whether it’s installing the handle or polishing and sharpening the blade. These steps are often overlooked but they’re essential for achieving a well-made knife.
The first thing you need to understand is that not all finishing materials are created equal. The wrong stone will not only make honing your knives more difficult but it can also cause you to wear down the edge prematurely.
A lot of beginner knife makers make the mistake of using coarse whetstones for their finer, sharper knives. Each granule shed from these stones is a bigger piece of material, which means they wear out more quickly than fine and medium stones.
To avoid these problems, use a double-sided sharpening stone with one side being coarser than the other. This will allow you to achieve a consistent bevel angle during the sharpening process, which is important to getting a fine edge.