Knife makers. How did you get started?

[Bjankowski]

My only suggestion is to study metallurgy so that you completely understand the different steels and alloys while learning to make knives. Knowing how various metals responds to each procedure of the knife making process is critical. Metallurgy is so over looked by so new and some old knife makers that make a really pretty knife yet do not have a clue of the specificity of that particular steel.

A pretty knife that has not been heat treated and tempered correctly is simply a good looking piece of steel however will never make a good long lasting cutting tool.

I suggest to go on as many knife maker forums as you can; there is ton of information on most of those forums.

I'm not trying to be sarcastic just stating what is the most important in knife making.
I would stay away from files because of the high carbon content and heat treating them requires more controlled conditions and not knowing the exact carbon content is simply a guess. The difference between 1095 and 1084 is only .014-.016 percentage of carbon yet the two vary vastly in the heat treating process, 1084 is simple to heat treat and temper, while 1095 requires 10 minutes of soak time at 1475-1500 degrees and require a fast quench.

[paintman]

Ya listen to Bob.he has helped me imencly over this last year

[Puggy625]

I did the same as a lot of the others have already posted. I've always had an interest in it. Read the build along that was posted on here a couple of years ago. Started reading and researching a little and kind of dove head first into it. I need to upgrade my equipment (grinder) to sort of take them to the next level (so to speak). This is one hobby that you can get started into fairly cheap, but it can get really expensive depending on how far into it you want to go.

[Kevin Smith]

I did the same as a lot of the others have already posted. I've always had an interest in it. Read the build along that was posted on here a couple of years ago. Started reading and researching a little and kind of dove head first into it. I need to upgrade my equipment (grinder) to sort of take them to the next level (so to speak). This is one hobby that you can get started into fairly cheap, but it can get really expensive depending on how far into it you want to go.

No doubt, I've only been making knives for about 2 years. I started out what I thought was cheap, by building my grinder and forge. But after adding up what I spend on the grinder I built I could have added a couple hundred bucks and had one delivered. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy though. The forge I built works great, but I'm limited as to the steel I can heat treat so my next purchase will be a paragon oven. This is a fun hobby, but it gets expensive.

[Fiddlefish]

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[paintman]

Kevin I use a digital paragon kiln.cut slits in the top just slide the blade through never have to open it

[dadogg]

A little over 18 months ago I came across a knife maker that offered classes in learning how to forge a blade. I took 4 lessons and made my first knife. After that I started to buy many of the machines he had in his shop. My shop now is pretty well equipped except that I have to send blades out for heat treating. Like Kevin I don't have an oven yet but I am having a gas forge made which I am hoping to get within the next few weeks. Once I get it I will be able to start forging my blades. Reminder, gotta make friends with my neighbors.

I also use 1084 and 1095 carbon steel. These make great knives and 1084 has a pretty simple heat treating process. My advice is to try to find a maker in your area and visit his shop. Oh and read and read and read. The Internet is loaded with good information.

I hunt with Foot and can tell you he has put in some hours learning the craft and is getting real good. Good news I won't have to mail him a check like I do with the other knife smiths on the GS I will just hand him the cash at the lease for my new favorite knife

[Kevin Smith]

You can also send your blades out like I did this one, this is a kitchen knife for a customer.

I sent it to Texas knifemakers and had it heat treated and cryoed.

[Puggy625]

That's what I'm doing with all mine. I'm not set up for heat treating stainless steel. They do a heck of a job on the heat treat too. I've got one similar going out to heat treat this week and I'll post a picture of it up when I get it back.

[Kevin Smith]

That's what I'm doing with all mine. I'm not set up for heat treating stainless steel. They do a heck of a job on the heat treat too. I've got one similar going out to heat treat this week and I'll post a picture of it up when I get it back.

The problem for me is turn around time, it takes almost 2 weeks to get them back.

[Kevin Smith]

That's why I need to get a oven.

[Puggy625]

I agree. Someday..............lol

[Kevin Smith]

After H/T this little knife only took about 10 minutes to get to this point. Stainless is alot more work.

1084 edc.

[Bjankowski]

Jason; feel free to PM me bro. I'll be happy to answer questions. I'll send you my email, I'm always happy to lend a hand to those that want to learn this addicting trade. It's as addicting as archery. Just get ready to spend some money if you want to do it right.

[Bjankowski]

No doubt, I've only been making knives for about 2 years. I started out what I thought was cheap, by building my grinder and forge. But after adding up what I spend on the grinder I built I could have added a couple hundred bucks and had one delivered. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy though. The forge I built works great, but I'm limited as to the steel I can heat treat so my next purchase will be a paragon oven. This is a fun hobby, but it gets expensive.

Kevin keep looking on Craigslist I've seen some Evenheat ovens sell under 400 bucks. A lot of new knife makers get into it full blast and either lose interest or just can't do it and make it profitable and I've seen some pretty good deals.

Yes your right it is an expensive hobby but stick with it and eventually you will start making money. With my busy schedule and still manage to sell at least four. 90% of all my sales are custom orders for long time and new customers. The nice thing is the longer you're in the business the more repeat customers you get.
BTW; you and Terry have come a long, long way, you two amaze me with your talent. Keep up the good work.