Best way to get started

[Bradford]

Hi all.. I have been on the bowyer side for quite a while and occasionally get over here and check things out.  The bows are going well and think I am ready for a knife.

As a first time..  in your opinions, what is the best way to start out.  I have seen some of the forging.. someone used an existing knife from the goodwill.. etc.

I have the basics.. bandsaw, drills, belt sanders, mapp gas torch, metal mobile bandsaw, jigsaw, dremel.. etc..

My main goal will to build them from scratch, but I need to get my whistle wet first.. get the bug!!

Thanks for any advice.. links to good build alongs for guys with the basics.. etc.

[Scott Roush]

I'm not on my home computer right now so I don't have it... But there is an awesome buil along on the Fainter Trails forum.... Foxwalks Great Knife Build Along.  It is available as a PDF. Try searching for it. If no luck I can send you the PDF on Saturday.  It's how I got started.  Also... I just discovered Smartflix.  They have an enormous knife making DVD collection for rent....

In the meantime, remove everything that doesn't look like a knife with whatever you have, build a fire and bring your knife up to a non-magnetic state and quench in warm motor oil.  That was how I did my first knife and it is still in my quiver as my go-to skinner.  But that is only the beginning....

[Lin Rhea]

Join the ABS

Subscribe to Blade Magazine

Enroll in an intro class at one of the ABS Schools

Continue to stay close to TG, blacksmithing, and other traditional crafts, because they will support and cross pollinate one another.

In that order. All that seems like a lot, but it will take some time just to accomplish, but the whole time, you are learning the craft.

   Think about this, the guys that are answering most of the questions here have done that... and more. That will give you the foundation and if you get the bug,....well, you'll get the bug.

[Cody D Works]

i would start with stock removal to help learn the little processes that are a pain. Like putting on the scales... this seems to be my main problem. I usually mar up my blade when shaping the scales. so i found a way that works for me! I will be stting up my anvil and forge this week so im not far behind you! I have made a few knives using a kits and circualr saw blades. Its a fun adventure with lots of info out there.

[Steve Nuckels]

Bradford, I would find an old sawmill blade and cut some blanks and make a few neck knives and skinners, then work towards forging.

I did what Lin suggested in reverse, I went to a ABS Intro school then Subscribed to Blade Mag.  then joined ABS!

The only thing holding me back is lack of time!

Oh, I agree you will get the Bug!

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge

[gudspelr]

If you can, find someone that's done it already nearby and go soak up whatever they're willing to share with you.  One of the guys on here was incredibly generous and spent his weekend showing me the basics of forging-one of the funnest weekends I've had.  Besides giving me the bug, it gave me great ideas on tools, setup, and a great opportunity to see someone good do it.

Good luck, whatever path you choose.

Jeremy

[Bradford]

Thanks for all the input.  Bow.. that link had lot's of info.  I like the sawmill blade idea Steve.. might be a good way to get a feel for metal working part.. then move forward with forging.

I have also seen guys use old circular saw blades.  I have a few of those laying around.  Would that work and what is the best way to cut.

I have a dremel (well, 3 of them) and I also have a portable bandsaw with a metal blade on it.

Thanks everyone!

[Cody D Works]

prob bandsaw but the dremel needs to have the metal whels with the quick change those work best!

[KHALVERSON]

bradford
test the circular saw blades first
heat 1 tooth up red hot and quickly quench in water
clamp the tooth in a vise and try to break it off
it should snap easily
if it dont  its probably not a good choice for a knife
the dremel is a good choice for cutting out a blank
just have a good supply of wheels on hand
kevin

[Bradford]

Khalverson.. will do.  I will heat it up with some map gas tomorrow and toss into water.  Will let you know what happens.

I have seen some pretty cool cutting disk for the dremel.. will pick some up next time I am at the Hardware store.