Getting started what do I need?

[inthere10x]

My son wants to do a knife project together, what tools do we need to get started for a saw blade or file knife?
dremel tool? grinder? combo bench top sander? drill press? what heat source?  
What site on-line to order knife supplies?
What book should we read to begin with? I don't think we're ready to forge blades.

Thanks,
Jon

[pintail_drake2004]

dremel or angle grinder (i prefer the dremel tool) belt sander and we use a propane torch for a heat sorce, Drill press with various bits for drilling the holes in the blank. If ya like the file work, a couple chain saw files, or triangle file with some gun blueing works nicely. Other than that, there really aint much to it.

[Brad Singley]

Hi Jon,  Glad to see you and your son interested in knifemaking.  Tell us about any past experiences you have on building or constructing things, also mention any tools you have now.  This would help us on any reccomendations we would have.  Bottom line is knives can be made with files and sandpaper, tools and talent speed up the process.  Not trying to be evasive just want to be sure to give you advice that will be of help.
  Brad

[theunluckyhunter]

it depends on if you want to make one knife or if you want to get into knife making.

you can use nothing but files to shape the blade if you want and if you dont have a decent heat source then you can order pre-annealed 0-1 from texasknife.com after you put the bevels on you can even have them temper it for like 7 dollars.

[KHALVERSON]

jon
waynes goddards 50$ knife shop is a good read
and can be had for around 20.00 and contains
much information on how to build quality knives on a budget.
if you check out the post i had from yesterday
my son built his first knife from 0-1 steel that can be had from texas knife it is real easy to work with as far as hardening and tempering
expensive tools are not really needed to build a quality knife it just takes a little more elbowgrease  to do it with files and sandpaper
scales or handle material can be had from recycled pallets or what not also
good luck on the project knife
it is quality time well spent with your son
kevin

[inthere10x]

Brad, I have fours years of cabniting making in high school and worked in construction for several years before changing careers. I've completely remodel my kitchen, basement and other rooms, so I'm not worried about the woodworking part of it. I just don't have stationary tools.
I just don't much about metal working, like how to properly put an edge on a flat piece of steel. I guess what I'm saying is I don't know where to start.
I'm looking to have a hobby w/ my boy maybe 4-6 knives a year. Unless we become addicts.

[inthere10x]

Another question anyone use the dremel drill press attachment that turns the dremel tool into a drill press. Does it work ok? Is it worth the money?

[theunluckyhunter]

hit the garage sales amigo. it depends on how much the attachment is, i got my drill press for like 60 bucks.


and remember harbor freight is a poor knife makers best friend

[KHALVERSON]

jon
i would be carefull in trying to use a dremel as a drill press  they spin too fast.
most steels suitable for making a good knife will work harded if drilled  with to many rpms

[LC]

check out this web page for the absolute cheap skate way to make a knife!http://hossom.com/tutorial/jonesy/
Like all of the above you can do alot with nothing if you've got the muscle and time to do it! However be prepared knife making is addicting and as soon as half way through your first you'll be planning on your second!

[Brad Singley]

Hi Jon,  Sounds like you know your way around the shop!  My advice would be one of the knife supply houses.  Texas Knifemakers Supply or Sheffield knife supply for your first knife.  Order a kit (my first was from Texas Knife Supply called the "judge's favorite").  This will let you learn as you go, as you will have the blade ground out and you can focus on the guard and handle which can be trickier than the blade sometimes.  If this does not interest you and you want to jump in the deep end, I will send you a piece of 1084 and let you profile it and then I would heat treat it for you, if you would like.  Your decision, let me know and I would be glad to help you and your son.  My 7 year old daughter and I just finished her knife 2 weeks ago and I think it was the most fun I had making a knife in a long time.  She thinks my forge room is where "magic" happens. The red box elder wood that turned out pink was the best part in her eyes.  Good times, let me know what you want to do.
  Brad

[inthere10x]

Brad,
I sent you a PM w/ some questions.

Jon

[Lin Rhea]

There's some good stuff goin on here! So nice to see.    Lin

[Brad Singley]

Jon,  Call me on my cell phone #404-375-9422.  My computer at home is down.  Thanks,  Brad