any interest in kit knife blades?

[Bud B.]

Add me to the list of those interested...

[akaboomer]

If this project comes into being you gents will be getting a great deal.looking forward to seeing where this goes. Great way to Pay it forward Darcy.

Chris

[Rick Butler]

Definitely interested!

[Dry Creek]

Would be very interested in a 2.5 to 3" blade for a neck knife. Maybe even something that I could just use paracord for a handle.

[D.Ellis]

Thanks again guys.
 
Darcy  

[Bladepeek]

Darcy, you didn't mention the degree of finish, but I'm assuming you are talking about a completely finished blade, ready for guard, bolsters handle, etc. You might want to also consider offering a forged blade, heat treated and rough ground, but not rubbed out. At a little lower price, a guy who wants to invest some sweat equity in hand rubbing could wind up with a quality knife at a slightly reduced cost.

Then again, maybe most guys would be buying it to get your touch in the final finish.

Ron

[D.Ellis]

Thanks Ron,
I had figured on doing some of both like you suggest, except for any Damascus blades, which would need to be fully finished and etched.
I was also planning on posting some detailed tutorials on the knife forum on methods of finishing with minimal tools......tools that the average guy already has, or can get for a reasonable price at the local hardware store.
Darcy  

[LYONEL]

I'm currently looking  for a small blank now to suit a sheath on the side of a 2nd hand back quiver I recently purchased. Having trouble finding one that suits exactly that is not made in China or Pakistan, I don't want to waste a lot of my time on a 2nd rate piece of steel no matter what type it is. So good quality blanks from someone you could rely on would be a done deal.

[Meathook 1]

Yes Darcy  Im ready to order now.

                 Thanks Terry

[Jon Shade]

I would be interested in the bottom blade(8.5). Would it be in the form of a kit including the handle and guard? Thanks in advance! Jon

[Bladepeek]

Darcy, I think you have a winning idea. I know Bob Engnath, before he died unexpectedly, got dozens if not hundreds of guys interested in knife making, including me. I studied metallurgy a bit in school before switching over to the electronics side, so I had an interest in steel, but no knowledge of knife making. Bob's catalog gave detail instructions of how to hand finish his blades (which were usually flat ground to 110 or 220 grit) and how to attach various types of handles and guards.
 
Your idea of offering tutorials would give you a big advantage over someone just supplying a product. And instead of ordering a cookie cutter blade from some big outfit, made by some unknown blade grinder, your customers would probably already be familiar with your work and know they are getting a hand-forged blade, properly heat treated and something they can pass down to their kids with pride.

Go for it!

[Bodork]

Darcy, I hope you are able to make this work! I started by making helle blades then a few others but wanted to dabble in my own designs with my name on them so I got started in stock removal. I love making knives but with my limited bench top tools(1 inch belt grinder etc) it takes me forever to grind one out and I am limited as to what I can harden in my home made forge. I feel my knives are respectable but if I sell one, I probably make about 5 bucks an hour.  I'm sure this will give many others the bug. I think putting your mark on the blade will keep someone from claiming the knife as 'theirs' and unintentionally misrepresenting themselves as the maker of the blade. Good call! Mike

[D.Ellis]

Originally posted by Jon Shade:
I would be interested in the bottom blade(8.5). Would it be in the form of a kit including the handle and guard? Thanks in advance! Jon

I will start with some blades and offer a few options for various prices.
Will let this thread drop off the radar for a while now and get back to the regularly scheduled Powwow programming   :D   .
Keep an eye on the sponsor classifieds for kit blades as I get some ready to go.

Thanks again for all the replies. Much appreciated    

Darcy    

[Fattony77]

I agree with Bladepeek, it's a great idea and it would be awesome to get an "assembly required" kit that come with instructions that were originally written in English. (One of my bigger issues with the Helle kit that I got.) And it would be nice to get such a kit from a "familiar face."

I'd definitely buy one (or more) if I can afford it. I'll keep my eye on the Sponsor's Classifieds.

[FerretWYO]

I think you have a great idea here. I will be watching to see what you come up with.

Short 2.5-3" skinner semi-skinner.

[Zane]

I hope you pursue this. While there are lots of cheap blades available, there are not many high quality and not much differentiation as far as blade styles one from another.