Knife making is a skill that has been passed down through generations, and it’s a tradition that continues to thrive in South Africa. This article aims to guide aspiring knife makers, especially those who are beginners, in understanding the tools and techniques involved in knife making.
Knife Making For Beginners
Essential Tools For Beginners
Forge Or Kiln
A forge or kiln is a type of furnace used for heating metals. In knife making, a forge is used to heat the steel to a temperature where it can be shaped and hardened. There are different types of forges, but the most common ones used in knife making are gas forges and coal forges. A gas forge is easy to control and is ideal for beginners. A coal forge, on the other hand, can reach higher temperatures and is preferred by some experienced knife makers.
For a visual guide on how to use a forge, you can watch this video by Walter Sorrells.
Anvil
An anvil is a heavy iron block used as a surface for hammering heated steel into shape. It has a flat top surface, known as the face, where the metal is placed and hammered. The horn of the anvil, which is the pointed end, is used for bending and shaping the metal.
Hammer
A hammer is used in conjunction with the anvil to shape the heated steel. There are different types of hammers used in knife making, but the most common ones are the cross peen hammer and the ball peen hammer. The cross peen hammer has a flat face for striking and a wedge-shaped peen for drawing out the steel. The ball peen hammer, on the other hand, has a round peen that is used for rounding and smoothing the steel.
Tongs
Tongs are used to hold the hot steel while it is being hammered on the anvil. They come in different shapes and sizes to hold different types of steel. It’s important to have a good pair of tongs to safely handle the hot steel.
Grinder
A grinder is used to shape the knife and to smooth out any rough edges. There are different types of grinders, but the most common one used in knife making is the belt grinder. A belt grinder has a loop of abrasive material, known as a belt, that is driven by a motor. The abrasive belt is used to grind the steel and shape it into a knife.
For a more detailed explanation on how to use these tools, you can check out this video by Simple Little Life.
Safety Equipment For Beginners
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are essential when working with tools and hot steel. They protect your eyes from sparks, hot steel fragments, and dust.
Gloves
Heat-resistant gloves are necessary to protect your hands from burns when handling hot steel and tools.
Respirator
A respirator is a mask that protects you from inhaling dust and fumes. When grinding steel, tiny particles can become airborne and can be harmful if inhaled.
Beginner’s Guide To Using Tools
How To Use A Forge Or Kiln
Using a forge or kiln involves several steps. First, the forge is lit and allowed to reach the desired temperature. The steel is then placed in the forge and heated until it becomes red-hot and malleable. The heated steel is then removed from the forge using tongs and hammered on the anvil into the desired shape. This process is repeated several times until the knife takes its final shape.
How To Use An Anvil
The anvil is used as a surface for hammering the heated steel. The steel is placed on the face of the anvil and hammered into shape. The horn of the anvil is used for bending and shaping the steel.
How To Use A Hammer
The hammer is used to shape the heated steel on the anvil. The flat face of the hammer is used for striking the steel, while the peen is used for drawing out the steel. The hammer should be swung in a controlled manner to accurately shape the steel.
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Tongs are used to hold the hot steel while it is being hammered on the anvil. The steel is gripped firmly with the tongs to prevent it from slipping while being hammered.
How To Use A Grinder
TheThe grinder is used to shape the knife and smooth out any rough edges. The process involves approaching the belt with your workpiece slowly and using a grit progression that starts with a coarser grit belt and moves to finer grits for finishing. The grinder is also used to grind the initial blade shape. For a more detailed guide on how to use a grinder in knife making, you can check out this article.
Knife Making Supplies
Types Of Knife Making Supplies
Steel Blanks
Steel blanks are pre-cut pieces of steel that are used as the starting material for making a knife. They come in different shapes and sizes, and can be made from different types of steel, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and tool steel. You can purchase steel blanks from various suppliers, such as SD Knives.
Handle Materials
The handle of a knife can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, bone, metal, and synthetic materials. The choice of handle material depends on the desired look and feel of the knife. For example, wood handles are popular for their natural look and comfortable grip, while metal handles are durable and can withstand heavy use. You can find a variety of handle materials at KMTS.
Fasteners And Adhesives
Fasteners and adhesives are used to attach the handle to the knife blade. Fasteners can include pins, screws, and rivets, while adhesives can include various types of glue and epoxy. It’s important to choose high-quality fasteners and adhesives to ensure a strong and durable knife.
Finishing Supplies
Finishing supplies are used to give the knife its final look and feel. This can include sandpaper for smoothing the knife, oil for protecting the blade, and polish for giving the knife a shiny finish.
Where To Buy Knife Making Supplies
Local Suppliers
There are several local suppliers in South Africa where you can buy knife making supplies. Some of these include SD Knives, Toolcraft, and KMTS.
Online Suppliers
There are also several online suppliers where you can buy knife making supplies. Some of these include Zee’s Knife Supplies, Heavin Forge, and Wood.Tools4.
Knife Making Classes
Benefits Of Attending Knife Making Classes
Learning From Experienced Instructors
Attending knife making classes allows you to learn from experienced instructors who can provide you with valuable insights and tips. They can guide you through the process of knife making, from choosing the right materials to using the tools correctly.
Hands-On Practice With Tools
Knife making classes provide you with the opportunity to get hands-on practice with the tools used in knife making. This can help you become more comfortable and proficient with the tools, which is essential for making high-quality knives.
Networking With Other Knife Makers
Attending knife making classes also allows you to network with other knife makers. This can provide you with the opportunity to learn from their experiences, share ideas, and gain inspiration for your own knife making projects.
How To Choose A Knife Making Class
Considerations For Choosing A Class
When choosing a knife making class, there are several factors to consider. These include the experience level of the instructors, the size of the class, the cost of the class, and the location of the class. It’s also important to consider what you hope to gain from the class, whether it’s learning new techniques, improving your skills, or simply enjoying the process of making a knife.
Recommended Knife Making Classes
There are several knife making classes in South Africa that come highly recommended. These include the classes offered by Herbst, SD Knives, and the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa.
Knife Making Projects
Beginner Knife Making Projects
Simple Utility Knife
A simple utility knife is a great beginner project. It requires basic tools and materials, and it provides a good introduction to the fundamental techniques of knife making. For a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple utility knife, you can check out this video by Wengels Workshop.
Basic Hunting Knife
A basic hunting knife is another good project for beginners. It’s a bit more complex than a utility knife, but it provides a good opportunity to practice shaping and sharpening a blade. For a guide on how to make a basic hunting knife, you can check out this video by Walter Sorrells.
Intermediate Knife Making Projects
Folding Knife
A folding knife is a good project for intermediate knife makers. It requires more advanced skills and tools, but it provides a good challenge and the opportunity to learn new techniques. For a guide on how to make a folding knife, you can check out this video by TheSmall Workshop.
Kitchen Knife
A kitchen knife is another good project for intermediate knife makers. It requires precision and attention to detail, but the result is a functional tool that can be used every day. For a guide on how to make a kitchen knife, you can check out this video.
Advanced Knife Making Projects
Damascus Steel Knife
A Damascus steel knife is a challenging project for advanced knife makers. It involves forging multiple layers of steel together to create a patterned blade. The process requires advanced skills and tools, but the result is a beautiful and unique knife.
Sword
Making a sword is one of the most challenging knife making projects. It requires a high level of skill and precision, as well as a good understanding of balance and proportion. The process involves forging, shaping, heat treating, and polishing the sword, and it can take several weeks to complete.
Knife Making Techniques
Basic Knife Making Techniques
Forging
Forging is the process of heating and hammering steel to shape it into a knife. The steel is heated in a forge until it becomes red-hot and malleable, and then it is hammered on an anvil to shape it. Forging is a fundamental technique in knife making, and it requires a good understanding of how steel behaves under heat and pressure.
Stock Removal
Stock removal is a knife making technique that involves removing material from a steel blank to shape it into a knife. This is typically done using a grinder, and it requires a good understanding of how to shape and contour the steel.
Heat Treating
Heat treating is the process of heating and cooling steel to change its physical properties. In knife making, heat treating is used to harden the steel and make it more durable. The process involves heating the steel to a specific temperature, quenching it in oil or water, and then tempering it to reduce its brittleness.
Grinding And Polishing
Grinding and polishing are used to shape the knife and give it a smooth finish. Grinding involves using a grinder to shape the steel and remove any rough edges, while polishing involves using sandpaper or a polishing wheel to give the knife a shiny finish.
Advanced Knife Making Techniques
Pattern Welding
Pattern welding is a technique used to create patterned steel for knife blades. It involves forging multiple layers of steel together, folding and twisting the steel to create patterns, and then grinding and polishing the steel to reveal the patterns. Pattern welding is a complex technique that requires advanced skills and tools.
Mosaic Damascus
Mosaic Damascus is a type of pattern welded steel that is used to create intricate patterns in knife blades. It involves forging multiple layers of different types of steel together, cutting and rearranging the steel to create patterns, and then forging the steel again to fuse the patterns together. Mosaic Damascus is a complex and time-consuming technique that requires a high level of skill and precision.
San Mai
San Mai is a Japanese knife making technique that involves forging a hard steel core with softer steel sides. The hard steel core forms the cutting edge of the knife, while the softer steel sides provide flexibility and durability. San Mai is a complex technique that requires a good understanding of how different types of steel behave when forged together.
Knife Making Patterns
Types Of Knife Making Patterns
Drop Point
The drop point is a popular knife making pattern that features a convex curve on the back of the blade and a straight or slightly convex edge. The point of the blade is lowered, or “dropped,” which gives the pattern its name. Drop point knives are versatile and are commonly used for hunting and general use.
Clip Point
The clip point is another popular knife making pattern. It features a concave or straight cut-out at the back of the blade, which forms a sharp point. Clip point knives have a sharp and controllable point, and they are commonly used for detailed work and piercing.
Tanto
The tanto is a Japanese knife making pattern that features a high point and a flat grind. The front edge of the blade meets the back edge at an angle, rather than a curve, which gives the knife a pointed tip. Tanto knives are strong and sharp, and they are commonly used for tactical and survival knives.
Bowie
The Bowie is a classic American knife making pattern that features a long blade with a clip point. The back of the blade has a curve that extends to the point, which gives the knife a distinctive shape. Bowie knives are large and versatile, and they are commonly used for hunting and survival.
Knife Making Books
Recommended Books For Knife Making
“The Complete Bladesmith” By Jim Hrisoulas
“The Complete Bladesmith” is a comprehensive guide to forging knives and swords. It covers all aspects of bladesmithing, from choosing the right steel to heat treating and finishing the blade. The book is filled with detailed instructions and illustrations, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced knife makers.
“Step-by-Step Knifemaking” By David Boye
“Step-by-Step Knifemaking” is a practical guide to making knives using the stock removal method. The book covers all the steps involved in making a knife, from designing the knife to grinding and polishing the blade. The book also includes tips on how to make a knife handle and how to sharpen a knife.
How To Use Books To Improve Knife Making Skills
Reading And Understanding Techniques
Books on knife making provide a wealth of information on techniques and best practices. By reading and understanding these techniques, you can improve your knife making skills and learn new methods.
Practising Techniques From Books
After reading about a technique, the next step is to practice it. This can involve trying out a new method of forging, experimenting with a different type of steel, or attempting a more complex knife design. The more you practice, the more proficient you will become.
Knife Making Forums
Benefits Of Participating In Knife Making Forums
Learning from Others’ Experiences
Knife making forums are online communities where knife makers can share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. Participating in these forums can provide you with valuable insights and tips that can help you improve your knife making skills.
Sharing Your Own Experiences
In addition to learning from others, participating in knife making forums also gives you the opportunity to share your own experiences. By sharing your successes and challenges, you can contribute to the community and help other knife makers learn and grow.
Recommended Knife Making Forums
Here are some recommended knife making forums where you can interact with other knife makers:
- BladeForums: This forum is a place to discuss all aspects of knife making. It includes sections for questions and answers, a gallery for showcasing your work, and a sales area.
- The Knife Network: This forum is dedicated to the art of custom knife making. It covers a wide range of topics, from blade performance to embellishment.
- BladeForums: This is another section of BladeForums that focuses on knife-related discussions, announcements of get-togethers, knife show listings, and more.
Knife making is a rewarding hobby that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and practical skills. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make your first knife or an experienced knife maker looking to refine your techniques, there are plenty of resources available to help you on your journey. From essential tools and supplies to instructional books and online forums, the world of knife making is at your fingertips. So, grab your hammer and anvil, and start forging your masterpiece today!