Making my first knife

[MotorbikeMan]

Hi folks,

Looking for a bit of advice.

After going throught the forums, I've decided to have a go at making my first knife. I've decided to go with a kit as a starter, something along the lines of this maybe. (http://outdoorsuppliesuk.com/ckk2/fixedblade/sg4sp.html) the price of the kit appeals as a first self built knife. I've made stuff before so I know that you learn so much first time round and intend to go for something better next time. I would be interested in peoples opinions of the kit, or alternative suggestions) I have a piece of well seasoned Holly in mind for the handle, it's a nice, solid, close grained piece of wood and again, I'd be interested in peoples opinion. Finally, as the wood isn't stabalised, how would people finish the wood off, oil, wax, any other ideas?

If I've posted this in the wrong forum, please forgive a newbie his ignorance :o and thanks in advance for any help and advice.

Jon

edited to fix link

[MushiSushi]

you've picked a good kit to start with Jon ...... good luck

[PS_Bond]

You're a member, it's a project, so... ;)

Good choice for a first go - should look really fantastic with holly too. I'd be inclined to use Danish oil on the wood (after it is epoxied!) finishing off with a coat of carnauba wax; however, there are so many ways to skin this particular cat, everyone will have their own favourite.

Mr Barker does some rather nice stuff with wood, too... Dave?!

[Basemetal]

Easiest and most forgiving way to finish the wood would be an oiled finish. Sand it down thro the grit grades then soak for a day or so in your choice of finshing oils: Danish oil/Tung Oil/Linseed etc. Remove and let it dry for a day or three then buff lightly for a semi-gloss polish.

Big advantage is ease of restoration.It also prevents further drying of unstabilised wood once in place
If youre near a "Lakeland" High Street shop you can buy "Renaissance Wax" -an internet search will show you just what this stuff can do...

Agree with Mushi -good kit! If you lean more to woodwork than metalwork, take a look at some of the Scandinavian style kits at www.brisa.fi.
Theres an excellent "Easy Scandi" Tutorial in the Scandinavian Blades forum by ZDP.

Welcome aboard and all the best!
:bandit:

[MotorbikeMan]

D'oh! Thanks for the move, wasn't too sure :thanks:

[Trond]

Welcome tu us Motorbierkman :)

Once you start you will find that it is really not that difficoult to make a knife.

[dtalbot]

First off welcome!
As others have said both outdoorsuppliesuk and brisa are excellent sources of kits and make from scratch bits. My prefered handle treatment is a soak for several hours in danish oil diluted a bit with white spirit (3 to 1 oil to spirit or there abouts).
Be warned though, your first knife won't be your last, this is an addictive passtime!
Cheers
David

[MotorbikeMan]

Thanks for the tips so far guys, kind of figured it would become addictive, much like other stuff I've done in the past :p

[ZDP-189]

Welcome!

The kit's a bit too close to completion for my taste, but should be OK for an early knife.

I have no experience with that particular kit, but the parts look well machined and I know Joe is esay to deal with.

I agree with the oiled finish, too.

[dtalbot]

Welcome!

The kit's a bit too close to completion for my taste, but should be OK for an early knife.

I have no experience with that particular kit, but the parts look well machined and I know Joe is esay to deal with.

I agree with the oiled finish, too.
Yep,
Thats what I like about the Brisa kits, you get the blade, then the rest is bits you'd buy for a from scratch like a slice of antler, a block of wood or a strip of fiber. You get to drill and fit and file and shape the handle all the way rather than from half way finished.

[MotorbikeMan]

Been looking at the Brisa kits, and through the forums as well. Coming to the conclusion that I probably actually want a flat ground blade, rather than a convex so I might just change my mind :rolleyes: . Still reading through the forums to find out as much as possible before I start. I'm constantly amazed at the info posted, especially from pro knife makers. Can't think of any other forum I'm on where you get this level of support and free information. Absolutely fantastic!!!! :biggthump

[ggfh666]

If you decide to go the brisa way, may I suggest to have alook at the easy scandi tutorial by ZDP. I think it is in tips and tricks.

[Jon]

This little lot will keep you engrossed for a while, lots of information and ideas :biggthump

http://www.engnath.com/public/intable.htm
http://hossom.com/tutorial/jonesy/
http://www.customknifedirectory.com/CKD_TutorialFrameset.htm?CKD_Tutorials.htm~tmain
http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html
http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials.htm
http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorials.htm

Jon.

[MotorbikeMan]

Seen the Skandi tutorial already :approve: , thanks for all the other links, my bums gonna be numb from sitting infront of the 'puter at this rate :D

[MotorbikeMan]

Well folks, the blade is ordered, there's no going back now. Especially as the blade has been ordered by a friend as a birthday pressie for me :D In the end, I totally changed my mind and went for the Helle Harding from Brisa. Haven't decided yet wether or not to fit a bolster and the handle will probably be Beech now as the Holly I have probably wont be big enough for this one. Keep you posted.

Jon

[dtalbot]

Nice blade, have fun. Another knife swap is on the go now, why not order another and throw it in the hat once done!
Cheers
David

[MotorbikeMan]

I think I might just see if I can actually come up with anything that's even somewhere near the standard I've seen on the forums before I start contributing to the swaps :o

Jon

[dtalbot]

I think I might just see if I can actually come up with anything that's even somewhere near the standard I've seen on the forums before I start contributing to the swaps :o

Jon
Dont worry Jon, all we ask in a KITH (swap) is that you try YOUR best. We have everthing from newbies (I've only made about half a dozen knives and 3 have gone on KITHS) to pros all in it for the fun, entering everything from fixed blade kits to made from scratch folders. Come and play you'll be welcome and its a brilliant way to learn more about your new hobby.
Cheers
David

[MotorbikeMan]

;) I'll get this one done, and then maybe the next one. I've always found that the first time you make anything new it's one steep learning curve, second time round, you try to remember all the little things that made you go D'oh! and try to do them a little better. Never fear though, I have a sneaking suspicion that my second wont be all that long after the first :rolleyes:

Jon

[MotorbikeMan]

:boldred: :D WOOHOOWOOHOO!!!!!! Blade arrived today, can't wait to get started. Impressed at DennisH's speedy service :thanks: :biggthump