Recent content by Jim T

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta will be hosting the first annual Metal Art Show and Sale on September 29 and 30, 2012. Included in the line-up of artists are several knifemakers, in particular… Roger Hatt Ed Storch Gerry Keivit Larry Strandquist Irvin Brunas Clare...

Hi Everyone! Hope this is the right section of the forum to put this is in.... This isn't an ad, but I am trying to spread the word and generate interest for the first annual METAL ART SHOW AND SALE in Wetaskiwin, Alberta (Canada). This event is being hosted by the Reynolds-Alberta Museum...

Hey Rowdy! Welcome to the knife making obsession. Where would we be without our furry canines to keep us grounded? Rowdy, you are way too cute for your own good! Jim T

I gotta say, I'm the last one who should be giving advice about being organized, but... I'm using those little plastic pill containers that drug stores sell, the ones that let you store 7 days or 14 days worth of pills. They're great for organizing little screws, bolts, detent balls (if you're...

I have the basic Etch-O-Matic. It does a fine job and etches deep enough when putting my logo on each of my blades. I didn't want to be bothered with making stencils, I'd rather spend my time making knives. Like I said, Ernie Grospitch is your man if you want stencils. I just sent him an...

I use and Etch-O-Matic and it’s served its purpose quite well for several years. As for stencils, you’re right on the mark. You can’t do better than Ernie Grospiitch. He’ll make you a great set of quality stencils for a fair price and you can’t beat his customer service. Jim

Wow! That is one fine knife, Pedro! Congratulations! Job well done! If you keep making knives with that kind of fit and finish, you won't have any trouble selling them. Keep up the awesome work! Jim

Good for you, Pedro! It's looking real good! Being a newbie myself, I'm enjoying following you along your learning curve. Thanks for sharing. I'll eagerly await your next set of posts. Jim

Hi All! I'm Jim T from Alberta! Between work, teaching martial arts (another hobby) and knocking down my wife's honey-do list, I've been having a lot of fun learning to flat grind. Haven't made a lot of knives yet, but the ones I have made have been a real learning experience and quite...

Thanks guys! - Jim

Hey Murph, thanks for the feedback. My friend loves Japanese swords, but he's not a knife maker or sword maker himself. He'll need the whole ten yards when it comes to handles, fittings and saya and I've told him it'll cost to have it done the right way. I'm really pleased he respects the sword...

A friend in Alberta, Canada recently purchased an authentic katana blade and a wakazashi blade he chanced upon while on his travels. The blades require handles. He would like to commission someone who can put a handle on both blades using authentic materials and techniques. Does anyone know...

Hi Jeff: I've been using an Etch-O-Matic combined with stencils made by Ernie Grospitch. Works just fine. You can get an Etch-O-Matic from most knife supply shops (like Sheffield Knife Supply) for around $80 to $100. If you have your own makers mark, Ernie can create quality stencils for you...

Thanks Keith! Didn't realize Ernie had that much information on his website!

Thanks everyone. Rudy, I was wondering whether or not I should be using neutralizer on the pad. Thanks for clarifying. I thought I might not be pressing the pad down onto the stencil for long enough (about 5 seconds). I'll try your method. I'll try the dish detergent too, Carey. Ernie Grospitch...