My first major knife project was a K-bar blade I bought from Atlanta Cutlery way back in high school, and put red/black pakkawood on. Still have it, although I bought a new kydex sheath for it a couple years ago. A buddy liked it so much he had me make him one with a rosewood handle. Now that I think of it, that was my first commission! The only tools I had at the time were a Buck 110 and a small pocket knife with a spey blade for carving out the grooves for the mortised tangs, sandpaper and a couple small files. It took a while. huh1
More recently, I built a few kit blades when I wanted to get back into knives. For me it was a natural progression that got me hooked. Now I grind my own fixed blades but have been thinking about building a folder kit, to sort of dip my toes in the water.
Although I've 'fashioned' a few from scratch (stock removal),
all the knives I've "built" were from factory knives I bought,stripped,modded then embellished.
Others were either knife supply company blades,or custom blades I bought
or had made for me,from my own designs.
As such,I call myself a "knife builder",not a Maker,and make sure to tell folks up front where the blade came from.