Total Noob here

W

whitedogone

New Member
I am new to knife making. I have done woodworking/cabinet building most all my life. I'd like to get into knife making as a hobbie making blades for myself/friends. I have decent tool collection and have a 2x42 grinder. I have ordered a couple of books to get started. I think for the first few knifes I'd like to start with a kit or knife blank. I mainly like/use a skinner type blade and gutting deer size game. Where's the best place to get quality blanks or kits? Any other thoughts would be great.

WDO
 
Jantz has a very nice selection. Their web site is www.knifemaking.com. I think that Tracy may carry a few finished blades; I'm not sure about kits. You could link on below or look up USA Knife Maker's Supply. Alpha Knife Supply also carries finished blades.

Doug
 
I've been doing some looking around and doing a lot of reading. I will be ordering some blanks to try from the links above. Most of the above blanks are 440c or aus6 or aus8 steel. I realize the steel isn't everything in a blank....but.... is the steel in those comparable to what you guys are using for decent knifes? If I'm going to buy something, I'd at least like to get a good quality blade. I've also been intrigued by the Damascus offerings on Ebay. Would something like that make a good blade?
 
Yes, those are good steels and are often used for stock removal. The 440C is an old favorite. It's not the latest and greatest but it is a good solid performer, as far as stainless steel goes. Stay away from the damascus on Ebay. Too much of it is made by people who don't really understand knife steel or forge welding. Too much of a risk that it will be full of cold shuts and inclusions and it could also be structural steel or made with structural steel in the mix that dilutes out the carbon content from higher carbon steels. If you want to do knife from a finished damascus blade then stick with the supply houses like Jantz, USA Knife Makers Supply, or Sheffield.

Doug
 
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