Advice?

[SlickFlyFisher]

This is my first time posting in this forum so please be gentle.

I've been designing knives for a few months now, but they go to waste because I don't have any means of actually creating them myself. I have experience in working in a machine shop and I've always been good with my hands. I need some advice to get started please. Books to read? DVD or VHS to watch? Websites to visit? I'm starting with a clean slate so I'm anxious to sponge as much information as you're all willing to give. Thanks in advance, guys.

Slick

[David Pitt]

There are plenty of good books and videos available from most of the knifemaker supply places
www.knifeandgun.com
www.texasknife.com
www.sheffieldsupply.com
Check out the Mentor thread on this site and see if there is one in your area

[Harry Mathews]

Slick you would be surprised at how little it takes to make a knife besides determination. A piece of steel, a file, some way to clamp the steel to something substantial, some time and that determination I mentioned will get you started. Many makers started with just that.

What part of the country are you in, or maybe what country are you in? There are several state organizations (Georgia Custom Knifemakers Guild being one) that have meetings during the year of member knifemakers for the purpose of improving their skills and teaching knifemakeing. You can check the books like "Knives 2008" for lists of organizations and makers that will be listed by state. You would be welcome to attend the Georgia meetings. Great way to meet other makers and pick up pointers. Many times you can get hands on experience.

Locating a maker that is close and willing to have you visit could be invaluable, but check first with the maker before dropping in. My brother Charlie just spent a day with a young man (8 years old) showing him and his dad the ropes and giving him a chance to experience being a knife maker for a few hours. I think that Charlie enjoyed it as much as the young man and his dad. The vast majority of makers will be glad to provide answers and guidance.

Read as many of the how to books as you can, check for a state mentor, find a maker and state organization close and don't hesitate to get started.

[srj]

Mr. Mathews is correct on al accounts.
I think that you would have a Knifemaker's Guild Mentor in your state. Contact him and he will help, that's his job. Good luck. If you want to watch my DVD let me know. I'll loan it to you. It is about making a Sub-hilt fighter, but many of the techniques used are the same for any straight knife.
Steve
srj@mail.manti.com

[W. Lowell Bray, Jr]

Go ahead and get started. Come back and ask specific questions. I think you will get more free advice than you can us.

L. Bray