Humans have been building knives for thousands and thousands of years. It is a skill that has been passed on for generations. If you’ve been thinking about trying it for yourself, there are some things you should be aware of. Not only does it require metal and woodwork skills, but you need to be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to get it right.
Design
Creating your knife design is the most important part of your building process. You need to find the balance between the style of your blade, and how functional it is. Use graph paper to draw your idea and make it as close to real-sized as you can. This will make your life easier later in the process. During this stage, you also need to figure out how you’re going to attach the handle to the blade.
Also Read: The Essential Kitchen Cutting Tools You Need
Materials
Once you’ve designed your knife, you’ll need to source the materials you’re going to use. You’ll want to use carbon steel as opposed to stainless steel. Stainless steel has to be sub-zero tempered and doesn’t make for a nice blade for the final product. Whereas carbon steel is much better. It’s recommended to use 1/8” thick carbon steel (01) to get the best results. You’ll also need to pick the material you want your handle to be made from. Wood, bone, and leather are all popular options.
Tools
Next, you’ll need to prepare your tools. You will need a hammer, sharpening equipment, and a heat source, such as MIG Welders. You’ll also want to have a safe space to work, with plenty of space for you to build. Plus, it’s vital to wear the proper safety equipment throughout the knife-making process.
Process
Now you’re ready to build your knife. There are simple steps beginner knife builders can follow. You need to forge the knife by heating the metal and hammering it until it becomes the shape you want. Once it’s the right shape, ground down the edges and sharpen the blade. A grindstone or belt grinder can help with this part. Also, watch out for sparks during this stage. Then you create your handle and connect it to your blade.
Building a knife is a time-consuming process and it takes practice to get a high-quality final result. It’s ok if your first try isn’t perfect, it’s still a great accomplishment. What is the best thing you’ve ever built for yourself?
