newbie wanting to make himself a knife

[xander]

hi im looking in to making myself a knife.
as i have never made anything like this b4 i thought id ask for some help and advice on this subject

i dont really have any tools and im on a tight budget just to make things harder lol

ive been looking at some kits made by EnZo and some on the greenman site but was wondering what people recommended and what sort of tools i would need
thanks for your help
xan

 

[ged]

Have you considered buying a kit?

 

[xander]

thats kind of what im asking what would you guys recommend for a complete beginner with little to know tools

 

[John Fenna]

I put together my first kit with nothing more than a penknife, some sandpaper a hammer and some glue
Making your own anything is very satisfying!
I would go for a plain Puuko style for a first knife...mine was a skinner and I rarely use it now...

by the way - I would lose the "text speak" in posts ...some of us oldies realy prefer fully written words...could be an age thing... or a love of our language

Have fun making the first of your knives (there will be more!)

 

[Ogri the trog]

Greenpetes tutorials are the mark against which many others are marked - though they are a little harder to find these days - search Greenpete.co.uk or similar for the series of video clips - of a woodlore-ish made from a file out in the woods with no mains power!

I started with a full kit but it's not really necessary, a plain blade will do just fine. Beware though, it'll become addictive!

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Man of Tanith]

I put together my first kit with nothing more than a penknife, some sandpaper a hammer and some glue
Making your own anything is very satisfying!
I would go for a plain Puuko style for a first knife...mine was a skinner and I rarely use it now...

by the way - I would lose the "text speak" in posts ...some of us oldies realy prefer fully written words...could be an age thing... or a love of our language

Have fun making the first of your knives (there will be more!)

my erstwhile associate xander has quite severe dylexia and finds it easier to use text speak John

 

[brancho]

First off what style of knife do you want when you are finished. I do not want to start a debate about fulltang or stick tang but which would you prefer.

For instance some of the Enzo fulltang or Enzo Stick tang kits need nothing more than a clamp and some sandpaper (possible a drill) and a bit of glue.

Othe kits may need a drill maybe needle files or a dremel type tool files would be useful but you can manage with sanpaper and some clamps.

One big tip is always have the blade covered in tape to prevent injury of damage.

When you say how much you wixh to spend and what style you want then more advice can be given.

 

[xander]

im thinking full tang around 4 inch under £50 all in if thats possible lol

 

[xander]

ooo and ill try not useing text talk i know it can upset people when i miss spell stuff lest that way you know what im saying

 

[Everything Mac]

Exactly what tools do you have?

A kit is probably your best option if you haven't done this sort of thing before.

https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.php?option=com_oscommerce&osMod=index&cPath=271_5

quite a few good ones on there!

Andy

 

[xander]

and electric hand drill a hac saw sand paper thats about it lol

 

[xander]

is there anywhere in the uk where you can get these kits from ? https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.php?option=com_oscommerce&osMod=index&cPath=119_122_226

 

[Ogri the trog]

is there anywhere in the uk where you can get these kits from ? https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.php?option=com_oscommerce&osMod=index&cPath=119_122_226

The owner of that website is a regular visitor to British Blades website & forum and his service is reknowned for being better than many within the UK!

A few tutorials on there as well.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[xander]

i just thought if there were a supplier in the uk postage would be cheaper so do you recomend this site ?

 

[John Fenna]

ooo and ill try not useing text talk i know it can upset people when i miss spell stuff lest that way you know what im saying

Good man! - Personally I find mis-spelling easier on the eye than text speak (my spelling and keyboard skills leave a lot to be desired - when writing for magazines, books etc I write it all aout in capitals on scrap paper and my long suffering wife types and proofreads everything ).
As a member of the "Coffin Dodgers" age group I rarely text and just plain do not understand some of the "Text Speak".
I admire anyone who has dyslexia and yet perseveres with writing - it just has to be a hard job!
Have fun with the knife project - but be aware that it is addictive!

 

[Lee Wright]

I think a trip to a car boot for a couple of files would be a god start! Anneal one and use the other to shape it I think realistically if you have the time to dedicate to it (and patience) that you could make a knife (minus sheath) for about a fiver. One OLD file ~£1, Small epoxy set ~£3, wood of choice from the local area (spalted birch for me ) £free, bit of rod or some old masonry nails for pins ~£1 Job done not taking tools into account!

 

[xander]

im sure i can beg borrow or steal some tools but i have never made anything like this before so im leaning towords a kit just need to find a good one

 

[Everything Mac]

A hack saw, drill and a couple of files are all that is needed to get you going - but that does enter you into the magical world of heat treatment.

The enzo kit is a very good place to start and Brisa have an excellent reputation and come highly recommended from many forum members.

Another option is the nordic kits they sell too.
Andy

 

[brancho]

is there anywhere in the uk where you can get these kits from ? https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.php?option=com_oscommerce&osMod=index&cPath=119_122_226

Never used this guy bit I have heard he is OK. Brisa are good IMO I have used them often.

 

[ged]

Heinnie has kits from several sources in their range, I've never used any of the kits, but I've dealt with Heinnie and in my experience their service is first class.

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/-Knife-Kits/c-1-92-881/