Are there any knife makers here?
I got started a few years ago...one at a time. Big learning curve but Im getting there.
I have a very small forge, but what I switched to was cutting blanks from 440C stainless, and have them sent out for professional hardening..in a controlled temp digital oven where they can be properly cycled to end up at the 62-ish Rockwell. I then do all the finish work, and make the custom sheaths.
Heres a bit of my latest..I have a very good access to lots of rosewood and blackwood that I love for scales. I also included one of a small run of fillet knives from an old saw blade from an old lumber camp on Lake Nipigon in northern Ontario I found moose hunting.
Nice work
I have a friend that makes knives, LaRock knives, but that’s one more hobby that I haven’t gotten in to but would like.
You knives look great
Dave Jack .... your knives look great. I started adding custom knives to my collection about 20 years ago. I have a number of knife maker friends here in South Carolina, several of which are in my knife club. One of my friends, Claude Montjoy, who died about seven or eight years ago or more, was one of the most prolific knife makers I have ever known. Claude ground the blades for a bunch of the knife makers all over the southeast. I'll see if I can find a couple of his knives to photograph. They are real beauties.
Not only am I impressed with the knives, but also the workmanship in the sheathes. I was given an old timer skinning knife/pocket knife combo by a Hoosier hunting buddy, the plastic sheath on the skinner was rubbish so I attempted to make a leather one. I think I could use some lessons from you Dave, yours are superb.
My son who's 12 just got started. He works with a local knife maker kinda like an apprentice. He's made 2 railroad spike knives, their rough but not bad for a 12 year old. He got a beginner forge for Christmas, and 1" belt grinder for his birthday last week. We're not breaking out that stuff until spring. To much snow and I don't feel like burning down the garage.
All the guys in my hunting camp are placing their orders. I'm a wood worker and will help him with handles. Good use of all my scrap maple/ oak and other woods.
Edited by - buckholler on 01/26/2022 11:15:00
Very nice Dave
Here are three of my custom folders. The one on the left is a pearl handled folding hunter mad by my friend Claude Montjoy that I mentioned in an earlier post. It is really a precision and well made knife. The other two were made by Frank Centofante, who died probably twenty or so years ago. He was also a master craftsman. I am not sure who did the engraving on Frank's knives, but it was also extremely well done.
I make a lot of my own wood carving crooked knives. I buy or scrounge blades and blade materials.
Then I shape handles that fit my hands. I know that I only have to do it once but I can grind a wood carving bevel angle without cooking the blades.
This is an old picture, I thought I had a useful set of wood carving knives.
It isn't close to half of what I have on the bench now.
I've come to depend on the likes of you who are bladesmiths, I'll just make up the handles.
Very nice Brian! I already do too much stuff. I'll let you knife makers and handle makers do all the work for me!
Dave, thanks for showing us some of your knives. Excellent excellent craftsmanship.
I like all of them. I could put one of your fillet knives to good use.
quote:
Originally posted by Wet SpanielNot only am I impressed with the knives, but also the workmanship in the sheathes. I was given an old timer skinning knife/pocket knife combo by a Hoosier hunting buddy, the plastic sheath on the skinner was rubbish so I attempted to make a leather one. I think I could use some lessons from you Dave, yours are superb.
Thanks. I love making the sheaths. Its a learning process for sure. I get good leather, and thicker grade..8-10 mill. A bit harder to work with but it finishes so well.
quote:
Originally posted by BanjoLinkHere are three of my custom folders. The one on the left is a pearl handled folding hunter mad by my friend Claude Montjoy that I mentioned in an earlier post. It is really a precision and well made knife. The other two were made by Frank Centofante, who died probably twenty or so years ago. He was also a master craftsman. I am not sure who did the engraving on Frank's knives, but it was also extremely well done.
Those are works of art. I havnt even come close to the decorative skills needed for that work. Im at the stage of basic but clean and finished. I think the next level would need lots of support!!
quote:
Originally posted by lazyarcher. Im at the stage of basic but clean and finished. I think the next level would need lots of support!!
I like the "clean and finished"
there was a guy a few years back that came through the shop trying to sell his knives, they were rough, he pointed out that a home made knife isn't smooth like a factory made, that's what made them special, well, everyone has their opinion, but i like the clean and finished, it shows care and pride in the work done instead of just putting something out there.
Again, nice work
I spend a lot of time on wet sanding wheels 220 to 1800 grit sandpaper then on polishing wheels with 5 different grades of polishing compounds. Its labor intensive but when its done right and the steel is like a mirror then you know it's right. Ive seen the "primative " styles..ho hum..and some EXPENSIVE !!
I like all kinds of knives, but the skill required to make a precision knife is incredible, especially with folders. My son likes "tactical" knives and of course the finish is not comparable to the "art" type knives, but they are not meant to be. All of the part that really counts is done right. I have a friend in Hendersonville, NC who makes knives out of old files ("Ex-files is the name of his company") and he makes beautiful knives, but not with the kind of polishing that are done on many knives. The knife on top is one of his, but is a little unusual as he usually exposes an part of the old file. (After looking at the photo blown up, he does show part of the old file on the tang and he fashioned a curled "rat tail" on the butt end)
Edited by - BanjoLink on 01/27/2022 15:41:24
you guys ever saw the knives this guy makes,,,WOW
facebook.com/profile.php?id=10...443453818
Me ??
brantonknifeworks.com
Very Cool Dave !!! I’m jealous, as I have no skills!!! My son started making knives and I told him I wanted a nice filet knife. That was 3 years ago. I just bought another Rapala filet knife. LOL
I like your work!!! Hopefully your filet knife has a little back bone for those big walleyes your about to come in to. It’s almost time!!!
Slammer!!!
More pics, but many others hidden in various photo albums. Brad
