I want to make/build a knife.

[Dave223]

Ok Guys,
  Im looking to make my own knife from a blank, but I know nil about knives, HELP!
I know what I do want, I want High Carbon steel, or Damascus. Now for what I dont know. Is a "blank" already sharpened? yes, I know that sounds dumb but no-one states this on their web sites.
Whats the difference between a "Full" tang and a "stick" or tapered tang? By difference I mean do the handles attach differently? Is it just a weight/ feel difference?   
Is there a good web site that has step by step tutorials on putting together a blank?  Thanks, Dave

[gcrank1]

Dave, there are books, videos, etc, and then there are old butcher knives at GoodWill, yard sales, etc. You likely already have a notion about the shape you want, so get a butcher and shape it, resharpen it, even rehandle it and you will learn LOTS about this, and on the cheap. You may also find out that the shape you thought was perfect is less than so. The learning curve will be good, and fun, and get you there quicker than a blade blank (no, they are not sharpened). Just be sure to 'safe edge' the butcher blade and be conscious of every move you make in redoing it, lest you draw your own blood. If you do, there is no cure, you are infected for life.
 

[melsdad]

Dave,
 
    I would suggest starting with a high carbon steel for your first knife, and wait spending money on damascus till you get a few under your belt. If you are going to buy a blank be careful where you get them from. I have read that some of these blanks are India/China junk and are not worth putting effort into. I have never made a knife from a blank, but have made quite a few from scratch by stock removal. A few more key pieces and my forge will be up and running.
 
    To answer your questions. A full tang and tapered tang are nearly the same because the blade handle is visible around the entire knife. Look at the last 2 threads I started knife for a friend, and blanket prize knife These are examples of full tang, and a tapered tang respectively. The tapered tang gives a great balance to the knife and adds an appealing touch as well. A stick tang is hidden in the handle and is comonly seen using antler rounds for handles. There is typically a threaded section on the end of the tang to attach a pomel to hold the handle onto the knife. If you want an excellent website that has tons of how to tutorials check out bladeforums.com you can spend days on there just looking around and reading. If you have anymore questions, or can I can help just ask.

[Joel]

Been away camping so I missed these all being posted.  For all things knife like go to a good knife catalog such as Texas Knifemakers Supply, Jantz, Sheffield knifemakers supply etc, and look at the knife blanks listed there.  That and the books/videos they carry about knifemaking.  Buy yourself a basic one to start with.  They also carry both carbon, stainless and damascus strips that can be used to fashion your own knife from scratch; however I don't think you're really ready to spend $175 on a piece of damascus.  What you can build will also depend on the tools you have and your skill with them.  Knifemaking, like any other skilled craft requires learning.  You can start as simply as using files, handdrills, hand saws etc, it's how I started, or you can buy one of the less expensive grinders designed for knives if you wish to learn from scratch.  I recommend that folks start with one of the already shaped knife blanks available.  That way you can concentrate on learning how to fit handles, spacers, guards etc, which is a big part of it.  You'll also discover whether you really like doing that sort of thing before getting committed to going deeper into the craft.
Any questions, and you can often just google on the term and get a wealth of info(after digging around a bit) to help you if one of the books/videos doesn't describe what you want to do.

[Dave223]

Oops, I forgot that I had posted here!  Thanks for the replies guys, I think I will take everyones advice and start out with a good quality blank in High Carbon and work on handle fitment and such for now. I have been doing some reading on this site and blade forums and its helped alot in understanding what I dont know. What type of machine do you recommend for sanding down the handles and pins?   Thanks again, Dave
 

[Joel]

The first machine I bought specifically for knife making was a 1 X 30" belt sander.  I picked mine up at Lowes and still have and still use it quite a bit; even though I have much larger sanders now.  It's a great size for small areas and beginning projects that involve not too strenuous sanding.  I actually used mine to grind out blades for a couple of years, and I still can't believe I did that.  Took a while, but it worked.  It's also a great size for knife sharpening.  It's what I still use, as do many other makers.   You can buy belts online at the catalogs, but Sears and Lowe's also carry them; although the grit sizes are limited.  Here's the cheapest one I know about.  No idea what the quality is, but they're simple machines so it should at least get you started.  BTW, I use mine for preliminary shaping, but all the final sanding is done with various grits of wet/dry sandpaper and Scotchbrite pads...small files can also be useful to start out with.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-x-30-inch-belt-sander-2485.html?hft_adv=10062&utm_source=microsoft&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=1%20x%2030%20belt%20sander&utm_campaign=Power%20Tools%201%20-%20Phrase

[melsdad]

I made my first knives with files on my dining room table when we lived in an apartment for a few years. Th efirst belt grinder I used was given to me, and was a 1"x 42" machine. I barely use it anymore since I built a machine. I know this may not be what you want to jump into at first. But I built this entire machine myself. This is a variable speed machine that runs on 2 hp 3 phase motor. the belts are 2' wide x 72" long. The pictures shows the flat platen and a basic work rest. I also have round wheels is 2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10" and 14". Since this picture I have added another tooling arm pocket with a multi positioning option for the work rest. I guess I will have to take some updated pictures.
 

[Dave223]

Wow Melsdad, do the lights dim when you flip the switch?!  hehe Thats a nice machine but I dont have 3 phase power. I think I will start with one of the Lowes or HF specials. I dont plan on building from scratch for now, just build off of blanks until the addiction kicks in. My wife says I have too many hobbies now, I dont think she will allow me to gear up for another. Dave

[Joel]

I made my first knives with files on my dining room table when we lived in an apartment for a few years. Th efirst belt grinder I used was given to me, and was a 1"x 42" machine. I barely use it anymore since I built a machine. I know this may not be what you want to jump into at first. But I built this entire machine myself. This is a variable speed machine that runs on 2 hp 3 phase motor. the belts are 2' wide x 72" long. The pictures shows the flat platen and a basic work rest. I also have round wheels is 2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10" and 14". Since this picture I have added another tooling arm pocket with a multi positioning option for the work rest. I guess I will have to take some updated pictures.
 

Interesting build.  It looks exactly like my KMG.  Mine's 2 HP variable speed also, plus I have the same wheels, plus Ken Onion's great design, the rotating platen.

[melsdad]

Yep it is called a KMG clone the plans are found free online. Rob from Beaumont sells lots of parts to guys that build there own machines. I saved about $1500 building my own. I am fortunate enough to have access to the proper machinery to make the parts though.