Knife Makers Mastery

This is the first episode in the mini series topic called, the Art of Knife Design, which is the first of 15 topics.  This episode discusses the parts of a full tang knife, and 4 common knives to design.

This is the second episode in the topical series called, the Art of Knife Design.  In it, Steve discusses 8 common blade styles & when to use them and why.

This is the third installment of the Art of Knife Design topical series.  Steve discusses the various types of bevels that can be ground onto the knife blanks, and the functional value of each bevel type.

In this episode, Steve discusses the tools needed to get started with stock-removal knife making.  He breaks it down into 3 primary packages: Economy, Mid-Grade, and Pro-Grade kits.  Take the guess work out of what you'll need to start your knife making journey!

In this first episode of the second core topic titled, Steel. Steve introduces the essentials of blade steel, including terms, chemical composition, and properties of various alloys found in knife steel.  He breaks it down into three categories: High carbon steel, Tool steel, and Stainless Steel.

In this episode, Steve discusses the basics of steel composition and the transformation that occurs during various levels of heat treatment.  Specifically, he explains in plain english, the atomic structure of steel, from Ferrite to Austenite, to Martinsite, and also normalizing, annealing, hardening, and tempering.

In this episode, Steve discusses several types of blade steel that you need to know about if you are going to be a serious knife maker, who makes quality knives.  The types of steel include: D2, O1, 154CM & CPM154, Sandvick 12C27, and more.

Steve changes things up a bit. This episode is all about what he's been building in the knife shop recently. Just some good 'ol shop talk! Hear about a couple of the problems he encounters and how he turns those problems into opportunities while making his latest skinner and tactical dagger.

In this introduction to profiling, Steve provides an overview of the 5 common methods for profiling knife blanks: Hacksaw, angle grinder, metal cutting bandsaw, water jet, and CNC.  He shares some of his experiences and talks about what he uses in his knife shop.

In this episode, Steve goes through the 12 steps that he uses when profiling his knife blanks. He provides details on the techniques that he employs, as well as things to keep in mind when profiling, and things to avoid.

Welcome to core topic number 4!  In this episode, Steve introduces the first 4 of the 8 concepts of knife beveling. Those concepts are what you will need to master in order to successfully bevel your knife blanks. This introduction is divide into two parts. Get ready to master the concepts that will make you a successful knife maker!

This is part B of the introduction to beveling knives.  In this second part, Steve concludes the 8 concepts of knife beveling, which he refers to as the Zen of knife beveling!  Master the 8 concepts and you'll be beveling with professional results.

In this episode, Steve goes step-by-step how he bevels his knives. He talks about his own techniques that he uses to achieve professional results.  For best results, make sure to listen to Beveling parts A and B first.

In this short core topic, Steve explains what you need to know in order to drill precision holes into your knife blank.  

Steve takes us into core topic 6, applying the maker's mark. He discusses two methods for putting your maker's mark on your knives: Acid etching and stamping. He also provides some information on where to buy supplies for both methods.

Here are the websites referenced in this episode:

argontool.com (for steel stamp)
knifemaking.com (Jantz Knife Supply)
markingmethods.com (stencils)
popsknifesupplies.com (where I buy my Micarta)

Steve discusses how to cut and prepare your own knife scales and make them into knife handles. He also introduces techniques to help you not to make mistakes.