Getting Back Into One of My Favorite Hobbies!

Sp8ctre

Sp8ctre

Ambassador of Steel
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Back around 2005 I learned to make custom knives. I got pretty good at it, but around 2012 I got tired of it and sold my grinder.

I only use the stock removal method and I only make fixed blades.

I've been watching all the back seasons of Forged in Fire and realized I miss the pleasure of making something from scratch.

After I sell off enough of my guitars I'm going to buy another 2x72 belt grinder and get back at it. I have all my old tools
and a lot of steel. I also have at least a dozen unfinished knives. So I only need the grinder. A good grinder will set me back
around $3000. I'm going to get the wife to buy me a nice Bandsaw and I should be set.
 
67plexi said:
Stopped in 2008 I made wood carving tools knifes and adzes. Still have the full on shop. Forge 2" x 72" square wheel grinder 2 bench top grinder's 2 band saws
around $500K in materials still in stock.

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Very nice! I sold or gave away everything except maybe one completed knife. I also lost all my pictures when photo bucket decided to extort everyone!

I'll try and dig some up. My Dad still has one of my favorite knives and he can snap some pics...

I never had any type of forge. I outsourced all my blade hardening. I'll probably still outsource the hardening.
 
Sp8ctre said:
Here is the only one I have at home. 440 Stainless Blade, Nickel Silver Bolsters and a Stag Handle. Also some scroll work on the spine. Pinning is not the best, but I like the file work on the spine.

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That is sweet looking indeed.
I have the Tormek knife sharpener, and a Ken Onion model Worksharp sharpener.
I have about 30 different knives so I have to sharpen them all myself.
 
ChasFred said:
That is sweet looking indeed.
I have the Tormek knife sharpener, and a Ken Onion model Worksharp sharpener.
I have about 30 different knives so I have to sharpen them all myself.
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Thanks!

Sounds like a nice collection! I've heard good things about the Ken Onion sharpeners. Never heard
of the Tormek.

I use Japanese water stones from 800 to 8000 to hand sharpen. I also have various power tools to
get the edge ready for the water stones. The main one being paper wheels. One get s a fine grit
glued to it the other gets compound of different types.

I have a display case with around 50 or more knives. My wife also has over a dozen kitchen knives
she expects me to maintain with a razor edge.

Every time I go for a sharpening session I come in with no hair on my arms or legs...
 
Very cool hobby and nice work to both of you! Just yesterday I received new wet stones, 1K, 3K, 6K and 8K. My skills are weak at present however.

Please post your projects and tips if you could. It is valuable to everyone who has a kitchen!
 
Sp8ctre said:
I'm going to buy another 2x72 belt grinder and get back at it. I have all my old tools
and a lot of steel. I also have at least a dozen unfinished knives. So I only need the grinder. A good grinder will set me back
around $3000.
Click to expand...
I didn't know how involved these type of hobbies can be. Can you post a link to a $3K grinder... :fingersx:
 
my interest in welding and metalworking had led me to an interest in blacksmithing as well.
Never got started as with most things I just dont have the time or funding for another hobby.
 
I use Shapton professional water stones and diamond stones and a strop all the way up to 30,000 grit on the Shapton
In my peak I was making 2500 knifes per week 20 hours per day seven days per week burn out it was nasty dirty work
I pushed on. The Tormek is OK for hobby level way to slow for production.

www.sharpeningsupplies.com

Shapton Kuromaku Professional Stones

Shapton Kuromaku Professional Ceramic Water Stones. We stock every size. From 120 to 30,000 grit available. Same-day shipping. Free Shipping available.
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