First post: New to knife making

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starrman
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Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:18 am

First post: New to knife making

Post by starrman »

Hi all,
I've been collecting knives for a while. I've also sold a few knives here and appreciate the opportunity. I've gathered much information from this site but sorry to say that I have offered little information, limited knowledge base. The membership at AAPK are very responsive to all my inquiries. Hopefully some day, I'll be able to give back.
I've been retired for a bit, decided to attempt making a fixed blade knife. I found a piece of flat stock 4130 steel at a garage sale, I made one knife, stock removal with so much room for improvement. The 4130 isn't a good knife steel but it did give me something to practice the basics. I then made ten more knives my brothers, kids and a couple of best friends. Many, many steps, but I did each step ten times to get the hang of it. So much room for improvement. Ten knives, not good but not bad.
My next batch of knives are file knives, again practice the mechanics. Again not good steel but an economical way to practice. These are in progress. I still have to cut the scales and assemble.
I'm going to try to include some pictures. Not good but not bad! I look at the other custom knives on the forum and see that I have long way to go, one knife at a time. Thanks for looking. Jim
First batch:
IMG_5902.jpeg
IMG_6367.jpeg
IMG_6261.jpeg
IMG_6376.jpeg
IMG_6504.jpeg
IMG_6515.jpeg
Second batch:
IMG_7616.jpeg
IMG_7620.jpeg
IMG_7621.jpeg
IMG_7622.jpeg
Jim Starr
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FRJ
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by FRJ »

Welcome here, Jim.
I think you are doing a great job at the start.
Your accuracy/integrity are quit apparent and I would think that that is a huge bridge to put you on a path to success.
I hope you can show more work in time. ::tu:: ::tu::
Joe
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cudgee
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by cudgee »

FRJ wrote: Tue Nov 18, 2025 11:37 pm Welcome here, Jim.
I think you are doing a great job at the start.
Your accuracy/integrity are quit apparent and I would think that that is a huge bridge to put you on a path to success.
I hope you can show more work in time. ::tu:: ::tu::
::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::
ashwinearl
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Location: Utica, NY
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by ashwinearl »

I have some 8670 bar steel (https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/shop/8 ... DsF4D2EUjx)

and some handle material I can send you for free if you pay shipping
like a medium USPS priority box. I'll make a grab box for you.

message me here. I am gone all next week but can get it out before Sat or after Thanksgiving.

Respectfully, Ashwin
----------------------------
Message me on Facebook, instagram or here for available knives
See what's on the bench at my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash.handmade.knives/
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Corn Creek Cutlery
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by Corn Creek Cutlery »

Welcome to AAPK Jim ::handshake:: Knice work on your first knives! ::tu:: The blade profile of the first batch has a Lakota Knives look.
Tony .. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/corncreekcutlery ...
It's only money .. give the Lord His .. pay the bills .. give the wife hers .. and buy yourself another knife. ::nod::
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Ripster
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by Ripster »

That file knife with the file work is looking really nice!please keep us posted on your progress.
JP
robpa
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Location: N.W. PA.

Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by robpa »

Is that your first file work attempt? Pretty nice!
I attempted a couple knives made from old tableware. They work good on the work bench but Im NO knife maker, and my attempt at file work, not so hot. Im gonna stick to solitaire.
starrman
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:18 am

Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by starrman »

FRJ wrote: Tue Nov 18, 2025 11:37 pm Welcome here, Jim.
I think you are doing a great job at the start.
Your accuracy/integrity are quit apparent and I would think that that is a huge bridge to put you on a path to success.
I hope you can show more work in time. ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks for the response. I've seen so much beautiful work in these forums. My knife making is certainly a work in progress. I'll try to get better one knife at a time. Thanks for your support, Jim.
Jim Starr
starrman
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:18 am

Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by starrman »

FRJ wrote: Tue Nov 18, 2025 11:37 pm Welcome here, Jim.
I think you are doing a great job at the start.
Your accuracy/integrity are quit apparent and I would think that that is a huge bridge to put you on a path to success.
I hope you can show more work in time. ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks for the response. I've seen so much beautiful work in these forums. My knife making is certainly a work in progress. I'll try to get better one knife at a time. Thanks for your support, Jim.
Jim Starr
starrman
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:18 am

Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by starrman »

robpa wrote: Fri Nov 21, 2025 3:46 pm Is that your first file work attempt? Pretty nice!
I attempted a couple knives made from old tableware. They work good on the work bench but Im NO knife maker, and my attempt at file work, not so hot. Im gonna stick to solitaire.
Thanks for the response. I've seen so much beautiful work in these forums. My knife making is certainly a work in progress. I'll try to get better one knife at a time. Thanks for your support, Jim.
Jim Starr
starrman
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:18 am

Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by starrman »

robpa wrote: Fri Nov 21, 2025 3:46 pm Is that your first file work attempt? Pretty nice!
I attempted a couple knives made from old tableware. They work good on the work bench but Im NO knife maker, and my attempt at file work, not so hot. Im gonna stick to solitaire.
Thanks for the response. I've seen so much beautiful work in these forums. My knife making is certainly a work in progress. I'll try to get better one knife at a time. Thanks for your support, Jim.
Jim Starr
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tknottsknives
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Re: First post: New to knife making

Post by tknottsknives »

Looking good! welcome to the addiction of knife making lol. Keep pushing forward.
Tim

If at first you don't first succeed, skydiving is not for you.
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