Cutting out your knife blanks! Water-jet vs Grinder vs Bandsaw plus giveaway announcement!!!!!

A few thoughts on the pros and cons of all the ways to get you knife blanks cut!
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[@MBishopsBlades]

The big issue I have with the regular cut off wheels is the ability for them to get stuck and blow apart. Watch out when that happens!

[@Antlersandarrows]

Radnor portaband blades have given me the best life out of a blade

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

I’ll check those out!

[@robertemery1307]

Just started my journey in knife making. My OBM 2x72 is arriving next week. Thanks for all your instruction. Your videos are easy to follow even for me. Wish me luck. Bob

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Glad to help and let me know if you have any questions!

[@robertemery1307]

What type of steel would be best to start on for a beginer. Thinking of buying pre cut knife blanks. Thanks

[@alecf3691]

Hope those new diamond blades hold up, that would be a great option. Also, the harbor freight band saw stand is pretty good, and much cheaper than the Swag Off-road.

[@Beerzy]

I use a Milwaukee band saw with the Swag Off Road stand and it works great. I've only made about 12 knives and just swapped out my first band saw blade. This is with 1084.

[@Josh-gz2yt]

Got into knife making and have been learning from your videos thanks

[@trainwon5699]

Mat I use to use my bandsaw to cut out the profile of the knife now I grind it using 12 inch contact wheel and VSM Actirox 36 grit 2x72 belt, for me saves me time and money on bandsaw blades. Hope this helps friend

[@berekkohl5022]

I just got my first batch of water-jet blanks from NJSB! Definitely takes a ton of time out of the whole process!

[@chrispulvirenti113]

Angle grinder is my only option right now. Seems to work pretty good. Would definitely like to get a portable band saw one day. Love your designs my fellow Michigander

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Definitely save up for a band saw. Definitely worth the money..

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!

[@fredd4785]

Thanks for the insights on your processes. Wish I did a larger amount to make water jetting more cost effective, but I can't justify it at this time.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

It definitely suits larger batches better but I think at around 10 blanks it’s worth it

[@Aragon_originals]

I go back and forth between portable band saw and the regular cutoff wheels. I’ll have to try those diamond coated wheels. 👊🏼🤘🏼

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

👊👊👊

[@dominicdwk]

I use the Milwaukee brand 14tpi. Works great for carbon steel. No experience cutting stainless.

[@kkkastro123]

I have approximately 30 hours invested in 12 chef knives, 4 slicing utility knives, and 4 paring knives. 10-magnacut, 6-Nitro V, and 4-S60v. Cut with angle grinder, cleaned up with belt grinder, drilled holes, heat treat/cryo/temper, and surface ground. I forgot the 6, 2" neck knives from scraps all done ready for bevels. I think it took me way too much time. I was taking my sweet time.

[@raymondoreilly7569]

I paid €200 for 40 knives cut with waterjet. All I had to do was get them semi bevelled and they were ready for heat treatment.

[@forgeworks3176]

I get most of my Design cut out by the waterjet. For the Pinholes i get them just punctured in so i can decide to which dimension i need to drill them out. custom orders are mostly getting cut out with the good old anglegrinder

[@mikesavage9616]

I like the diamond edge blades the best

[@samuelbelangerdallaire6486]

Was not even touching the bandsaw with Magnacut and S90V, but now I realize my bandsaw blade might have just been too dull for it! Anything to avoid the angle grinder!

[@jeremiahcoakley4168]

Regular cut off wheels do suck and do not last very long at all. But I've had to use them and just metal grinding wheels a lot lately since a house fire burned my shop and house down. So back to a $20 dollar angle grinder and hand files I went instead of my Revolution 2x72 I had that I really really miss now lol 😢

[@Ccsontos]

Definitely need to try more waterjet, I’ve done it once so far with a mixed experience but it wasn’t from NJSB

[@spurs3483]

The only thing that I use is an angle grinder. I would like to get one of those portabands and the table that you use. I really appreciate the information you put out and I really like your new shop.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!!!

[@jeremywest5433]

Thanks for all the useful information.

[@frodo7011]

I use a Hobby Ryobi Bandsaw. TERRIBLE for metal cutting, but works perfectly for scales. Hope the giveaway is for South Africa too! :)

[@kraft0890]

thanks for all the content you post.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thanks for watching!

[@jp.4ged]

Thanks for all the content and tips you post. Appreciate it.

[@907jl]

Great info Matt! On your SWAG porta-band( I have one too, and love it! ). Running a mist cooler, spraying Kool-Mist 77 coolant, will increase blade life big time! I like the Lennox combo 10/14 TPI blades, for all around use.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Never thought about using a mister on it.. nice tip

[@907jl]

@@Keith_the_knife_freak Thanks, it works great! Side benefit is as long as you have enough airflow, it also helps to blow the swarf away, so you can see your cut line better.

[@BadDawg444]

Love your channel! Have learned a ton from it! I use an angle grinder because that’s all I have at the moment. It seems to do a pretty good imo.

[@justingoodman5600]

Great options Matt. Couple ideas for you. For bandsaw blades I was always taught that you need at least 3 teeth per thickness of stock being cut. So those 14-18 TPI are .072-.055 meaning your material should be at least .216 thick for optimal cutting. I know the 24 and higher TPI blades take longer to cut but will last longer. For cut off wheels, I prefer Klutch brand at Northern Tool. Almost as good as Diablo but half the cost. I haven’t tried the diamond coated to compare. Side question-How do you keep your oil cool when quenching that many blades? I tried doing 5 blades and oil took too long to cool back down, so I got a ton of scale build up. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you for that tip!!

[@brysonalden5414]

I've been using that brand of diamond cutoff wheel for about 6 months, and am very happy with it.

[@SRHeartbreaker]

Plasma cutter is another option. Of course, you probably harden your edges, but it has the benefit of being able to change designs quickly for custom blades.

[@mcrich1978]

It's definitely a smart move when you have a solid design to get your profiles water jetted. It's not like we ain't doing custom stuff on the side. I have a Dagger and a couple EDCs I'm looking to move forward with this option. Knifeprint is an option if one is good with the program.🤘🏻

[@mhager017]

Just started up knife making in January and have been using an angle grinder from harbor freight. Definitely gets the job done but isn’t ideal. I appreciate all the content you put out to help us newbies!

[@richspillman4191]

I am interested in that blade, speaking of blades...bandsaw blades last nearly forever on aluminum, if only aluminum could keep an edge.

[@ponderosaknifecompany8]

After trying every blade under the sun, I like the Milwaukee thick metal extreme blades with the fine tooth. They seem last a little longer than all the others.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Those are probably my favorites aswell

[@trinityBushcraftandsurvival]

Fine tooth? What TPI please

[@ponderosaknifecompany8]

@@trinityBushcraftandsurvival 8-10 tpi

[@bobricker9139]

Thanks for another great video. Just getting my feet wet in the knife making world. Just been buying blanks and adding handles so far. Trying to decide if this is something I want to stick with before spending a bunch of money on a forge and so on. Thanks again.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

We’ll keep at it and let me know if you have any questions!

[@RudolfVanGraan]

Thanks for the vid. New into knife making and have learnt so much from your content

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Great to hear!!! Thank you!

[@garnerlinder5834]

I like the disc grinder with a cut off wheel. I agree agree with the bandsaw blades wearout too fast.

[@briangood8184]

Thanks for the tips!

[@danhargrove1177]

This bandsaw setup was one of the first tools I purchased, but I second the complaint about going through blades. I'm looking into purchasing a ring saw for the G10 and carbon fiber materials

[@Antlersandarrows]

Wet saw for tile slices thru g10 like butter

[@idahofirematt]

The mister on the band saw…..great idea!

[@samb5.5]

As always thanks for the knowledge

[@timcrookham5204]

You’re not kidding about the band saw blades. My 4x6 bandsaw blades get destroyed on magnacut , 3v is even worse

[@PaulJanzen-zz6yh]

Another good option if you have access to one is a plasma cutter. You do have to leave a little bit of extra steel along the cutting edge due to the extreme heat but it glides right through anything you put in front of it.

[@ToolnKnives]

A Diamond metal cutting blade. I'd sure like to try one.

[@zahnklyberg9448]

That's what I've been using while I'm waiting for some blades They're Not bad

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

Hey Matt…careful with those regular cutoff wheels. There is absolutely nothing good about breathing in the fumes they put out. I know you normally wear a respirator, just FYI. Thanks for the content!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Yes those are horrible!

[@troseknives]

Hey Matt, I use a jet bandsaw i picked up on marketplace, seems to work great. I also use a small plasma cutter, Hobart, That works good but you need to have a steady hand. Obviously cant get too close to the line or it burns the line away. then the belt sander to finish . I do have a angle grinder i used once but the cutoff wheels burn up quick, especially the HF brand. Maybe the cutoff wheel you showed would work better. Thanks for the tips and video. Troy

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Oh you have the larger size metal cutting bandsaw? How big is it?

[@treygrubbs2550]

I love my bandsaw. But I only do O1 and 1095. So pretty easy to cut. Even if you use an angle grinder, you're still going to need a bandsaw for handle material.

[@MilesintheMaking]

Love your videos. You’ve inspired me and taught me quite a bit. Thank you!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Awesome to hear, thank you

[@miketreadaway6590]

Love your videos and your new shop. Keep it up the great work.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!

[@normandbujold6677]

If you didn’t try them go with bi-metal bandsaw blades (hss steel). I don’t know if carbide is available

[@wenstafford1791]

I use a full size 80" band saw. It has a deeper cut area than the porta bands and the blades last for quite a while. Probably because of the length of the blades. Like 2x72 belts compared to 2x48's or 2x42's, etc. Just my two cents worth.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

I need to invest in one of those!

[@wenstafford1791]

@@gentrycustomknives8008 , I really think you will be glad you did. The one I have is a Craftsman that I bought locally at a yard sale. It is several years old, but it still works great. I replaced the roller guides, and bought several 16/18 tpi 1/2" blades, and I could not be happier.

[@AnthonyRanallo-eg8bs]

I love my band saw using Dewalt 14 this blades. Totally agree about the smoke and smell from cutoff wheels.

[@garytheone3508]

The swag table is where it’s at. Got one as my Christmas gift and love it!! Used cutoff wheels previously, and yes, they are nasty (and dangerous).

[@huntersawyer9337]

Hey, great videos! Those diamond cut off look interesting, I’ll have to give them a try, thx Hunter

[@jamm197511]

Thanks for the awesome content man. I just got into knife making and your videos are very helpful.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@user-cr6gk6jt3i]

I use an angle grinder as that's what I have only made a couple of knives so far . Great video ❤ love your work

[@ryokaida7347]

Your knives are beautiful!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Glad you like them!

[@JohnnySharpINC]

Awesome breakdown of the options to get blades cut out! I use the angle grinder myself just because I use mostly files or very very small amounts of steel. I’ll have to try one of those blades for the grinder so I don’t smoke out my garage! Keep up the great work!

[@ronreed8363]

I quit using an angle grinder for profiling after I had a disk explode in my face. I now use a Milwaukee portaband on a Rilla Portable Bandsaw Table. I couldn't be happier. The only blades I have used are Starrett. sounds like others here prefer Lennox. I think I will try those next. I get a lot of valuable information from you. Keep up the good work. Ron

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

👊👊👊

[@idahofirematt]

The porta band blades are my Achilles heel too. Stainless burn them up fast!

[@mistold]

Ima need that cut off wheel! I so appreciate your tutoring!

[@richardbranton190]

Angle grinder is the only way to go in my opinion. I had some blades water jetted and they messed them up pretty bad so I've never tried again. If I did as many as you do I think water or Lazer cutting would be the only way to go. Thanks for the video 👍

[@michaelnemeth689]

Thanks, Matt. Love your content and learn something almost every time!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!!

[@justinadams1650]

Thanks for everything you do to help the knife makers!!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-kg1iy4yj8e]

If you have a small number of knives, an angle grinder is the simplest and most inexpensive option.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

I agree!

[@Slide4949]

I use Lenox also, last longer than others I've tried.

[@Ironivyforge]

Great topic. I burn through angle grinders as fast as wheels lately. Any suggestion on brands that are going to break the bank but aren’t super cheap? My latest purchase was a set of two work shop grinders. We will see how long they last!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

I think I’ve gotten lucky with my angle grinder, it’s a super cheap harbor freight one it just keeps going!

[@randycockrell3561]

Hadn’t been long into knife making and have some harbor freight belt sander and I use cutoff wheels and the knives really eat up the blades like I said I’m on a low budget end I would appreciate any help I can get into making it easier to make knives thanks Randy

[@mcrich1978]

🤘🏻 awesome stuff!

[@johnsanford3596]

Portable blades are intended for construction work, i.e. mild steel, cast iron, copper, brass, etc. Tool steels will eat them alive.

[@gjordan456]

The only thing I’ve used is the portable bandsaw and a grinder with cut off blades, if i had the volume id check into the water jet, unrelated but im curious about the vacuum pump and vacuum chamber you have on the shelf there, id like to start stabilizing my own scales and im curious how that system works for you?

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Great video. My band saw was definitely worh the investment. Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks ..

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

👊👊👊

[@ipa21pres]

Another solid video! Very much appreciated.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!!

[@NixcsOutdoors]

Great video as always! I’m just getting started in my knife making journey and currently building a heat treat oven! I only have a side grinder for cutting blades right now and I’ve only used the cheap harbor freight cutoff wheels, I’m curious how much more efficient I could be with a cutoff wheel like that! Keep up the amazing content!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!! 👊👊

[@stevengrimes4473]

Love the vids and those sweet,sweet MUKs!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you!!

[@beeferbaron]

Awesome thanks for sharing

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thanks for watching!

[@endelendel]

Thank You for another great content

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thanks for watching!!

[@rperdman]

Awesome video as usual Matt. Thanks for explaining the water jet process. Do you have to send the steel to them or you pick what steel and they have it on hand?

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

They carry a pretty nice variety of steel so it’s very convenient

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

Lenox brand has been the only brand that’s works for me 14 tpi. I have a larger saw however I’ve cut at least 30 magnacut blades. 4V, 3V, AEB-L, CPM-154, A2 and more. Probably 50 blanks on one blade so far.

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Those are the best Ive used so far

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

@@gentrycustomknives8008 they also make carbide grit bandsaw blade that are expensive but should last forever.

[@conniehaugrud6127]

😊

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Thank you

[@Rick40years]

Starting my second knife and used an angle grinder for the rough shape. Not bad. Where do you outsource water jet cutting?

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Waterjet knives on instagram 👊👊

[@Duckrabbit_Forging]

Ive never had any trouble with smoke and fumes from cutoff wheels. What cutoff wheels do yall use?

[@Robpearceknives]

I’ve been considering using a waterjet service. Is there a significant price break going from small batch (

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

The one I use gives you 10% off after like 40 blanks

[@fishnd]

I haven't tried as many brands as you, but I seem to have landed on Lenox 14/18 TPI. I have used them on Nitro-v. But not Magnacut. What is your impression of Lenox?

[@fishnd]

Sorry. Should have also said, Great video!

[@gentrycustomknives8008]

Lenox is the best I’ve used but I still feel like there should be a better option