FORGING MY WAY | Do's and Don'ts of Design

Join Jason Knight in an online teaching experience about bladesmithing and the unique artistry it demands. Learn some of the most coveted techniques in the forging industry from the comfort of your home!
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[@FireCreekForge]

It made my heart happy to hear an ABS Master Smith say a ricasso was a dumb feature on a knife. Thank you 😊

[@ThePointstheif88]

What I think a lot of beginner knifemakers need to work on is design. I was guilty of it too, just making a knife the way I thought it was meant to be. Spending time designing your knife and designing them properly saves you so much time and money.

[@tombrown879]

Amen Jason. I have fought this battle ffg or years. But I do have to say that alot of my repeat costumers have been those buying a second knife"the knifethat they truly needed"" when they have realized that what I was telling them in the first place was correct. Haha. Great video. Keep up the good fight.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Basically, overly-complicated design equals limiting useability. Gotcha. Perfectly well explained. Thanks. You rocked this class.

[@vivam.2306]

Not even a knifemaker, just an artist here admiring the smoothness and confidence in the way this guy draws lines. Wish some of my contemporaries put half as much effort into developing good line control.

[@fourkings7897]

This guy is an ABS mastersmith, he knows what he's doing and definitely draw a lot of knife designs..

[@SereneMadnesschannel]

Thanks Jason, I Enjoyed this video. Please do more like this. My Best Brother

[@thedarwinexperience5312]

Very well thought out, and perfect advice. I mean, i'm not going to be one that doesn't listen to a Master Smith. #justsayin

[@phaledax3661]

No kidding, this was great and well explained. It's one of those things that, once explained it seems so obvious now like there wasn't ever another way to think about it.

[@benraya9405]

It came out like look a like Bolo/Camp knife. And it looks awesome. My dad (retired Mexican Military, RIP) took me to several inductary lessons of How tos and builf your own knife. Ever since, that kept with me. 🗡

[@bukofezra]

And this is why you are a Master Smith...practical, useful, and elegant designs.

[@jb8086]

Really appreciate the video. Not nearly enough videos on the design of knives and why, at least from someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s an area I’m constantly trying to improve, thank you.

[@h2tym]

Very helpful! I’m really enjoying the frequency of uploads and the content, thanks for all your hard work!

[@bogower4216]

Hahahaha, SO glad you said "happy little knives"! Brought back a great memory! Good to keep learning from ya, brother!

[@nicholasfulkerson9513]

Love your style of blunt advice. I am about 50 blades in mostly stock removal but starting forging recently. I get better with every knife and that has a lot to do with videos such as yours. Thank you!

[@kevintulak9987]

I have really big hands so find it hard to get a knife that gives me the control I want. It is nice to see you reinforcing making a simpler handle design. I have just started making knives and will use some of your tips in my designs, with the aim of getting something that fits my hand well. Thanks for sharing.

[@brysonalden5414]

I appreciate your thought process!

[@2fs2ns]

Pretty cool seeing it laid out and the logic behind it.

[@Saltysithdog]

I was literally sketching knives today when this popped up. Awesome happy little knives.

[@alross10]

Loved the video. I don't make knives but I am an industrial designer and I am so happy to see someone really considering the end use of a product. I, one hundred percent, agree that finger grooves are the stupidest things.

[@greekveteran2715]

At last, a knife maker that gets it right!!

[@ed.sol.crafts]

You make it look way too easy to design a gorgepus knife! Love it!

[@alexanderartman4449]

Alot of folks can take stock in these design features. People have to be open to change.

[@pascualvasquezjr.6285]

Excellent presentation on the principles of knife design. This answers a lot of questions for me. I tend to get caught up on the exact details of design. I am 63 years old with a bad left shoulder, my dominant hand. I will be making knife and want to forge for the most part. Finding your videos extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Keep the good work.

[@clydes95cummins]

I'm new to the forging/knife-making scene but have been using knives and around collectors since I was very small. Several of the “collectors” I've known over the years had knives that I couldn't hold comfortably but they looked pretty! I prefer function to form. The best knife is one that can be used.

[@zivac1976]

Years of experience make it simple with lots of logic. Thank you for sharing sir 🙏🏻

[@robborobinson5629]

Hi Jason, thanks again for sharing. Cheers mate Rob 👍

[@adamnurdin8224]

This is a great explaination. Ed Fowler, Bill Moran have their own approach. And now i got your approach in designing handle. And my conclusion, if I think it's good, it doesn't mean comfortable in use. Thanks for the enlightenment Sir. God bless you.

[@jonathansmith8768]

Thanks for sharing Jason. I need to get back at it one of these days. But love the videos and shared knowledge as I fly around. Hope to see y'all soon.

[@cjhill8636]

Thanks for doing this video. Great enlightenment

[@pebbleplays5335]

can someone explain to me how to properly heat treat and how to get started bladesmithing in general? Blades have always fascinated me and I’m obsessed with making my own now but don’t know how to start.

[@jasonknight8173]

PebblePlays i’ve done an online series it’s called Forged. Go to ForgedByKnight.com

[@upgrayddable]

Agree with everything said here. Unless the knife is a pure weapon. In the case of a combat knife I will defend finger grooves, a full guard etc. As a 16 year Marine veteran and martial arts instructor I will say some of these features are useful. That's why shops that specialize in combat knives use them. There is a reason why a time honored and tested design like the Randall 14 has been in use for generations. Because it has been working for generations.

[@upgrayddable]

@@JasonKnightMS That makes perfect sense. Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Thanks for the reply!

[@alexanderartman4449]

One other idea. ......making that design from cradle to grave. And show the use ...to prove your points. Its awesome

[@gabesantoriello8402]

Jason your content is so straightforward and helpful as a beginner bladesmith. Would love to take a class with you at some point.

[@faheemhartley6191]

Practical design, and it sure will chop with that belly. Awesome video, im sure im not the only one who would love to see more. Thanks Jason

[@joefallon7288]

Awesome video Jason, as a newbie to knife making you have really provided a lot of clarity and articulated some ideas I've already been having about knife design and use. Cheers

[@Glenacus]

I watch a lot of knife making videos.....no one has addressed the handle in such a way. This helped tons, thanks

[@phildyer8152]

Great video and explanation!

[@chrisc4527]

Wonderful to see the grind right up to the handle, no extended ricasso, no deep guard. Personally think swedges reduce usability too much to offset their cool-factor, but then I use batons to extend the capability range of my knives, so I don't have tips that are so thin they need the extra stiffening. As for grip, that tight hammer grip doesn't work so well on choppers, but it is what you use for making feather sticks. Check out videos of Mors Kochanski discussing knife use and design, polar opposite of Ed Fowler 😄 Thank you for these videos! Chris

[@radar22056]

In 3 seconds he sketches a knife that looks better than any of my sketches after an hour and he doesn’t even like the handle hahahaha Love your vids. They always help me, thank you!

[@mogreen72]

Great to the evolution from don't to do! thanks for sharing! Nice to see the guineahogforge in the mix too!

[@eduardotheodoromendes584]

Thanks Jason. thanks for sharing your knowledge. simple and beautiful knife design

[@waynesmith7487]

Hard to argue with a well thought out rant combined with years of experience! Thank you for saying what you really thought! Makes great sense.

[@stephangrobler5524]

I agree with everything except one thing. I bought a Work Tuff Gear knife and it was my first knife with a finger choil. Im not going to lie. I love using the finger choil for finer work.

[@jacquessmit115]

integrated bottle opener in the blade and calculator in the handle? He is right not all blades are for the same purpose. Indeed this is why one should always have more than one type of blade. They say the right tool for the job is half the job itself.

[@TomofAllTrades]

Good comments on knife design. I really like your channel. I’m going to order your “forged” series soon. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.👍🏼

[@nateand3]

I agree 100%. I love that style of blade and the handle style is my absolute favorite

[@guindesign4458]

I found this to be very helpful thank you

[@baldwindigital]

Late to the party on this one... With the curve and flare the butt of the grip has a little Colt Army revolver in it to my eye. Samuel knew how to keep a chunk of steel in your hand. That was fun to watch.

[@seekkarl]

I really want to have that drawing framed and put on my studio wall. thanx for your knowledge

[@illithid75]

I was thinking exactly the same thing while watching this.

[@JEFFALLENOFFTHEGRIDIRON]

Rant worth every word. For novices out there trying to wade through the knife b.s. out there, messages like this are timeless. Admired your frankness and justified thoughts Jason. Subbed.

[@shawnsmith3531]

Great to see you again and thank you for sharing your knowledge. Christ bless you and your family Sir.

[@wkp1973]

When sketching my knives, I have been sketching them horizontally and my profiles just don't look right. I've never been able to out my finger on it. I'm going to try sketching vertically like you did, and I bet my lines flow better. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@benjaminsantiago7802]

It’s interesting how a lot of masters of any craft simplify their work, it’s us amateurs and nubes who add things (that eventually find out we don’t need) to design or procedures. Thank you sir for the advice, I wish I’d watched this sooner. But I suppose trial and error has its benefits too. Really enjoying all the videos

[@GodseyKnives]

I't's good to learn some design and thought processes behind it Thanks man .

[@mictaylor9531]

Awesome stuff Jason - thanks 🔥👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@hmann0314]

Great advice! I have not made my first knife yet, but I feel much better that my first design does not have all of the bad/useless elements that you mentioned. Love your channel.

[@ReignForever]

Hopefully not too many people putting their fingers in the choil notch😂.... as soon as i understood what the choil was there for, it made it easier to know when to add(or omit) that detail to my work. If I do add a choil, its always small l. Arpund 1/4". Thanks for the great videos jason! You make beautiful blades, and have taught me a great deal about blade smithing!!

[@damionlowther78]

I'm glad I learned early that finger grooves only work well for me when I make them. I'm actually taking one off of a blade I made a friend years ago.

[@Hunter30394]

YES! So glad to see someone tell it like it is on this.

[@michelmarinho8954]

Hey at 6:57 we have the Bob Ross from the knives ; ) happy little knives! Good designing skills too!

[@jamesmontgomery6343]

This is a great video for inexperienced knifemakers (admittedly like me). I think a "what not to do" approach is super helpful sometimes.

[@jimpennock7622]

Thanks for the video I never thought of carrying the lines in an arc like that. Very inspiring.

[@rodden420]

That was awesome. Thank you Sir.

[@1averageamerican]

Excellent straight forward advice from a master. Thanks.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Love it if I ever want to make a knife I'll try this.

[@tomp577]

It would be great to see you make that knife .

[@sethmiller1409]

This is all awesome! It would be super interesting to see how you approach a large flat grind like that. Especially with a rounded plunge line. I am Just figuring out grinding. I have hand filed everything for the past two years.

[@dylanbrugman3799]

I always say there is beauty and function In simplicity.

[@rodneyburke5835]

That was spectacular, I've dreamed making knives and swords, learned Forging Forged in Fire, been making blades, straightened railroad pieces, made my own tongs, Harvey tools, welding my own thingys, Jason, missed your episodes, but found in accident, maybe Google directional, I've caught up completing handles, not very precise, I'm getting older, three years older than you, the smells in the Foundry...er Forge, almost sexual, sorry...I concur, you can't get me out of the Forge. I have one fail, since Dec 26, 2021, a learning curve...but another mile stone, built a Generation 4 sander, on my way, Thanks Jason.

[@LUCKYB.]

Jason as a blade smith myself .we all know there are very few orgional designs , we just improve or what we think is improving ..

[@lyonmandan]

You forgot the “gut hook” 😂 awesome video! I spend way too much time explaining this stuff to people 😊

[@shaggyirl]

The 9 dislikes are the ones who like the design that was first drawn

[@That_dude_who_knows_some_stuff]

Scott McGhee is the Man! I got the pleasure of spending two weeks with him.

[@dragonwaterforge]

I watched your last vid too I'm done with ricassos thank you

[@chrisreuther4546]

This was an awesome video... and I think it explains a lot around overall knife design... everyone does this crazy stuff these days but at the end of it all the same lines in knives tend to prevail over time! Take for example the Buck 110... then the new civivi elementum... super similar lines ... obviously different knives... Thanks for this video Jason!

[@ecalzo]

WOWOW... only one word .. "Brilliant" !! that's it ..

[@joaopaulobonifacio2923]

"Happy little knifes"... Jason Knight is the Bob Ross of knife making...

[@bentoombs]

Lol Thank you sir. Great info and was fun to watch. Great looking knife

[@ianmurphy9096]

Thanks Jason. Just been making knives a couple of years and mostly hunting and skinners. Great to hear your thoughts on handle designs and what works and whats for looks. Pity i am so far away or i would take your class in a heartbeat. Great work and great teaching - thanks.

[@dannielharrison6449]

HAPPY LITTLE KNIVES I found this video hilarious and very accurate. 👍

[@MrCreems]

Yes! Thank you for saying that about choils. You worded it perfectly, I have always thought they were nothing less than lazy design, and waste of what could be cutting edge. That said, I don't mind, sometimes even appreciate, a small sharpening choil depending on the style of the knife.

[@ranger5281]

Can I get an Amen? And AMEN! Totally agree with Jason's conclusions about proper design, and a lot of the unnecessary and unhelpful features you see out there. Much wisdom here! ... especially regarding useless sawteeth on a knife (and the utility and sharpness of a nice little light folding saw), and finger grooves.

[@traviswright8696]

One of the best videos on knife design I've seen - Making the hidden, obvious. I would like to get your thoughts on plunge lines and bevels. It seems like a lot of knives work really well without a noticeable plunge. Just a matter of style and/or preference?

[@DenneyKnives]

Awesome video. I'm guilty of the one finger choir, but I like that handle design.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@JasonKnightMS how about a ring to spin the knife around your finger? Ha ha ha!

[@hernandezknives]

Nice design

[@vojtechlyko857]

Great video and that knife looks great. But... The somewhat pointy end of the handel seems like it would dig into your palm when you hold it really far back for maximum swing and power during chopping. Also you absolutely can choke up with your finger on the blade. Even od the very edge. You just need to be careful, that's all. If you don't slide your finger along the edge it won't cut you. And this hand position really helps you, when you need to do fine work with a big knife, because it takes away some weight from the blade. The knife becomes not so blade-heavy.

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Excellent video! I've also seen too many of these crazy designs because the person though they looked cool but are ridiculous when it comes to function.

[@leonardorrjr7058]

It was a good rant, so no foul.

[@DTKcustomknives]

hi Jason great video,and so simple design,i tend to take pen to graph paper i can have a symmetrical design if needed,just really helps me.only been doing it 3.5 years,but enjoying every minute of it. regards Davy Thomas

[@h.schmid1965]

Nice Design!

[@adilsonbuzk]

Very good job, thanks for sharing!

[@Bushcraftandknives]

Great video! I've never understood why someone wants a forward finger choil! To do detail work? Just bring the edge all the way back to the handle! Thank you for sharing your opinion! 👍

[@dennishein2812]

Nice design. I am one of those who likes to choke up on my knife depending on what I’m doing with it. Finger cutouts get in my way and irritate me. I’ve been using knives since I was seven and carrying daily since I was nine. I’m now 64. I’ve made a few knives of my own. I totally agree with your design.

[@duncanjunctionsthemadman7418]

♤throws away old design book.♤ anyhow back to the beginning.

[@greekveteran2715]

I 1000% agree with mr Knight about handle designs. No, it is not a matter of taste of the individual. Colours, lines etc yes, it is but when it comes to functionality, there are designs that work better for anybody. He draw on paper a great example, of designs that are wrong. You can't tell me that you can grip a handle comfortable and safe, if it is all finger grooves. Also finger choils on blades are a totaly wrong idea, Ethan Becker and his designs, are succesfull for many reasons but one reason of his success, is his theory about blade edge that comes as close as it can to the handle. Becker knives are no1 the last decades for 1 reason. He got it, as close to perfection as it could get. Another example is the Cold steel SRK where they redisegned the knife, bringing the blade edge closer to the handle.Morakniv , or Mora knives as we call them, are another great example, aren't these also no1 bushcraft knives? Kephart design.. through the ages, still works great because it is SIMPLE! I could give many more examples, but I think you got my point. Of course ,someone can say that everyone has his own taste... but ...When it comes to knives, Simple IS better, no matter what our head is full of, after marketing brainwash etc...

[@DenneyKnives]

Thanks for the reply. I will see you at the Great Smoky Mountain hammer in.

[@ghill1010]

Awesome stuff. I have seen the over shaped handles be useless to use age of the tool.

[@johnarnettsways.8758]

My father always told me this. KISS! Keep it simple stupid! Yes, it’s that simple clean look. It works.

[@markusbourne7699]

THANK YOU! Agree with everthing. I definitely have my pet peeves as well with knife designs. All though anyone using a knife also needs skill. Your skill should make up for with the knife lacks. But he's right, if you want a hammer get a hammer. There are simply just something's you cant expect from a knife.

[@housevollmer9106]

Sweet bolo!!

[@salamnazar7481]

sir you are the best am really like your opinion.