Making a knife from ground zero - part 6 - shaping the handle and guard

We finish shaping the handle and guard in part 6 of the make a knife from ground zero series! Shaping a knife handle is difficult, I will show you how to use layout lines on the handle material to help get everything straight and to keep it symmetrical. This is the final video in this intermediate build series. I hope these tips help you to elevate your knife making skills! If you have questions please feel free to ask me anytime!
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[@Aleeknives]

For exclusive content and one on one coaching opportunities click here www.patreon.com/Aleeknives

[@JoeyClanton3721]

Your craftsmanship is topnotch.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! Cheers

[@JustinBlaustein]

WOW That is a thing of beauty.

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

beautiful knife i love the guard and polish on the knife

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you

[@JohnTheHam]

True craftsmanship!!

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks John!

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

You are teaching me a lot thank you

[@Aleeknives]

Very welcome!

[@chrisrevell6889]

Great tutorial. Thanks for putting this together

[@rpink06]

Well done, man.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@randyames992]

A most excellent job..Very impressive.

[@JustinBlaustein]

What doesn't show through in these videos is just how good you are....The end product shows it but, I follow your videos, and you make it all look so effortless, like watching a pro athlete...Only in this case, I say, "I can do that", and I actually try to! Hahaha. I can not for the life of me grind bevels to the "grind to" line to save my butt. At some point I'm going to have to invest in a 2" x 72", but in honesty, I don't know that it will help. "Its not the arrow, its the Indian". Thank you for these videos. I would be incredibly proud if I ended up with a knife like that, and you do it all with humility. You've inspired me to "keep on pushing".

[@chrisrob1287]

Just read some of the comments below and its all been seid. Outstanding video content. and i picked up some tips (boom). thank you for shareing.

[@Aleeknives]

Super glad to have you here on the channel Chris! Cheers

[@agentcovert]

Your ground zero knife making content is some of the best from the few dozen knife makers here on KZbin..hands down..really.. Thank you..

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@trekk-n-guidedieoutdoorpro3644]

Great series!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you

[@dominicdwk]

Thanks for making this video

[@uncleknife9887]

The series was awesome. Super informative. I'll probably watch it again & again. I feel blessed to have finally found your channel. It's amazing what you can learn for free in this world if you just set your mind to it. It's generous people like yourself that make it all possible. God Bless You! 🧡🔪

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@AndrewMaltsev]

I do a fair bit of woodworking, but I was not at all into knife making -- just watched out of curiosity. But man, now I want to make one! Thanks! You have a knack for showing things very clearly.

[@Aleeknives]

That's awesome Andrew! Thank you for the compliments!

[@SVDIVYA]

Wow mantap banget om pisau nya juga keren

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@idwolverine1867]

Great tutorial! I love that you showed most of the work in real time and didn’t speed through.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@garyandrews8903]

Beautiful Knife! You do great videos, I am 82 and started making knives 3 years ago and i learn something everyday. Keep up the good work.

[@Aleeknives]

Congrats Gary! Glad you found joy in knife making! I learn everyday also and never want to stop!

[@garyandrews8903]

@@Aleeknives Hi, I just stumbled on to your videos about a month ago and you are a natural instructor so much detail and perfection. I have learned some great methods from your videos. I was a wood worker all my life but I just love making knives the design and the satisfied feeling I get from making it as close to perfection that I can do. Keep the videos coming.

[@johnfitzgerald4628]

Bravo - this will be reference material for many new knife makers for a long time.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you John!

[@3228000]

The very best instructional videos I have ever seen, I dont think you can get much better. Thank you so very much, you have truly inspired so many.....including myself

[@Aleeknives]

Super thanks! Glad to have you!

[@amendezb67]

Excelente, gracias por tu explicación tan buena y detallada, lo mejor que he visto, sin dudas.👍🇻🇪

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! I appreciate that

[@p.b.sraeed4165]

I can only tell you, man, this is a great job. WoW

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you sir!

[@cousineddie7898]

You've taught me more about knife making than any hands-on class ever could. Thank you so MUCH!

[@Aleeknives]

You are welcome Eddie! I have 56 videos planned for this year!

[@JustinBlaustein]

Agreed 100%

[@johannbarnard5893]

Best knife making video I've ever watched. Beautiful workmanship

[@Aleeknives]

Man that means a lot! I really appreciate the compliment! Making videos is new to me and I am learning how to present my skills to you guys on camera. Have a super day!

[@Headliner99]

Wow! Great video on how to shape the handle perfectly. Beautiful handle and guard...except now I have to go back and watch videos 1-5! 😊

[@Aleeknives]

Love that!

[@robertstuart6684]

That is beautiful, the mark of a professional is not how perfect his or her work is, but more how well mistakes are covered so no one but the artist can see it.

[@Aleeknives]

But the artist always sees them!

[@robertstuart6684]

@@Aleeknives and they are so big, puzzled how no one else can see them, even when I point them out. You do some beautiful work, really like your channel, I too started to make knives and got into leather for sheathes, leather kind of took over, working on balancing both. Thanks for sharing, I learn more from you than any anyone else on KZbin!

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks Robert!

[@clydetroutman8887]

Looks awsome

[@waynewalker315]

It came out quite beautiful Airin! Many may complain, but I personally appreciate the length of the video; it allows for more detail and explanation of what and why you are doing something. Absolutely wait with great anticipation for your videos! I learn something from each one. Thanks and have a great day!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank YOU Wayne! I know I wanted to see full length build videos when I was getting started. The cool thing about youtube is that you can be whatever type of creator that you wish to. I will be making more tutorials on different types of knives as well as restoration videos and cinematic build videos all on one channel! Thanks for watching my videos! Cheers

[@ridgerunner66]

Beautiful knife. Really appreciate the detail in the video. As a knife maker,I still learn new things when they are shown and not assumed that we already know. Thanks for taking the time to create this video.

[@Aleeknives]

Absolutely Davin! My pleasure and there will be more to come!

[@lyleh1659]

I learned that drawing the knife out and actually using it makes a great way to reference what your original idea was, especially on a hidden tang knife. I learned that I need a height gauge for layout lines; that was so obvious I simply never thought of it. I learned how to fit a guard, which I haven’t done because it was a bit intimidating to me, not anymore. And I learned I need some Mother’s wax! Really good stuff you’re putting out, thank you!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you Lyle! The template does definitely help on a hidden tang design! I use the height gauge constantly, I need to make a pencil attachment for drawing lines with it. Currently I just tape a pencil to it and it could move around on me if I am not careful. Thanks for watching my videos! Cheers

[@jwspock1690]

Nice !

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

It came out great! Nice work!

[@Aleeknives]

I think it's a good intermediate build, plus I showed making some mistakes which I would expect an intermediate Builder to make also

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Ha, we all make mistakes regardless of skill. It’s just how you learn to deal with them that gets better. 😜

[@edthompson3353]

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and honesty. Terrific work. Keep them coming. Thanks

[@Aleeknives]

Will do! I am restoring an old blacksmith hammer next!

[@alexandrinofacasartesanais8096]

You are absolutely a good guy! Awesome videos and knowledge content.

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you for that! I appreciate it!

[@Eyesofthasouth]

Very nice-enjoyed the series!

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Knife look awesome. Handle look beautiful. Great video full of useful tips and knowledge.👍👍👍👍

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! I am excited to do some cinematic build videos for a minute. I am restoring a blacksmithing hammer next video!

[@bobcarter8203]

Nice work, I love the knife. I really enjoy your videos. I’m learning a lot. Thanks for all you do.

[@Aleeknives]

Wow thanks Bob! Have a super day! Thanks for watching

[@survinenathan]

I started learning to make knives this past summer and have referenced a whole pile of your videos! Great work and thank you 🙏🤘

[@Aleeknives]

That is super! Cheers

[@net-twin-de]

I like the dimples I also use em a lot with my knifes - these indentations look even better if you artificially age the brass or copper (depending on the material), with acids etc.

[@Aleeknives]

I totally agree! I just did a copper guard and forced a petina with Miracle gro! Looked awesome

[@net-twin-de]

@@Aleeknives I'm happy to read that, the only small disadvantage of the whole thing is the creation of these dimples - the workload is pretty annoying and the job itself is very dull - lol - but the result is worth it :)

[@franotoole2702]

Turned out excellant! Good build along! Realy like textured guards!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@arkas6797]

Very beautiful work, very big lesson for me. Personally, I would prefer the 5mm guard. how short

[@dougtroutman5695]

Very nice just finished my second knife it came out good. Your videos are excellent it helped me greatly. Looking forward to more of your videos. I'm really enjoying making knives so far. Hope to be as good as you some day. Great work Thanks.

[@Aleeknives]

Awesome! Glad your enjoying your adventures!

[@SL-ez7qn]

Brilliant video series with lots of useful information. 👌. Thanks what would you do to show up the pattern/ Harmon on the blade

[@nyukknivesandleather889]

Great group of videos man. Really helped as I have the hardest time with guard fit ups. Main reason I stay away from them unless I want to cuss a lot. Guess I will have to try another guard soon and see how I fair with your tips and tricks. Keep em coming!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you! Will do man

[@sudo_nym]

Yessssssss! Another Airin video! Just in time for a beer!😉 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@Aleeknives]

Thanks man! I feel like we should hang out🔥🔥👍

[@sudo_nym]

Aleeknives If I lived in the USA, that would be a given, Airin! 😉 🍻🇬🇧✌️🙏👊

[@Umanoid]

Awasom 🤩

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@waltersmith4743]

grinding,finish work, what kind of steel do you use,rose wood is so nice..i need to do more crisp .. finger guards so hard, you make it look easy ,w.smith hope to A&W knives ill send pictures,rember yours are lot better....thanks

[@Aleeknives]

Mostly simple 1084 or 1095 steel. Love to see those pictures!

[@barryrowe657]

I really appreciate the effort you have taken to show us how it's done. Your a great Teacher and your tips and tricks are so God to know. I'm about to start my first Knife it will be a Full Tang Damascus Steel Bowie with carved Mammoth Ivory Scales, Copper Guard and Pommel, Mosaic Pins and some deep Etching on the Blade, Guard and Pommel. The Handle will be see through as the Mammoth Scales were carved with a 3D scene that goes right through to the other side. So the Tang will have to cut out so you can see through it. I Now have to make a 2.5mm thick Ivory spacer which is the same width of the Blade, the spacer will fill the gap between the Scales once they are mounted on and through the Blade. I will have to do a bit of intricately accurate carving to match up with the existing Intricately Carved 3D Scene that will be a challenge and a there is a lot at risk if it gets messed up. When the Scales were carved some 6 years ago I did not think it out thoroughly enough so now I have to improvise as the Scales had too much taken out of the top and bottom now I'm thinking of making the Tang protrude pase the Scales slightly to give more strength to the Tang. You have given me many ideas that I can utilise while trying to rectify my error. Keep up the great work it is appreciated. Regards Barry.

[@Aleeknives]

Wow Barry that sounds like an awesome project! I would love to watch the progress! Feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@barryrowe657]

@@Aleeknives Hi Arin, I will send you some photos as I progress. I have had the Mammoth Scales for probably 15 years or more, and they were carved in Bali some 6 years ago by a close friend of mine. I almost got the spacer ground down to the correct thickness, I'm a couple of thousands of an inch off so will leave it there until I have it carved out to match the existing scales and shaped to go through the Tang. Once that is done I will glue one side to one of the scales and the remove the excess so they match up perfectly. Then I will know the exact size and shape the hole through the Tang will be. Then off to a friend of mine to see if he can cut the profile for me on one of his cutters, he has many different types as he makes all types of Industrial Refrigeration and also Industrial Smokers and Curing Chambers for Charcuterie. I'll email you soon, very early in the morning here only 4 am now very hot and Humid. I only got up for a leak back to bed for a couple of hours in the Aircon. Barry.

[@Aleeknives]

So cool!

[@VinceBoothe]

What if you used your file guide clamped it on the flat part, and put it in your vise on your milling machine and milled it off equally by rotating it? And that gave you exactly equal distance the center of your spine?

[@Aleeknives]

100%

[@jdlr369]

The knife looks great but I was wondering why the hamon didn’t pop out? Was it grinded too much?

[@Aleeknives]

This batch is steel just didn't really show a Hamon

[@michaelwood5519]

I need to either make or purchase a broach to get my slots cut down in my handles. I was thinking I might be able to make one from a medium jig saw blade and shape it and put a handle on it.

[@Aleeknives]

I don't broach my handles. I have had really good luck with drilling the handle tang slot and using epoxy to fill the small half round voids on either side of the tang. The tang fits real snug. I have also played with rounding the edges of the tang to fit the radius of a drill bit. Lots of options man! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@michaelwood5519]

@@Aleeknives Cool deal, yeah I'm loving your channel Alee. Always enjoy learning from other people, and you're a great teacher. Keep em coming!

[@Aleeknives]

Thank you!

[@Aleeknives]

We finally get to see the finished knife! Tell me what your favorite part of the series was!

[@alwaystraining54]

Awesome video series Sir, I’m learning a tremendous amount from you, and you have excellent tips and tricks to make the process easier. Where by chance did you get your height gage and 123 blocks? I lack these tools and want to duplicate your methods in my own shop. Thank you! Keep up the great content!

[@Aleeknives]

That is awesome! The links for the height gage and blocks are in the video description sir

[@chrisrevell6889]

What is the small white cylinder of wax? I generally use beeswax and mineral oil paste but have been looking into microcrystalline wax which appears to be a better option

[@mrsaskriders]

Awesome job and beautiful knife you made! Rosewood looks awesome. What was the Polish you put on the wood called? It sounded like mothers? All knife makers are good at this move 48:22. 😉😉

[@Aleeknives]

Yes that was me muttering mothers😂😂 and yes I agree that we all slip off the guard during the shoe shine method. Mothers works well on super hard dense woods only. I have had excellent luck with it! Some call me crazy though😵

[@RB-fn5om]

hey, what kind of polishing wheel an paste are in use on the right side of your polishing machine? Cheers Ralf

[@Aleeknives]

Tight buff and white compound

[@RB-fn5om]

Thnaks a lot !

[@shaymaya4018]

6 chapter But where is HAMON?