Marking knives that can make you money

[@stevehough8528]

Nice video James, will give this a try as I think I have now sourced these blades in the UK. Filing...here is a tip I learned at school in the metal work shop (over 50 years ago). When filing soft materials (Aluminium, Brass or Acrylics for instance) give the file a good coating using a stick of blackboard chalk before use. This helps when cleaning the file with file card of wire brushes.

[@Warpcox]

I have no intention to ever do this at all … yet enjoyed the video tremendously

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Great... Thanks, James, for the tip on getting a kit for this kind of thing... That IS a time saver... Coincidentally, for those worried about the resources invested in a DIY marking knife. You can get by pretty decently with OLD (as in messed up, abused, or just outlived usefulness) kitchen knives and hacksaw and file the shape you want into the blank... I've done that for both marking knives AND carving knives (which have a similar build and handle, but a slightly curved blade for cutting and carving)... Paring knives work fairly well for it, and with hand sawing and filing there's no need to heat-treat or anything fancy. It's a little more time consuming and work... BUT nothing to get too excited about when turning "discards" into "treasure". Marking knives should have a flat side and a beveled side, while carving knives can be beveled on BOTH sides... ;o)

[@glpaschall]

I'm not even a woodworker, but I love your Channel.

[@deezynar]

A suggestion, don't put on the bottom scab. Leaving it off allows you to lay the tool flat on a surface and still mark. There are situations where being able to do that is essential. Obviously, if you leave off a scab, you'll need to countersink the steel holes on that side so the pins can be peened and filed flush. If you leave one scab off, double the thickness of the one scab that you put on.

[@poppamichael2197]

I bought a pair of these marking knife kits from Taylor Tool works. They are as beautifully made as they appear in the above video. Looking forward to making marking knives following all of Bob's excellent tips.

[@alphafert608]

I clicked all the things but still don't get notified. This is my favorite woodworking channel. So much of YT is turned up to 11 but this channel is just quality, calm, clear info. This isn't the most exciting thing ever but doesn't need to be. My job sucked last year & this channel was something I did to unwind. It's normal & relatable.

[@oshtoolman]

You probably did this, but just incase. On the Ring Bell for notification, did you also click on ALL when that menu came up? I didnt do that the first time until someone told me about!!

[@alphafert608]

@@oshtoolman Thanks. I'll check.

[@joejustice6959]

I enjoy all of your tutorials. I am nearing retirement and looking for small projects to build in my workshop. I find your projects inspirational. I am retiring from restoring whirligigs in Wilson, NC. Thanks for your help.

[@adammoran163]

I've got a few old files & ALOT of scrap wood. So, with that being said. I think I found my weekend project. Thanks!

[@HepauDK]

I made my own marking knife out of the ring end of a small, broken combination wrench (15mm). The ring end makes it perfect for hanging it on my tool wall. Yes, it included some tedious grinding, but I just love repurposing worn and broken tools, giving them new life. :)

[@Dranok1]

I'm a sparky: all my chipped crosshheads and worn flatblades become scribes or awls! VDE terminal drivers are the best (the ones with an insulating sheath down most of the shaft) -- after grinding a fine point, cut ¾" of the sheath, slide it off, and it is perfect for slipping back over the point to make "safe" in the toolbag :-)

[@DennisSuppe]

Excellent video. I purchased the Narex knife blade and am now looking forward to making something cool based on your tutorial. Thanks for all the help!!

[@lrr1952]

I just received my Narex kit in the mail. I’m anxious to get started!

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Excellent idea! I might just have to jump on this and get some ready to give away this Father's Day! Take care and have a good one, Adios! 🖐

[@steveferguson1232]

I have seen the knife when looking around and thought of making my own. But now you have sold me on doing it. Great video sit

[@dennisshaver4284]

I'm all in for this one.

[@Dranok1]

:-) The very subtle emphasis on 'prettiness' at the end made me smile! "I'm not selling mine: they're too pirrdy..."

[@matthewellisor5835]

That's also a great technique for making any tool handle. Don't forget that many materials are usable in the same fashion. I've made scales from wood, bone, antler, old wrecked fiberglass boat hulls, cast and anodized aluminium from scraped engines, admiralty brass that I alloyed from coins and a failed hard-drive with a friend, used tires, shoe soles, phenol resin stabilized fabrics (that's a great one for a gift if the cloth had some special meaning)...

[@kenstewart687]

I have made this exact knife two years ago. Worked great and it is my go to knife. As an extra I took part of a plastic wine gift card and made a protective sheath for the blade. Enjoy your videos!

[@tpobrienjr]

Great idea for a woodworker gift. Thanks.

[@Plyley1961]

Great video, I like how you go through each step with detail. Also, like the can koozie, go Wings!

[@scottmorris4914]

Great video, not only good instruction but you also provide educational information along with it.

[@matthewstewart3446]

Hey Stumpy great instructional video as usual. After making many knives for carving I have learned what not to do. Something that can help go right is to protect yourself and the cutting edge by tapping the end with painters tape before drilling and applying epoxy. Additional. After you drill the first hole put another drill bit of the same diameter or the pin in the hole to prevent scales from slipping. It happens, last thing you want is holes that do not line up once epoxy is down. Thanks for the links for the Narex blade blanks, I will be making some Christmas presents for some friends this year.

[@joshuaknudson5368]

Thanks for the how to. It truly was a easy and quick project. Lets not talk about how it took me 4 months to finally get around to making if after I bought the blade kit.

[@jackthompson8019]

Beautiful marking knives.

[@AverageGolfDad]

Really enjoyed this video stumpy. It may or may not have just sparked an idea and a 2:00am can’t sleep purchase.

[@donaldorr8508]

i just got some blade sets. thanks for the lesson. perfect timing.

[@julesoyler4306]

You never disappoint, I knew you were going to create a masterpiece(s) and that's exactly what you did! Thank you for sharing!

[@jimpalmer1944]

Looks like a fun project and the benefit is more great tools. Thanks Stumpy. Maybe you could include your sharpening method soon.

[@ammoalamo6485]

Great videos, and I compliment you on your excellent articulation and deliverence. The videos are much more enjoyable when I don't have to pull up the transcript and repeat sections two or three times to comprehend what was said.

[@zlancenyc]

I built one of these a while back, great kit. Got it from taytools. Used some beech for it.

[@fdort3971]

Those look lovely!

[@jimblack6733]

Another great tutorial! Thank you James,

[@eladnonnac7529]

Tip: Finish the front part of the handle sides near the blade point before glue up. That way you can get perfect finish on the nose and belel of the wood and have no marks on the steel.

[@jimbryant2157]

Just ordered 2 kits - Looks like a fun and useful project.

[@WoodenItBeGrand]

And I ordered three sets to Australia! Looking forward to getting into them. Good luck!

[@froggore52]

Great... just what I needed, a new hobby...

[@naturesguard]

I actually just bought some pen blanks and blades to do just this. You helped me address one of my concerns. Thanks!

[@nightcatarts]

Little tip, wrap the exposed bit of the blade in several (like.. 5) layers of masking tape before you go at it with a grinder; it'll absorb those scratches that'd otherwise end up in the steel from when you move the bit just a little too far. You have to press surprisingly hard to get through all that spongy tape. Doing it before the epoxy means that won't get on there either. You can also take one of the blades and cut & tape a piece of low grit sandpaper to that and then use it to cut a channel/rebate into your scales so they can overlap the edges of the blade once things are assembled. This lets you make some more ergonomic looking knives & reduces the difficulty in having to sand/grind back exposed metal. Some people don't like not being able to see that it's a full tang blade, so doing this just on one side means you can make a nice finger dip for higher pressure stuff on one side & still reveal the metal of the blade on the other.

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Great tips and a fun project! I've been wanting to buy a marking knife but think I'll make one instead now. Thanks so much for the idea!!!

[@michaelmcnicholl608]

Cool idea and some really awesome knives Jim.

[@treforparry4054]

What a great video. Beautiful knives. Thanks so much for posting.

[@myownspiritlevel]

I’m also a blacksmith as well as a wood worker. In keeping with the mantra “build it for $15 or make it for $150,” I plan on cutting up an old 12” miter saw blade and making my own knife blanks. Probably take me two weekends, too. 😂

[@MrKYT-gb8gs]

What's a good epoxy for metal to wood gluing?

[@yncrutledge]

James that was an awesome tutorial thank you I always enjoy your videos but this is one of my favorites

[@jalalhobbs]

You mention around 8:00 that they aren't razor sharp yet. Do they need sharpening after?

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, they need sharpening.

[@lancedamask9728]

They're left dull like nearly all knife blanks are for safety

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video James 👍 I have been watching your channel for many years now. I loved your old style videos and enjoy the new ones like this also. 😊

[@n8sot]

This is a great idea Stumpy!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@michaelrobinson9643]

I thihnk it can be beneficial to polish the flat side and leave enough exposed so you can use the blade ultra close to being against your wood so you are marking right into the point of intersection of the wood, AND you aren't making a "V" that ends up being a bit like a tiny chamfer (looks like an opening and probably worse if you scribe hard or multiple times). Thoughts from experienced hands on my advice? I like feedback so I can be as precise as possible.

[@brianstevens3858]

I make my own marking knives out of a butter knife and a high quality paring knife, the two blades separated by steel shim,. the reasoning {which panned out} was the butterknife rides the metal ruler smoothly, and the cutter has a depth set by extension past the butter knife end.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@nicolasarias6000]

Same here

[@RB-vr7mq]

Love Narex chisels.

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

Thanks - just bought one of each size to try out. I needed some for myself and will see how it goes with regards to making some to sell.

[@Yawles]

Awesome! I don't turn pens - this looks to be far more entertaining. May i suggest a video on making leather sheaths for your belts to keep the knives handy?

[@GrantHendrick]

Fun idea. Thank you.

[@willfuldistinction7849]

Great tips! I'm always looking for smaller projects to knock out when I dont have much time and this is next on my list.

[@cliffwarmoth9070]

I enjoyed this video, thanks!

[@vanessakitty8867]

Thank you. I am about to make some marking knives and you video came through at the perfect time.

[@thomashverring9484]

I need to do that! And it makes buying a small bandsaw make sense to me, although I'm a primarily hand tools woodworker.

[@rzerobzero]

Great video as always. Thank you for your insights.

[@SpadeAce]

Really nice work! Even better tutorial on how to do it right. I am going to try this!

[@profcah]

Another excellent video!

[@kencoleman7762]

Very nice. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@robertmadden7536]

As always a great video. Thanks

[@J.A.Smith2397]

It is a heck of a kit!

[@valterleao2798]

PARABÉNS…, quanta habilidade e carinho no que faz, Você é MUUUITO CAPRICHOSO, eu estava pensando em fazer um destes e Você veio na hora certa e com esse requintes de detalhes 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️ Abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks James, great idea for stocking stuffers. Great job.🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋

[@artswri]

As always, really enjoyed and appreciated the ideas and tips. The results look great, beautiful shapes and colors. You make it look easy as usual, and probably is if you follow the many, to the point tips (ha)

[@bjrnstrander7060]

For a slightly larger handle go up to 79/128’ or even 161/256’

[@StumpyNubs]

Sorry you seem to struggle with fractions, but 16ths are pretty common for us in this part of the world.

[@scottswineford6714]

In the top three of "where the hell is my" list just ahead of a marking gauge but after my tape and pencil.

[@evanbarnes9984]

Excellent! I need a marking knife, this is perfect

[@patrickdunn8918]

Very nice, will have to try.

[@MrSeminole77]

love me some marking knives, for the same reason. Fun to make and cheap enough to run the gamut on the Narex thickness options. A thumb indent makes for a good sightless orientation. Zircote, Purple Heart and Sapele were the scraps I had on hand. Narex kits are too cheap to say no to.

[@adama1294]

If you want to do less sanding or filing on epoxy, it is quite easy to scrape off with a sharp piece of plastic before it is fully hardened. I would try it at 45 to 75 minutes.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Finish the bevels to final before glue up. Saves mistakes later. 👍

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

I just bought my first marking knife

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks Stumpy! I’ve been looking for those kits for a while and the Narex ones seem to be the best quality. Also, thanks for the links to the PSA sandpaper rolls! Love your content. Thanks much.

[@C_Burnz]

Do you think the heavy duty knives would make a nice throwing knife?

[@StumpyNubs]

Not enough weight.

[@mikeherbst1825]

What sizes does elbow grease come in? Seriously James, my daughter does custom wood burned plaques, hammer handles, jewelry & other things. This looks like a natural expansion for her product line. (I'm her mill guy so she can concentrate on the artistic side of it). Thanks!

[@webbswoodworking2784]

Blade kits ordered (with affiliate link), I look forward to making a couple of these! (I especially look forward to HAVING a couple of these, lol.)

[@jimweisgram9185]

I needed a marking knife on short notice, broke the one I had somehow. I ground down a Bosch jigsaw blade and sharpened it. Made a hardwood dowel, cut a kerf, shaped it, glued with some epoxy. Had a serviceable thin blade marking knife in short order. I have to say I like the look of mine better than these bulkier kits. But I do plan to pick up a couple of these kits and make a couple of stronger making knives. I like the dual bevel blade style. I want the body to have more taper at the business end.

[@nicholasschrader9161]

Hey stumpy just curious why not attach both pieces of wood and make drill through once? or not a good idea?

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

It is much harder to accurately find the holes in the blade blank when both sides are covered. Stumpy's way is much easier and quicker in the long run.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

If you like doing fine work do consider a dental supplier as we use some remarkable cutting and abrasive or polishing points in clinic opperative work , and our laboratories. They do wonderfully if you are using a dremmel (or even get a dental handpiece if you do tonnes of such work).

[@davidwilliams1060]

Should be very helpful doing other knife kits as well. My worse shop injury was from touching a relatively harmless looking sanding disc. Took a long time for the abrasion to heal.

[@MichaelJSwenson]

Hi James! Thanks for this and all your other videos! FYI: It appears the link to the epoxy is having issues.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

The "Stumpy Shiv" 😂🤺

[@lonewolfdesignsbylarry]

Knife makers tip. Before epoxy dry assemble. Place tape at the blade end going into scale sides. Place scales on with dry fit pins. Razor blade next to scale. Lift scales off pull away the cut side under the scale. Should leave you a perfect match fit. Epoxy and set scales clean up easy 1 2 3

[@andrewbieger5004]

Great idea. Thanks. I assume that getting the epoxy ALL over the parts has happened to you before !

[@lonewolfdesignsbylarry]

@@andrewbieger5004 I was once told epoxy is not don't right if the amount you place on part is not equal parts placed on everything that touches part... ie me...

[@arimadx]

So if you're not doing "fine woodworking" is a marking knife really something I should seek out? I mean if I'm just making beginner stuff like cutting boards and coffee tables is it really worth using a marking knife over something like a mechanical pencil?

[@StumpyNubs]

I use a mechanical pencil every day. But there are many cases when a knife is better. And since they aren't very expensive...

[@arimadx]

@@StumpyNubs well that certainly makes sense. Thanks!

[@mojoneko8303]

It would have been useful information what a marking knife is used for. Not all of us are master carpenters. Thanks for the video.

[@StumpyNubs]

If you are watching a video on how to make a marking knife, it is assumed you know what a marking knife is. :)

[@TheFamilyWoodworker]

Really cool and easy little project. Dig your channel and appreciate your content. Oh, and "GO WINGS"! Of course, you know, like next season.

[@seemorevid1]

Interesting! I look forward to trying it.BTW, the inkfor th epoxy does not work, maybe a typo?

[@eCitizen1]

Just curious. If you were to sell them, how much would you expect to get for each?

[@StumpyNubs]

$40. People pay a premium for "hand made" stuff. Look at wood pens. You can buy one for $2 from a Chinese factory. Or $30-50 on etsy.

[@jerishull1860]

Your link for the blade kit isn't working. LOVE this though. I'm looking for small projects to sell. Thank you!

[@StumpyNubs]

Blade kits: lddy.no/zbff

[@andrewbieger5004]

Awesome video, James. Picked up some great tips for knife handles. I want to do one of these kits and i also have a decent sized hunting knife in need of new scales. I also appreciate the fact you are constantly promoting the smaller US- based companies for supplies and tools. I do my best to NOT buy from the Big Evil (the dreaded A-word). I save all your links for these outfits so you get a little kicker as well for your troubles.

[@willemkossen]

that is a great project to do. is there a way to buy these kits from within Europe (EU)?

[@StumpyNubs]

They are made by Narex, which is a Czech company.

[@kennethrutledge9222]

Just a word to the wise,,, to keep the pointed end protected from epoxy squeeze out during adhesion, mask up the exposed steel. You don't need painters tape its too expensive, making tape will work just fine. Believe me , peeling off the excess epoxy in the tape is way better than trying to clean the steel and safer!!

[@taliamon]

My first thought when you said to tape the blades to protect yourself was, "y'know, it would be really easy to print some scabbards that can be put on the end to make them quite workable and safe." I could do that. Just need some dimensions.

[@lint2023]

Any thoughts on the best thickness of the blades? Does the thinest one flex much?

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, the thinnest one is quite flexible. But it would get into very tight places.

[@vandelftcrafts2958]

one thing you definitely should do is tape the steel before handsanding. Making scratches on the blade with sanding is just a waste.

[@heathenous81]

Attach the scales to each other with double sided tape, shape then before separating them, then attach to the blade with more double sided tape and drill your holes. That way there is no fiddling with alignment.

[@andrewbieger5004]

THAT sounds like a great plan to keep things symmetrical. Woulda never thought of that until I was making my 10th knife. Thanks

[@bassburd1]

I made a couple of blades from old sawzall blade