Top Ten Knifemaking Tools for the Beginner

[@denisdepriest4394]

I am an older guy, (78) and trying to get back to knife making. I am finding out that it is not like riding a bike, not for me anyway. Your videos are just the thing that I need to help me get back to where I was twenty five years ago.I remember helping some new makers along the way. One of those is now a master blade smith. I remember helping him building his first forge. His first knives were much better than most makers here in south Louisiana at that time. In any event, now that I can watch your videos, falling off of the bike is a little easier now. Denis De Priest.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

How’s that going?

[@johnmood5653]

I really appreciate the way you make your videos Mr. Sorrells. You don't talk down to the beginner, but you give enough information that your viewers do learn a lot. Thanks a lot for yet another very informative video.

[@nyk3334]

He’s great.

[@oneeyedwilly8139]

I'm here in late 2020 thinking the same thing.

[@flytyer232]

I made knives for years with a 1x30 belt sander from harbor freight.... I have a 2x72 now, and I still the small one, great tool for $40

[@aldenunion]

Multitool attachment on a craftsman variable speed bench grinder...(But as soon as my shop is built adding a Bader...Much More pleasant and quiet to operate

[@TheWyoCoyote]

In 2004 I was stationed in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait when I got deployed. I worked 12 hour nightshifts in the Operation Center for a year with every other Wed night off. I got R&R about 5 months in, and mailed a bunch of basic tools back to myself. I ordered a piece of 1095 2"x18" from Jantz, and when I got back in country went to work every morning for a couple hours on a big bowie knife. I had a radio operator who was in an Engineering Battalion. I would go over and work on it everyday, then I used their cutting torch to differential heat treat it. I ended up welding the tangs on so I could have a second piece to build a hunting knife also. It came out awesome. I had to finish grinding it stateside because once heat treated no more files and sandpaper. 15" oal. I forged a piece of 3/4" brass round stock square to make the guard, and got frying oil from the DFAC to quench it. I had a civilian guy in the TOC working range control. I explained what I needed done and he took it home and tempered it at 350F for me in his kitchen oven. I got a piece of Black Walnut, and a piece of Mahogany (not the best but looks good)for handle from the carpenters. I bought a leather belt at the PX and made stacked leather in the handle. I made a wooden sheath for it that actually hangs on the wall with our unit shield to hold it in (hard to explain but came out great. My whole story being if you want to make it you can get it done just use your imagination to solve the problems.

[@danieldo8859]

Richard Miller Irrelevant, but what branch of military you in?

[@TheWyoCoyote]

I was in the Wyoming National Guard. I got deployed in 2004 and retired in 2009. I was a 13F (artillery forward observer) but got farmed out to ASG Kuwait Operations.

[@danieldo8859]

Richard Miller Thanks. Is 1095 the best carbon steel for beginners? I'm looking to make some of the knives from my favorite video games but I have one file, an angle grinder, and a vise.

[@TheWyoCoyote]

Yes and it is pretty cheap really. I ordered from Jantz. You can easily heat treat it your self that is why I like carbon steels. Then if you differential heat treat and soak it in some vinegar the hamon line really pops too.

[@danieldo8859]

Richard Miller So do I have to make a furnace or some shit like that or can I just put it in my oven? And I heard that machine oil is best to dip it into once you heat treat it,is that correct?

[@Zedoutdoors]

A great video once again and really helps knife making newbies like myself ~Peace~

[@Dustypilgrim1]

+Zed Outdoors Fancy meeting you here :)

[@Zedoutdoors]

DustyPilgrim1 We both have good taste ;-)

[@steve24822]

You've started making knives? cool...

[@benreyes4002]

I have been trying to get into knife making for a while but could never find a reliable educational source. Glad to say i finally found it. You are awesome!

[@TheBladepolisher]

Walt is about as easy a human to listen to as there ever was. Thank you sir ! ! Will be suscribing and watching the rest of the video library.

[@yourleftnostril835]

I would love to hear more about this handcuff thing :D

[@vinwey]

+YourLeftNostril It was a bit fucked up and unexpected but it was a lot of fun ^^

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+YourLeftNostril Actually it was nothing serious. My son had an old handcuff with no key to it. One of his buddies stuck it on another one of his friends, not knowing that there was no key. Much hilarity ensued.

[@yourleftnostril835]

+Walter Sorrells awsome

[@scottecooke]

+Walter Sorrells Haha that's awesome. By the way I am loving these beginner videos. I am going to get into some knife making and this knowledge is awesome and super helpful.

[@mellowb1rd]

+Walter Sorrells You can pick police issue handcuffs with just about anything. They are terrible

[@FireCreekForge]

Great video! I will say that I would have to put the vise at the very top of the list, only because anything else you do, like filing or sawing, you must have your material secured for effective work.

[@Dustypilgrim1]

Liking this series as I am just in the process of trying to set up... Grateful to al the 'makers who have offered start up advice and guidance. also ... Massive compliments on your work.

[@ivysinistra]

I made a knife yesterday (still needs heat treat) and I only used a drill press, bench grinder, hacksaw, and a file. And I hand-beveled the edges with the file. I mean, this is my first knife so I'd say it turned out well. Your videos taught me a lot.

[@ivysinistra]

One year! Made a knife out of some damascus billet and it turned out beautiful. i.gyazo.com/d9fa7d240274ed1b157a4d788842c863.jpg

[@garyboardwine3349]

I built the revolution belt grinder from brian house at house works, did it in steps, the laser cut steel chassis, then the wheel kits, the motor and vfd, I started forging a year ago

[@xMemn0nx]

Perfect timing, I was actually going to order my first tools in the upcoming days/weeks. Thanks for your helpful videos !

[@propblast82nd]

Thanks Walter for making these videos! I'm a retired VN vet and this will be something to try.

[@zackworrell]

I have a KMG and a Wilmont. The KMG is a tank and best for beginners and as a good fall back grinder . The Wilmont is a beast loaded with options and can nearly anything except make lunch. Love 'em both

[@Cliff4242]

Walter you are one in a million. Your videos are really fun and worth a lot. Thank you again and again.

[@BostonBrand]

Walter Sorrells it seems is a natural born teacher. He uses deliberate and exacting language that leaves no question in the viewers mind what he's talking about. There are a lot of people who teach that get too much satisfaction from leaving a person feeling they know something you don't. That's not a good teacher. I don't get anything like that from this gentleman. I do have a question only because I'm wondering what's sandpaper, the most useful item in almost any kind of shop, if not a tool?

[@gorisenke]

Just in case you haven't found out yet, sandpaper is a piece of thick paper that has abrasives adhered to one side. It looks a lot like sand, thus, sandpaper. Typically, it will be sold around the power tools, specifically the sanders and/or grinders. It can come in big sheets, long strips, and in peculiar shapes made to fit a specific sander. They can vary in price. It might be difficult to find the grits (texture measurement, low is rough, high is fine), for example I can't find 600 grit around me.

[@johnmood5653]

I think Boston Brand meant this statement as a rhetorical question, in that most don't think of sandpaper as a tool, but it may only be scratchy paper, but it is a TOOL with a HUGE number of uses. I've used 400 through 1200 grade wet or dry sand paper to make the finish on the hull of a boat smooth enough to glide through the water faster, which helped me win races. In a similar fashion, you can make a knife blade's appearance come to near mirror finish with this kind of sandpaper. So yes, it's a TOOL. The more functional AND pretty your blades are, the more money you will make selling them. People pay more for goods that are beautiful and functional.

[@phillipjelks3172]

Thanks, great video. And yes, you are right, the 2x72 is a must!!!! My 1x30 just is NOT doing the job, but it has to suffice until I can afford the grinder of choice. Just not sure which one will suit my needs best. Oh, and the handcuff reference was awesomely comical. Fell off the chair on that one.

[@Elitesurvivalfood]

downtime while deployed has allowed me to become a fan of all your videos. Thanks! ~John

[@CoolHippy]

Fantastic video... well thought out and articulated ... I can't tell you how much I appreciate watching a video where every other word isn't someone saying basically

[@MakersMovementDIY]

Perfect list. Start where you are and eventually you will have a world class workspace. Same goes for all disciplines of handcraft.

[@HELLICRINATIOn]

I was able to order everything on this list for just under $600 Australian, including a belt grinder, a very low quality belt grinder, but should be good for starting out, thanks for this list man, great stuff!

[@MarkPhillipsRoShin]

After going back through your extensive list of videos and catching up to current I only have one comment which would apply to all of them... Thank you Mr Sorrells! Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge and dry wit with all of us. I have seen a lot of videos from different knife makers and there are some really good ones around, but everyone has a different style and some are going to strike a chord more than others... Just sayin' :-) Would love to see how you would go about making a folder if you get bored or stuck for ideas for more videos. In all seriousness though, you have my very genuine thanks for sharing with us.

[@ducknorris9715]

The best tool ever? Patience

[@vthinhmx]

Sure

[@apexindustries1453]

Not really. But I can tell you, patience saves people at the same time :)

[@reneemills-mistretta790]

I can see that.

[@stephenadair8356]

Where do I buy this patience you speak of.

[@aldenunion]

Naw it is the Bader 2×72.....

[@flavour404]

There are plans online, on various knife making forums, for the 2x72 belt sanders, I liked them so much I built 3x... Beaumont metalworks also sells components which he actually sais are for the home builder; so you can keep the cost down a bit. Great vid, bar a hacksaw, a file and some sandpaper it is really down to the skill of the individual. Great place to start.

[@flavour404]

+justame smith I built a 2.5 hp 2x72 with a VFD for about $700, and I have two others with different motor configurations. I shopped around for the motors and vfd, other materials were about $100 each. I only make these for myself, I'm not looking to go into production. I do have a small workshop and they are pretty simple devices. But you are correct, you do need some skill level and tools to undertake this kind of work. If you are going to make knives seriously at some point you will want to invest and if you don't have a shop you will have to purchase from a professional supplier, I would really recommend Beaumont metal works as they are great machines, you can also buy them in parts, chassis, motor, tooling etc. bit by bit. Good luck with your endeavor.

[@flavour404]

Justame Smith, if you are serious about building one for yourself, also check out ebay as there are a couple of people who make wheels and other belt sander attachments for knife making, top quality and they will save you some money overall.

[@FALpwn]

eerf grinder plans available from Wilmont. I'm getting mine cut out for 150. using a treadmill motor to drive it. I'll figure out the wheels soon. Its the best way to go other than. using square tubing.

[@MrBildo6969]

You have convinced me to start knife making. You are knowledgeable, entertaining and I would pay to spend a day with you

[@thekatablueprint2189]

That handcuff 'joke' (Though I suspect it wasn't) got you a new subscriber from down under. Good stuff, mate.

[@BrokenTengu99]

With the belt grinder , made quite a few knives with a 1x30 belt grinder from Harbor Freight . Had to improvise a longer platen , but with 40 grit belts , it works like a charm .

[@jacobaaron978]

completely agree with everything you said, and I'll add a number 11; a slab of granite, great for checking flatness and sanding fit ups.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+Jacob Aaron Yeah, I use my granite machinist's block constantly.

[@BushSquirrel12]

+Walter Sorrells I guess that I should get one it should be too hard for me since my mom works for a kitchen design company

[@BushSquirrel12]

+Walter Sorrells I guess that I should get one it should be too hard for me since my mom works for a kitchen design company

[@BushSquirrel12]

+Walter Sorrells I guess that I should get one it should be too hard for me since my mom works for a kitchen design company

[@jacobaaron978]

+Shredder212Films get me a new chunk too!

[@christopherpalmatier6479]

I got myself a little 1inch by 30 belt sander pretty cheap brand new for 70 its great for light small knife work

[@youssefrochdi1994]

You got a new subscriber for the delivery of the handcuff joke.

[@jasondiaz9083]

A old blown radiator hose or other arge automotive hoses work great for a beginner knife maker for a soft jaw vise cover. And as terrible sacrilege as it sounds harbor freight has cheap abrasives ... just remember you get what you pay for ....but they do work for beginners and it has an overwhelming amount of styles and grits usually in stock.. I know that's how I started doing my knife making. Also I want to thank you, I love your videos. You are a very informative and intelligent individual that inspires me and I'm sure many others in their knife working endeavors.

[@aldenunion]

JB WELD AND OLD LEATHER OR SHOE SOLE

[@jaekn]

It would be really cool if you did a knife using just the basic tools so that the beginner can see what these tools are capable of with a skilled hand. I suppose that would be super time consuming though,..

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+jaekn I've got about five videos like that. Knife from a file. Machete. Marking Knife. Some others...

[@jaekn]

+Walter Sorrells Thanks, I didn't know what search terms to use and you have a ton of videos.

[@ATechReviewsKnives]

+jaekn I've assembled a short list of tools and materials for a beginning knifemaker, hope it will be useful for someone: Tools: Dremel: ali.pub/edvi8 Mask with air filters: ali.pub/i84ny Steel wool: ali.pub/pwril Materials: Exotic wood: ali.pub/28obi G10: ali.pub/cg1t2 Kydex: ali.pub/5v410 Micarta: ali.pub/rmwp3 Best regards!

[@jaekn]

ATech Reviews Wow, that's awesome. Thanks

[@williamspetter2823]

you forgot a file +jaekn probably more important than all the other tools you mentioned

[@vdub5818]

Once I bought my 2x72 EVERYTHING got so much better. I will add if you spend the money for a nice 2x72, might as well go all out and get one that is 3 phase with a VFD. Being able to adjust the speed from full stop to wide open with a quick turn of a potentiometer is so key. Also flipping get a switch a reverse the belt is kind of nice for when I sharpen on my grinder. Mine is made by Pheer Grinders and was $1870 shipped with a 10" rubber contact wheel, flat platen, 2hp Baldor motor, and a kbac27d VFD.

[@DustinSeiger]

Thank you for taking the time to do this list.

[@BernieFromTheInternet]

the 4x36 belt grinder is a GREAT alternative to the 2x72 for about 1/5 the price for a high quality one, though you may have to eopxy a plate on it for a grinding surface

[@webneko9842]

This was very helpful and the examples with the handcuffs are hilarious.

[@RedDevilXLT]

Just need the belt grinder....but to add to your clamps collection: Snap clamps by Vise Grip/Irwin. LOVE those clamps in my welding shop.

[@andrewwilson8317]

Sage advice for all. I would only add that a good quality used item is a better buy than a non descripti cheap import. Garage sales and markets are solid hunting ground. Nothing bought new has the same buzz as finding a diamond in the rough at a yard sale!

[@IronheadOfScroteus]

+Andrew Wilson Exactly. I go to yard sales and flea markets regularly and have found so many tools that I just resell them now, unless I find something better than what I already have in triplicate. I have bought new Nicholson files still in the packages from estate sales for fifty cents each, boxes of rounds for chainsaws, etc, and I find old, dull files starting at ten cents each. I have a whole drawer full of them and have made quite a few knives from the dull ones. But yeah, I wouldn't even use Chinese made files and other hand tools as ballast in a wooden ship.

[@nick662bcr]

great video... the first 5 tools on the list all i tend to use, i just love the feeling of doing something completely by hand. but i dont put out dozens of knives and i also dont look to make mine to very tight tolerances. all depends on what you do of course

[@stizan24]

I'm in the process of building my belt grinder right now lol. it is going to take me 4 more months to get all the stuff and away I go! I already got the motor and spring. now I need step pullys, pilot blocks, deive shaft, 4 inch drive wheel, tracking wheel, platen or contact wheel, steel, and hardware. I got a welding machine already.

[@bumstudios8817]

Your obviously a professional so I understand where you are coming from with this list. It sounds more like a dream list to beginners on a budget, my list as I happen to fall into that category would be a 1 dremel tool ( I have cut out whole blades from old saw blades with the cut wheels) obviously the sanding and shaping possibilities are unlimited. 2 angle grinder most have two handle holes and the ability to move the guard this makes them awesome for rigging a table top type saw that works pretty good at rough shaping, the grinding disks can also be used if you create a rig for beveling would be nice to have two or three angle grinders to not have to always reconfigure for other tasks. 3 a hand held belt sander works wonders it also can be used in rigs my issue is it ruins the belts too fast, this is why he says a large belt grinder is ideal I just don't see a beginner running out and dropping 2gs on one. 4 clamps he is right you can never have enough, I love the quick ones he shows but I have had several break on me.5 sand paper 6 a chop saw or table saw assuming you start with wood handles I have both but haven't used them with metal cutting blades yet supposedly you can. 7 a jig saw I want one I don't have one yet but they are cheap and I imagine you can use them or a band or scrolling saw to do just about anything with the right blades 8 files are great but I would use them as material if your starting or old saw blades. 9 trusty old corded drill or two 10 imagination to rig up or make what you do have work. also safety first I said it's possible to alter more common tools to achieve the results you need but always always always put safety first.

[@MRDicristofaro]

im really interested in learning to make knives and this video was a great help on where to start when it comes to tools . thank you

[@BelnapCustomKnives]

I started out making my first knives with a flat file. I think it was a valuable experience and recommend it on at least a couple of blades.

[@randybernard2109]

Thank you for your info , ive already started doing the deed, and made about 150 or so but I just wanted to mention when you ware out those files they make nice knives. That is if you take the time to learn to heat treat, and file knives brings more money than the avg knives too ... A file I might buy at a yard sale cost say $5 , you make say 25 knives with it and turn around and make it in to knive I use to get around $35 to $ 75 for my average knive but the file will bring $ 125, 150. My point is never give up because $2000 is pocket change

[@johndemers6324]

Belt sander in a vice worked for my first few knives

[@AlphaMachina]

This just sent me over the edge. Now I'm about to go out and drop a modest sum of $1800 on some tools I don't already have. I used to live here in Baton Rouge on a compound with my family and a man named Shiva Ki and watching him forge his flesh eaters and spirit blades every day kind of got me into a fever over knives, especially great knives. So here I am, 16 years later getting into on my own. I have a one of a kind Shiva dagger in my living room, and I know I'll never live up to making blades like that, but maybe I can make blades that surprise even me.

[@dasiegel]

Super helpful video. I have zero skills in this arena but it actually seems learnable!

[@sdcb27]

Great video Walter, Ill also ad that if one hits auctions those prices can be had for 2/3 less and end up with higher quality tools. Even seen a Bader at one!

[@ianelley]

Never made a knife in my life, not much call for them in the UK as carrying almost any knife is illegal here but a great video ! Gonna subscribe anyway, good stuff !!

[@diamondlvlsnipa]

I just subscribed to your channel, I am trying to get a small operation going. You and Jason Knight have both shown me I can get going pretty easily. I have a lofty goal in mind, I want to eventually be a master bladesmith, but having never made a blade I have a long way to go.

[@FUGYOO]

I concur Walt. A project is appreciated more if it's made by hand with fewer electric tools. Nice video.

[@andrewmorley5187]

Nice job on this! I'm just say'n!! Good list well put together. Thanks

[@lonosborn5705]

I'm impressed. That doesn't happen often, so accept the complement

[@jasonskinner1555]

Delta makes a belt sander for a lot cheaper doesnt Come close to the grinder you have but they work for beginners. I also use DA sanders grinders of all kinds, I think every one could afford a simple bench grinder and a lap disc. A simple forge can be made from heat bricks and a map gas torch and a toaster oven for tempering lol tons of cheap ways to make a knife hope that helps he covered a lot of great tips

[@theamazingfreak]

Hi Walter, firstly thank you for your great video's. In this particular clip you mentioned that machinist's get upset when you call a drill a bit. In Australia it's the opposite, a drill bit is a 'bit' not a drill. Anyhow this is of no real consequence. So I thank you for your awesome videos. You do some great work and I love watching your video's.

[@gunghosgt]

this is a wonderful video. thank you so much. been playin with the idea making a few knives/ other metal work and this gave me a starting point.

[@ValHallenJF]

I love your videos and work Walter.Keep them coming

[@stoneblue1795]

Funny you mention Kurt machine vices... I worked for them in the 70's... really, his first product was a very unique "hitch" that made a chest strap for binoculars.... who knew!

[@Henkalicious]

I'll never make my own knife. I just love watching your videos. Please continue

[@scottecooke]

+Benjamin Van Gompel You should do one. Then you never know, you mag get the bug.

[@Peter-od7op]

Ty love videos my son 14 wants to try making knives. He has been mig welding since 12. Ty

[@crazethedave]

belt grinder has been on my wishlist for a long time

[@Worldtwentyfive]

if you're really dead set on not breaking the bank, fabricating your own belt grinder is pretty simple if you've got tools 1-9 on this list. may take a bit more thinking and planning than a knife but it can be done. and basic fire bricks can be substituted for fancy ass furnaces to heat treat your blades until you save up for a proper oven.

[@gregsmith2262]

You're a legend mate appreciate your videos alot

[@jotocs3]

Yeh thanks for the videos and for not talking down to us. And yeh also how great your shop is.

[@bighammer587]

You da man! Walter! 👊 Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@mishmosh_ml]

i’m not even out of high school yet, and i wanna start making knives, this is so interesting!! also, my enjoyment of both baking and blades will make for a very interesting resume

[@leostraker3494]

Hey, I started in 7th grade 🤪 you can do it if you are dedicated. I have a company now. (@Bearded_Goat_Forge on Instagram)

[@anthonyr2805]

Thank you for so much great information!! What is reason that the belt grinder is the tool of choice as opposed to a bench grinder

[@gorisenke]

If I'm understanding a bench grinder correctly, the belt grinder will have an advantage because it can have both flat portions and round portions, plus the areas where the belt is in open space, and the parts can be changed out for all sorts of sizes and uses. I think it's just a versatility thing.

[@iamzeusv2]

I just started a 2 year welding course and we have time every week to work on personnal projects. I'll probably try and make my own grinder instead of buying one. One that runs on a hinge to turn it sideways for profiling would be awesome. Grinders like that cost a fortune. Might make my own propane forge too. Tired of using charcoal.

[@chrissoto7187]

I like using masonry vice it holds the tang of the knife pretty well

[@duieb]

Great video. Can you make a tutorial on using an angle grinder for knifemaking? It's a pretty common and cheap tool that can save time even for beginers, if used right...

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+dor duieb Good idea. They are great tools. I wouldn't put them in my top ten, but they can be really handy for a lot of tasks. There are guys who grind whole knives with them. I've never done that myself, though.

[@MrBodeci]

+Walter Sorrells Love your videos and love the fact you press the issue you don't need 10k in tools to do it

[@duieb]

Walter Sorrells Thanks. I asked on another video- about making a knife from a file... Does ANY file do for this? Even a crappy 'made in china' kind of file?

[@kaizoebara]

+dor duieb I'll butt in if I may. I wouldn't buy a cheap China file to make a knife from. I'd suggest looking around flea markets, garage sales etc. for old files - it doesn't matter when they're dull, it will probably help in your bargaining. Also, even if you don't find a cheap file or two, you might stumble upon a whole variety of other useful tools.

[@stijndeputter9275]

If i go with a 1095 steel do i need to heattreath it? If i have to, can i heat treath it on coal in a stone block? Or wont that go to high enough heat?

[@calebgreen4150]

Mr Walter I have enjoyed your tips very much thanks for the suggestions. They help a lot.

[@tyfenrir]

Hey Walter! I've been watching your videos for a while now and just started making my knives this summer. I am on a small property and don't have a shop or shed so my only option right now is using an angle grinder for stock removal and cleaning up my forged blades. Can you please make a video with any tips for using an angle grinder for making a knife? Any input on where to put the angle grinder down and pick up the file for pricison work? I have a pretty steady hand and am getting the trick of grinding evenly with the tool but making bevels with the angle grinder can be hell. Absolutely any advice would be amazing!

[@boneman1868]

I am constantly being impressed by Walter's videos. Great style, authoritative content. I do think there was an important oversight with the making of this video, however. I think that a very high priority should be given to safety equipment, and yet no mention here. Otherwise, though, I am, as ever, impressed.

[@brochslanders1845]

I'm glad I found your channel. Great vids, very informative for rookies like me. Thanx and I look forward to watching more!

[@austindorf83]

I was making knives for a year and a half with a ryobi bench grinder. After seeing a relatively easy design for a 2x72, I made my own for about 500 bucks. Best move I made.

[@TitusLivy777]

A very interesting and helpful video! Thanks!

[@genuwine7]

quick, consise, entertaining and valuable information. thank you so much! love your videos.

[@StanleyFishman]

Actually, the FIRST "tool" what are you need is SPACE (room) for all this another tools...

[@johnmood5653]

Space and a good solid work surface!

[@PhantomShane914]

Bobby H lmao tool 2 is a properly functioning body

[@logicalamerican]

Stanley F is the first tool.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

This is true, wife doesn't like it when I start working metal in the kitchen.

[@zilyanna7819]

yes the one thing i dont have yet

[@chosenundead4610]

Do you think a 1x32 belt sander would be a decent alternative for a beginner? I know it wouldn't be the best, but it would be good for shaping handles and sanding pins and maybe beveling or sharpening right?

[@severusfumizuki9934]

Btw. not only is a file a good tool, its also sometimes good material. For the beginner knifemaker, getting decent steel is often a struggle. Files are, when it comes down to it, metal bars of tool-steel...and this stuff can be worked, and hardened decently.

[@Manik604]

if your struggling to find steel, try checking out your local truck shop or a spring shop for free scrap leaf springs. even a scrap yard might have some but may also charge you for it.

[@severusfumizuki9934]

Manik604 Spring steel is not spring steel though. Buying from a scrapyard you never know what you get. It could be high-carbon steel that is easily hardened, it could be some alloy that makes good springs but either doesn't harden at all, or requires a special heat-treatment regimen to do so.

[@Manik604]

Severus Fumizuki If your scrounging in a scrap yard then you have to know what it is your looking for. Same goes for the scrap bin at the spring shop. And I will tell you that yes, Springs are made from Spring steel, hence where the name comes from. Unless of course it is a specialty engineered alloy spring which you wont find in your common truck. Therefore, your common truck leaf springs will always be High carbon steel within the range of 1075, 1085, 1095, 5160... I deal with all metals on a daily basis, hobbies and career. I have never had an issue with heat treating leaf spring knives. hope this clarifies my first statement a little better.

[@jakeflood2]

Can you tell me what the blue paint/ dye is you use for marking out. Thanks

[@crazeycelt]

I USED a railroad track a butane torch and wd40 with a 3lb welders hammer and clamp on tongs. fine work with a finishing file and dermal tool. heated till yellow orang than drew it out with a lot of hammering. Friend mad a out door forage by using fireplace bricks a 3/;4 inch pipe with holes in it threaded cap berried it in coal hooked it up to a large duel tank air compressor. started with a one inch brass drift pin that had broke. it took a long time heating the bar then sit it on the modified track and hammering it into shape. eventually it came out as a very fine bronze dagger

[@lilshark7520]

whats the name of tool used at 3:54? and where can i buy one?

[@1972Russianwolf]

brace and bit. One example www.garrettwade.com/traditional-10-brace.html?mkwid=s8NzH7CV2&crid=171102150941&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&pdv=c&gclid=CjwKEAjwpdnJBRC4hcTFtc6fwEkSJABwupNiMi-Xj6XTYAgMeRPMESNY74EVITdZ49huQH8bZlzmURoCFq3w_wcB

[@theoldcookiemonster]

Lovely video, for a cheaper belt sander I had a 1x30" belt sander which for me works fine, and costs about $60 which is a bargin. Probably not a tool designed for metal but for a beginner it works great

[@dominicksantora1574]

Damn the History channel & Forged in fire. That's why I'm checking this out.

[@dominicksantora1574]

I think I'll stick to photography. The price to get started, is about the price of a Macro lens I've always wanted. But this is fascinating stuff.

[@tylerculwell9292]

What kind of sharpening stone what that with the Green separating the sides ?

[@dominiquehill1532]

Your videos are INCREDIBLE and so helpful. Can you tell me what kind of Hand Drill you have in this video. I've found alot of cheap plastic ones but the one in your video is all metal!

[@gymover]

Thank you so much, you are the king of common sense.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Great informative video thank you for sharing.

[@derickmashimane]

Now I do like to treat steal after I burning with old use engen oil do I'm wrong or right please advice me

[@galaxyoffender7526]

My 3 tools. Plasma cutter. Stick welder. Angle grinder. It always looks like a prison knife but it comes out pretty good for me.

[@normann4016]

Hi, Walt, my congrats, nice report, hu ! anyway for an accurate capliper I suggest an analogic mabe by Mauser, the rifle factory.. ;-)

[@gunnysgun]

i have a request for you if you could make a video for fixing bent knife tips. my syster just sent me a vg10 damaskis blade were its vary stiff but on the tip its flexible but its bent

[@nortagnan2135]

Such a useful video, thank you so much, just what I was looking for

[@durdenpainting3853]

what do you think about multitool belt grinder. just starting again.

[@johnsmith4630]

belt grinder is less the 2 by 72 belt grinder is less important if you are forging into shape rather than the stock removal method. Wilton makes a good to buy 42 Grindr which can also host won by 42 belts it's plenty powerful and as a good starter unit for a few hundred bucks.

[@Cinek838]

Very useful video, thanks!