Making a Wood Carving Knife with NO Power Tools! Easy DIY Knife Making Project.

In this video, knife maker Walter Sorrells shows the making of a small woodcarving knife...using no power tools at all. This is a project suitable for someone with even the most simply equipped shop. Whether you're a wood worker looking to make yourself some specialized tools or someone interested in getting started with knifemaking, there's plenty in this video for you.
Here are some other videos that show similar projects involving very simple heat treating processes.
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[@mikenorris6769]

Hey from NZ Walter, I'm a retired carpenter and joiner, I've used all the power tools over the years but there's nothing more more satisfying than doing a project using only hand tools, get out the handsaw, smoothing plane, chisels, give them a tickle up and into it! I also make a few knives and I'm growing interested in wood carving, will have a go at this one, Cheers..

[@jasontoney2042]

As someone who works a lot with wood i think it's important to point out that when drilling through wood (especially exotic because it's often more expensive) it is important to use a bar of soap to coat the drill bits and predrill smaller than needed holes. This will help reduce the risk of your wood splitting and being ruined

[@bitsurfer0101]

How much smaller should you drill?

[@winrawrisyou]

​@@bitsurfer0101 I know I'm late but getting a clamp on the wood, applying pressure perpendicular to the plane that wants to split, will prevent splitting.

[@Eric-lw4ih]

Hey Walter, yesterday I made my first knife (maybe just "knife-shaped object") out of an old file and some wood from my backyard. I used only hand tools and a bench grinder. Now I really have a better appreciation for how much patience and skill you have.

[@suecollins3246]

Man, this video _seriously_ does it for me! My grandfather would have _loved_ this - he was a precision engineer in Cape Town. He had some seriously major machinery but could do anything with anything you threw at him.

[@NikhilKhandekar]

You make things like wood working, carving, tempering and so on look so easy. Those of us who have done any work on a piece of wood or steel know it isn't all that easy. Your video, however, inspires the craftsmen and artists in us to go make beautiful objects with a utility value. Great video and great knife! Heartiest congratulations!!

[@markharris5771]

I’m not a metal worker by any stretch of the imagination, and even I managed to follow this video with more understanding than any other video I’ve seen. Thank you, your narration was superb.

[@larryblackmon2341]

I am late to the party but this is exactly what I needed to see. I am looking to do the same type of craft knife because I can't afford the store bought one. I am planning to try it with some junk drawer silverware. I am not holding a lot of hope but it's what I have and I want the experience. Thanks so much this video gives me more motivation.

[@billcallahan2830]

You truly are one of the best. worked in shipyards where straighteners and cutters were considered unskilled laborers. When they retired company can't figure out why quality has gone down hill. Find someone that understands the whole picture is a rare source. But what do I know. Im just a dumbass welder. Lol. Always willing to learn and thanks for sharing.

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

I respect and appreciate this video, especially the philosophy around the project. There is something to sweat and sore muscles at the end of the day. Hand work is usually quieter and more contemplative. Thanks for doing this video.

[@dfcvda]

atlast someone making stuff without power tools, I have no power tools thank you from England.

[@RobanyBigjobz]

One of the best things about making knives is the premise of this video: making tools that friends will use for years. Wonderful :)

[@carlprice3203]

This is the first blade that I'll be making. Thanks for letting a complete novice in bladesmithing get the inspiration to start off without using the fancy tools.

[@workwithnature]

Wow that lady is gona be very happy with you. You did a very nice job on the knife. It is funny how most modern saws would not last two years and yet that grandpa saw is still going to this day.

[@alexisjorge3044]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know of a method to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me

[@acexzavier897]

@Alexis Jorge Instablaster :)

[@alexisjorge3044]

@Ace Xzavier I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@issacgarcia2577]

Shame on the people that disliked Walters video. He's a good guy with great vids

[@medz_gio8881]

Issac Garcia HATERS

[@mercoid]

Giovanni Mendez ...Hate is numero uno!

[@Gurfmanj]

@PetiteSirène Hannaé-Elisabeth I disliked your shitty comment. And it is deeper than that. You simply don't understand how to search for the video you want apparently so you take it out on the person that did the hard work of making the actual video. The irony of someone that would dislike a great video because they can't find the video they actually want, being offended by someone elses opinion of people that disliked a good instructional video that is free. Bravo.

[@salvitoregachione1237]

Issac Garcia the only problem I have with any of Walter’s videos is easily remedied by setting the playback sped to 1.5.

[@jora9415]

Ikr

[@suecollins3246]

I love that curve for the thumb - it _is_ for the thumb, isn't it?

[@dirkbaumann9398]

It is a privilege to learn from you. Your skills are a great resource to learn from and develop knowledge that is unique. Thank You for your tutorials and for sharing with the wold. This is the beauty of the internet and people like you are the key to this privilege.

[@michaellionart3675]

YES. At last I have a reason to make a knife 👍. Thank You

[@YossiCohenGoogle]

Just finished making that carving knife today! one of my first blades, no power tools. thank you Walter for the video.

[@thomaslizon2594]

Dear Mr Sorrells, Thank you for this one more very educative and well produced video. One thing you could mention, that I can't remember having heard said before, is that humans have been making knives since thousands of years whereas electric power tools are may be 150 years max. And of course the satisfaction of making it by hand is about a thousand time greater! Thank you very much again Tom Paris France

[@patricksworkshop6010]

Walter thank you for this video, after watching it I made a carving knife out of railroad spike

[@WelshIron]

Lovely work Walter. As a woodworker myself I think this knife is a thing of beauty. I hope your friend enjoyed it, I would for sure.

[@paultroiani255]

Nice project! My grandfather taught me just this way. Thanks for some great memories.

[@declanmoore4042]

Thanks Walter I have to make a few small carving knives and I love the way you have don 👍

[@SharpWorks]

That is a beautiful, functional work of art! Great job man!

[@doloresrivera8722]

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗲𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗿 >facebook.com/Woodcarvingcnc-1028425940632907/app/208195102528120?huju99

[@emaramify]

@@doloresrivera8722 who cares???????

[@rushley5813]

great choice of wood for the handle lots of color in it and contrast in the grain

[@canusakommando9692]

Walter you truly are a Master Craftsman. I always learn something from you and your products. I don't think there a very many knife makers that have your depth of knowledge and skill with your hands. You can go old school 17'th century style and pivot and use the very latest steels , machines and finish with an absolutely gorgeous handle fit to order. Thanks once again from Southern Ontario .

[@tevya017]

Best video of the process of making a carving knife.

[@avicennitegh1377]

wow - beautiful small knife - story nicely told by one who knows what they're doing

[@loupanella9632]

WOW! I enjoyed watching this video. I learned a lot too! This brings me back memories of a a time I wish shop teacher had an older gentleman who came to talk about wood carving. He had many carving knives and quite a few of them where homemade. He even showed us how they were made with just old or new hacksaw blades. This was around 1982 and any info on knife making was valuable to me. I was always interested in knives from a young age but try to find DIY info about it at the time! Yes, I made a few small knives from hacksaw blades but for. cutting patching cloth while shooting muzzle loaders.

[@philipprigmore8723]

Walter, thanks for this video, can't wait for the one using power tools. I just found out my brother-in-law is a wood carver. I now have an idea on how to make some knives for him that he will not only enjoy, but be able to put to good use. Plan on using 5160 for his blades, since I have that on hand. Again thanks for the video. (Also plan on using some beautiful American walnut I have available.)

[@locksmithmuggle]

The thick blade, v grind and huge step back would make this one of my most seldom used carvers

[@bobbydobbins6484]

great vid. just a little tip for those who are not sure how long to heat your steel. you can buy temp sticks at about any welding supply . just heat and touch with temp stick, when the stick melts you are at the right temp. takes out all the guess work.

[@jamesaritchie1]

It's a lot easier and cheaper just to use a magnet, which is what all knife makers, including Walter, do. As soon as the steel is no longer magnetic, you're at the perfect temp.

[@bormatnor]

Loved this video and the use of hand tools introduces people to knife making. I've made a few carvers myself. I do have to interject one thing and that is being careful using woods that produce toxic dust. Once upon a time I got sick as a dog using cocobola. Once again great video.

[@Razolution]

hey. was wondering if u could do a quick video of some low tech ways to sharpen custom knives? it wouls really help!!

[@carr869]

Excellent work. Being an old guy I like to do these types of project. I can just take my time and have fun with it. Thanks for the video. Tom

[@guitarsbybart7894]

I really enjoyed the video. I love "old school" working with hand tools. I still have my grandfather's brace and bits, draw knife, wood chisels and more. I am in my 70's and teach woodcarving. Let me know if you have a website to sell your knives and I will share it with my students who bring Chinese made junk knives to class.

[@AnnaelleD]

Surprising but beautiful shape. Thank you for the explanations.

[@Fat2Fit5k]

Thanks so much for such an in depth and educational video. It shows you don't need all kinds of cash to get something beautiful to start a new hobby with. May have to try this myself. All credit to you of course though!

[@zombieac1]

Love your videos and love the way you take the time to make knives without power tools and one with. As a beginner it helps alot when I just have the basics like a hack saw and a good ol bastard file

[@Uncle_Buzz]

Cocobolo and I have a love/hate relationship. Smells like cinnamon when you work it, also gums up drill bits in a hurry. In the end, it's gorgeous wood. Another great video Walter! Cheers, Chris.

[@darwin7434]

No machine interfere,I love it ,with only your " bare hand ",and that piece of art hapen ,wow,very good,..two or maybe more thumbs up for you.

[@lisag2771]

Thanks for taking the time to show us this method.

[@freedfg6694]

"Let's bust out a piece of walnut." First handle attempt I see there huh?

[@davescheer5038]

Walter needs to hook up Mr Mike from Stinnett Sticks ,he's like the most unbelievable wood carver ever , you to together could make history !!

[@Brandywine6969]

Thank you for making the knife for her. A lot of guys don't like it when a woman wants to do woodworking or learn to carve. I keep looking at all of these styles of knives and people keep saying Flexcut, but my budget says I gotta use what I have. So, what I have been using so far is the smaller knife blade on my Victorinox for roughing out carvings then using my Xacto with #2 blades for the finer stuff. Lately, though, I have been carving more poplar and oak. The Xacto is killing my hands, lol. I will have to look into one of the methods for getting that 1500 degree temperature. Would purpleheart pen blanks be ok for a handle for one of these types of carving knives? I found some purpleheart that I could afford to get finally. I have been ripping them into thirds and using the thinner pieces to make inlays. Wow, that's the toughest wood I have ever tried to handsaw, but I managed it with perseverance. Do they make any already hardened steel? I can hand sand some stainless steel pretty well and shape it. It takes a lot of work, but if you work up through the grits, stainless steel is workable. Would stainless steel be ok to use to make the knife? I have several pocket knives that I keep sharp by sandpaper and they keep their edges a good long time. Metal work has always confused me.

[@EvilED08]

I really appreciate your videos with handtools (as well a the other ones) thanks!

[@mennoh6847]

Im going to make 4 knifes for my 3 brothers and my dad for xmas , my dad is getting this knife becaus he always makes cool thinks with his pocketknife and a stick

[@tightpants07]

i really like the way you presented this video especially some of the words were pretty funny but kept me interested and wanting to finish it.

[@Cherbanov]

done quite alot of blades and a tip to find the sweatspot of the heat, is that the magnetic force from the steel diseperes your right on with the heat. so use a magnet and when it stops sticking to the knife its time to drop in down in the oil

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Beautiful knife. Thanks for the information on the process. I have looked in to making my own knives, but have hesitated due to my lack of knowledge on the matter. I will be venturing into this slowly and armed with the knowledge to do a better job than just guessing. Thanks again for the videos and content.

[@user-pi1qb8ji8x]

我很尊敬Walter。 他做事很熱忱。讚！

[@AmirRosenzweig]

Hey Walter thanks a lot for the video, its great to help the "less-tooled" ;-). I wanted to ask for a tip for not getting white wood colored grey when filling the blade and wood as one as after epoxy. thanks lot !

[@lylekobberstad8571]

AR9 great question, I've also wondered that.

[@scottgray5155]

I suppose one could use a coal fired kiln to make it even more of an old fashioned production. I enjoyed this video and it makes me think I could make knives in my own workshop!

[@iman5578]

Thank you, sir, it's been inspirational and got me made my own folding knives. God bless you and your family :)

[@javierantoniovarasgenestie5313]

made one from an old file. Works amazing!

[@utubephil100]

Thankd for sharing - you are a real craftsman !

[@mickyparuch926]

awesome stuff, you actually taught me alot about tempering, lots of value here.

[@matt82403]

Really helpful video, thank you! By the way, you get a far more accurate cut if you point out your index finger when using a saw, it helps to support it and gives a far more accurate cut

[@scottyboy7462]

you’ve done it again Walter!

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Awesome Workmanship.. I like 👍

[@patanvalle9379]

I congratulate you. Excellent work ... In the old days it was very common for artisans to make their own tools ... It's the best job I've seen in the past few years ... No power tools ... I subscribed to your channel. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@t.b3959]

Cool stuff Mr Sorrells going to make one for my uncle

[@mikaylaboo1]

That's a nice looking whittling knife. Comfort grip.

[@vinodjaylal4493]

Very encouraging

[@harryschaefer5887]

Thanks for a great lesson. The knife turned out to be beautiful, and looks to be comfortable in the hand.

[@msblades5382]

great job no powertools great little project.

[@matthewgagnon4339]

I like how it came out

[@leomorean]

what can i say ? just perfect !!!

[@58dunc]

Well done mate.Good easy video to follow.Thanks.

[@Barbara_Schulz]

Beautiful

[@spherulite]

amazing skill

[@PrimesGirl509]

beautiful work but i have noticed something so many people says anybody can do it but theres people that would love to make stuff that sees this gets so happy then realizes theres still some expensive equipment that is used. i love making things and carving stuff and iv been wanting to make a good carving knife cause iv just been using sharp pocket knives and exact-o blades but i don't have any of the tools used and i have more important stuff to spend money on like food for my pets so i cant just go and get stuff i use scraps i find laying around for my stuff like wood from the woods where i live and just stuff i see that i get an idea for maybe instead of saying anybody can do it say something like its a lower cost but still you need some pricey tools

[@OwlShadow]

nice video i like it i have cheap ebay 3$ carving knife that im not really impresssed with it so i'm planing to use your tips and make my own

[@sandylhellard]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@sofianebenhadj60]

very very good of job

[@paracop35]

nice work.. wished I could have seen you give the friend the knife.

[@AdamBechtol]

Nice, lucky friend.

[@tooterr102e.9]

Thumbs up to another very well explained and demonstrated video. Thank you for sharing

[@user-wj2yp5xs9c]

by far the best carving knife i have seen on youtube .great job Walter

[@MrDeathray117]

Hey Walter, how would you feel about making a video showing how to sharpen / re-sharpen a knife?

[@richardschaffling9882]

Looks great

[@rheniformer]

That's a beautiful knife and an interesting and well done video. So! I think I'll go back to google and buy a nice knife, lol, saving the knife project for another day!

[@elund408]

when using a hand saw, hold it with the bottom three fingers and point along the saw with the index finger it helps guide the saw

[@sverregjeldvikjervell8251]

When you do it like that it's easy to push the saw blade to the left without meaning to...

[@mike_billtaiji8965]

Thanks!

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Hi Walter, verry nice work and thanks for sharing your knowledge and craftsmanship with us all!!! Kind regards, Yves.

[@shayanthis]

Cheers, this was really good. I've been working with tools and in workshops for decades and I appreciated the explanations. I've sent this video to a few friends who've expressed an interest in working in my shed with me.

[@RatdogDRB]

Fine little carving blade there. Very nice.

[@massdeath1]

another amazing video. thank you Walter sorrells

[@fabiandaroca]

Unbelievably beautiful job!!!!!

[@rentals_yt]

Nice

[@patricioortega5854]

Very good Master !

[@ibrahimgoma7779]

thanks for that

[@Bregadze_]

Great! Thanks

[@aurawright2130]

Thank you for a great video without power tools!

[@TheWebster008]

Nice job

[@tonywalker8989]

the guitar riff at the end lol. Great video! Thank you

[@CrankyFrankie59]

Another great video. THANK YOU for all of them. When are you going to be either a contestant or a judge on "Forged in Fire?" I can't wait!

[@K0ester]

Awesome video. And oh to god, that sound you get from filing steel. gives me goosebumps and uncomfortable feeings. I need to wear ear pro anytime I do it

[@onxkrinear]

Mindblowind Sir...

[@paddypup1836]

Very well done and great explanation