Knifemakers, help me out!

foundlingofdollar · 09-08-2008, 11:04 PM

Hello all you knifemakers out there! I'm setting a goal of making all the Christmas presents that I give this year by hand. For a few family members I want to make some handmade end-grain chopping blocks and a kitchen knife to go with each one. The only problem is I'm very exacting about my kitchen knives. I don't have the equipment or experience to grind or forge blades myself, so I'm looking for something in the range of a kit that will include a high-quality blade which I can make scales for and sharpen myself.

Any recommendations?

Philadelph · 09-08-2008, 11:10 PM

Hey! Check out some of the knife supply places online. Most carry blades that are finished for the most part besides scales. Knifekits.com has a lot. Do some searching on knife supply places and you will find something. Just make sure to figure out how finished the blade really is. Most places are great to talk to if you have questions- just call them.

foundlingofdollar · 09-08-2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Hey! Check out some of the knife supply places online. Most carry blades that are finished for the most part besides scales. Knifekits.com has a lot. Do some searching on knife supply places and you will find something. Just make sure to figure out how finished the blade really is. Most places are great to talk to if you have questions- just call them.

Thanks! I have looked at a lot of places online. I'm mostly looking for people with experience with one company or anther's knives. I want to know who supplies some really high-quality mostly-finished knives. I mostly want to know that I'll be giving my family members knives that will hold a sharp edge and last for years.

Mike Blue · 09-09-2008, 12:35 AM

Do you want something like this?

Jantz Supply - Your source for knifemaking!

https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.ph...ex&cPath=92_77

foundlingofdollar · 09-09-2008, 02:21 AM

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for, moreover I'm looking for those that have used one of these products before and would consider what they got to be "high quality".

Quick Orange · 09-09-2008, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foundlingofdollar

Hello all you knifemakers out there! I'm setting a goal of making all the Christmas presents that I give this year by hand. For a few family members I want to make some handmade end-grain chopping blocks and a kitchen knife to go with each one. The only problem is I'm very exacting about my kitchen knives. I don't have the equipment or experience to grind or forge blades myself, so I'm looking for something in the range of a kit that will include a high-quality blade which I can make scales for and sharpen myself.

Any recommendations?

I was just about to make this thread but you beat me to it! These are some great sites. The Brisa one is pretty neat. Does anyone have any experience with them?

LX_Emergency · 09-09-2008, 10:23 AM

Don't know any of the other ones. But knifekits.com is really quite good.

Bruno · 09-09-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Do you want something like this?

Jantz Supply - Your source for knifemaking!

https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.ph...ex&cPath=92_77

Hey Mike, those things are looking good, but how can a handforged pattern welded blade cost only 73 euros?
https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.ph...roducts_id=340

That's cheaper than most standard kitchen knives (standard meaning good enough for me. I know the plebs is happy with a 10$ serrated half tin lid).

Quick Orange · 09-09-2008, 06:13 PM

I was wondering that myself. If the blades are quality though, I think I might be having some fun very soon!

kevint · 09-09-2008, 06:57 PM

You can find a variety of definitions of "hand made". It looks welded, but i didn't see any mention of pattern welded in the description of the deba, just "hand forged" which technically does not eliminate factory production work

Philadelph · 09-09-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foundlingofdollar

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for, moreover I'm looking for those that have used one of these products before and would consider what they got to be "high quality".

I can only speak to the quality of service and other products you get from some of these places- most of which are very high. The problem with asking knifemakers about buying pre-shaped and finished blades is that none would know... they probably would all make them themselves!

Again I'd suggest calling any of these places and asking personally about the knives. Say you want an honest opinion and tell them your concerns. Any knife place I have called with questions like these have been 100% honest and helpful in their answers. These places should (and probably do) know their products.

Bruno · 09-09-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevint

You can find a variety of definitions of "hand made". It looks welded, but i didn't see any mention of pattern welded in the description of the deba, just "hand forged" which technically does not eliminate factory production work

It says 'damasucs' so given that it is not wootz, it would have to be pattern welded.
And good pattern welded steel costs money.

Mike Blue · 09-09-2008, 08:21 PM

The Jantz supply site is only stainless steel and I would say useful but not elegant or aesthetic. But they are kit knives.

I know Dennis at Brisa and he runs a very good business. I'd buy anything from him and expect 100% service and a quality product every time. His prices are fair aren't they?

The "damascus" blades are pattern welded Japanese knives. Some how he's managed to obtain a supply of the blades before they are assembled into Shun or Kershaw or the like of commercial knife blades. The core is probably blue number one super steel and the outer layers are non hardening stainless' of two types to create a contrast, or, the inner layer is a super stainless of cutlery quality and the outer skins are other stainless'. You won't know until you cut something and the inner layer darkens a little with patina.

Bruno · 09-09-2008, 08:41 PM

Thanks mike. When seeing low prices like this, it's always hard to know if it is good value for money, or overpriced garbage. This is where word of mouth and reputation are invaluable.
The price is indeed great, and they will make really nice gifts.

kevint · 09-09-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruno

It says 'damasucs' so given that it is not wootz, it would have to be pattern welded.
And good pattern welded steel costs money.

doh! don't know how i missed it.

Quick Orange · 09-10-2008, 03:27 AM

I e-mailed Pat over at one of Brisa's listed sellers- NorthCoast Knives Home- about a project I'm thinking of, and he was very nice and honest. I think I'll be ordering a couple blanks from him, so I'll let everyone know how it turns out

Quick Orange · 09-30-2008, 11:18 PM

Well, I ordered a small knife blade blank, emerald micarta, and two sheets of kydex from NorthCoast Knifes. Shipping was quick and everything was great quality. I'll post back with pictures as soon as I get it done

foundlingofdollar · 10-01-2008, 03:16 AM

Definitely a great site. Let me know how you like the steel.

Quick Orange · 10-01-2008, 04:27 AM

So far it seems like your typical 440C. I'm still learning how to hone knives, so I can't really say that it performs well or otherwise. What I can say is that it does seem solid and doesn't feel cheap. His Micarta is nice as well. Once I figure out how in hell to hone a knife, I'll post back

Bruno · 10-01-2008, 08:21 AM

I am hardly an expert, but since I can get (some of) my knives pretty sharp...

I usually my x motions as if I am trying to slice a piece away from my hone (1000). I do this at a shallow angle, and I continue until the blade grabs my thumbnail.
Then I go to a fine hone (4000) and do the same for 20 laps or so.
Then I increase the angle, and very, very lightly make 2 X motions so that I end up with a double bevel.

The result is pretty sharp.