FAQ
Tools & materials
What type of steel should I use for my first knife?
I would recommend 5160,1084, or 80crv2 as the heat treat for them are pretty forgiving and simple to do. I would go with 1084 but I encourage doing some reading about all three and making a decision based on things like what type of knife you want to make, tools you have, budget, etc. Unless you plan on sending your knives out for heat treat stay away from stainless steels as the heat treatments for these steels are more complicated and precise than the steels I mentioned above - not really something that's doable in a forge. Similarly, try to stay away from any "mystery steels". As tempting as it is to grab some steel you already have lying around and getting to work, it's more likely than not the steel you already have is not able to be heat treated and all that work will be for nothing.
NOTE: If you're just getting started and find heat treating to be a bit intimidating, pre-heat-treated blanks are a great option. These blanks come ready for finishing, handle attachment, and sharpening. UsaKnifeMaker, Jantz, MakerMaterialSupply, and AlabamaDamascus all sell such blanks. You can find them listed in the "Trusted Stores" section.
Where can I buy knife-making materials like steel, wood, or handle materials?
You can find many of the suppliers I use in the "Various Links" section.
A word of caution though, I wouldn't use amazon to shop for steels as it seems to be a bit of a coin flip on whether or not the steel you get is what you ordered.
What tools do I need to make a knife?
The answer to this question is going to vary a bit depending on if you're forging or doing stock removal so here's some general tools you're going to need for both:
- Belt grinder and/or files
- Some way of heating your knife for heat treatment (forge or heat treat oven)
- Hacksaw or angle grinder
- Clamps and vice(s)
- Hand drill or preferably a drill press
- Epoxy (I personally use west systems G-Flex)
- PPE (eye protection, ear protection, respirator)
Techniques
How do I heat treat steel, and why is it important?
Heat treating typically consists of three main steps: austenitizing, quenching, and tempering. If the knife is forged rather than made by stock removal, there's an additional step before austenitizing called normalizing, which refines the steel's grain structure and relieves internal stress.
- Austenitizing involves heating the steel to its critical temperature, where its internal structure changes to austenite.
- Quenching rapidly cools the steel from critical temperature, forming martensite which is hard but brittle.
- Tempering follows by reheating the steel to a lower temperature to reduce brittleness and improve toughness while retaining much of the hardness.
This process is crucial for creating a knife that is hard enough to hold an edge yet tough enough to resist breaking. Without heat treating, the steel would remain too soft to function effectively as a knife.
This article written by Dr. Larrin Thomas at Knife Steel Nerds does a far better job explaining this stuff than I ever could so I recommend giving it a read.
What’s the best way to shape a knife?
The best way is whichever method works with the tools you have access to. Whether you’re forging mostly to shape, hand filing, belt grinding, or using CNC, the goal is always the same: to create something that’s comfortable to use and carry.
That said, the time required for each method varies. Forging takes a good amount skill and time but can reduce the amount of material removed later. Hand filing is the most time-intensive and physically demanding option but requires only basic tools. Belt grinding is fast and offers versatility for precise shaping and finishing. CNC machining is the most efficient for production but requires specialized equipment and programming knowledge.
Each approach has its trade-offs, so the best choice depends on your resources, experience, and the kind of knife you want to create.
How do I attach the handle to the blade?
I’m not going to dive into the entire glue-up process, as most knife making videos will cover this in depth. However, I will list some of the more common methods for securing handle materials to the tang, usually in combination with a two-part epoxy:
- Corby bolts
- Loveless bolts
- Pin stock (G10, brass, stainless steel, etc.)
Design and Templates
Where can I find templates or patterns for knife designs?
You can find links to some patterns in the "Templates" section
How do I decide on the shape and size of a knife?
The shape and size of the knife you make or buy largely depend on its intended use. For example, if you’re designing a skinning knife, a cleaver-like blade shape wouldn’t be practical. Instead, you’d want a knife with a wide belly and maybe even a shorter blade. That being said, if the knife doesn’t have a specific use case, feel free to create whatever looks cool to you—this is a creative endeavor, so have fun with it! Keep in mind however, that if you're heat treating with just a torch, getting a larger blade up to temp and keeping it there evenly is going to be difficult.
It’s also worth considering how the handle material ties into the knife’s purpose. Each material has its own pros and cons—some are more durable, others lighter or more visually appealing—but ultimately, the choice is up to the maker. For beginners, starting with affordable and easy-to-work-with materials like Micarta or G10 is a smart option. These materials are durable, widely available, and forgiving, making them perfect for your first project. As you gain experience, you can experiment with other materials that match your style and the knife’s purpose.
When you’ve settled on a design, it’s a good idea (though not necessary) to create a template from a solid material like wood or Micarta. This can help you get a feel for the knife’s ergonomics before committing to the final product. If you’re happy with the design, you can even use the template to scribe your outline onto steel for the actual build.
What tools can I use to design knife patterns?
Traditional Tools: Use paper and a pencil to sketch your designs by hand.
Digital Tools: Programs like Inkscape (free) or Adobe Illustrator let you create precise, scalable vector designs. These can be printed and used as physical templates.
Hybrid Approach: Scan hand-drawn sketches and refine them using something like Inkscape or Fusion360 free version.
Safety and Learning
What safety precautions should I take when using power tools or working with steel?
Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses and ear protection. Use a respirator when grinding to avoid inhaling dust and fumes; This is important in general but especially important when grinding/sanding G10 and carbon fiber. Keep your workspace clean and well-lit, and ensure tools are in good working condition.
Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Never work when fatigued or distracted. Finally, just because something isn't red hot doesn't mean that it wont burn you; OK, that one seems obvious but back when I was forging a lot, my brain just disregarded anything that wasn't glowing red.
Are there any recommended videos, or resources for beginners?
Youtube channels:
- Simple Little Life - Laid back content with good tips and tricks to be found
- Green beetle - Not really content aimed at beginners but there's a lot to be learned from his adventures/misadventures
- Walter Sorrells - Very educational; Tons of videos/tutorials aimed at beginners
- Gough Custom - Good info; Home of the famous filing jig.
- Ekim Knives - Good tutorials that are easy to follow.
- Caleb White - Laid back content with good tips and tricks to be found
- Knife Steel Nerds - If you want to learn about different steels and metallurgy this is the channel
- Nick Wheeler - I hadn't heard of him until doing research for this, but I've seen him recommended enough that I'd be remiss not to include his channel
- OUTDOORS55 - Lots of content aimed at beginners
Books:
- Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It by David Boye
- Knife Engineering: Steel, Heat Treating, and Geometry by Dr. Larrin Thomas
- The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way to Perfection by Jim Hrisoulas
- How to Make Knives by Richard W. Barney and Robert W. Loveless
Other:
- Bladeforums
- Reddit (r/Knifemaking)
- Reddit (r/Bladesmith)
Caring for your knives
How do I properly clean my knife?
Hand wash your knives in hot soapy water, immediately dry with a towel and wipe down with a few drops of oil. Food grade mineral oil is a good choice as it is (as the name implies) food safe and relatively cheap
How do I sharpen my knife?
There are a few ways to sharpen your knife, depending on your budget, skill level, and preferences:
Pay a Professional
This is the easiest option, especially if you're not confident in sharpening your knife yourself. Look for a reputable knife sharpening service in your area.
Use a Whetstone
A whetstone gives you full control over the sharpening process. It takes practice, and is definitely one of those things that looks a lot easier than it really is, but it’s a great skill to learn.
Guided Sharpening Systems
These systems are perfect for beginners, offering preset angles to ensure consistent results. The ease of use means that practically anyone can sharpen a knife with one of these with out worry of removing too much material or having to learn how to hold specific angles when sharpening
How can I prevent my knife from rusting?
To prevent rust, proper cleaning and storage are essential. After each use, make sure to clean your knife thoroughly. Wipe away any fingerprints, food residue, and moisture, as these can contribute to corrosion over time. It’s also important to dry the knife completely with a soft cloth before storing it.
For longer-term storage or added protection, you can apply a thin layer of protective wax such as Renaissance Wax, Frog Lube, or Carnauba Wax. These products create a barrier that helps shield the steel from moisture and air.
It's best to store your knife in a cool, dry place to minimize humidity, which can speed up rusting. Avoid storing knives in leather sheaths for extended periods, as they can trap moisture and cause rust.
Lastly, periodically check your knife for any early signs of rust and address them promptly with a gentle abrasive or rust remover. Consistent care and maintenance will keep your knife in top condition for years to come.
Templates
By me:
Coming Soon... In the meantime, check out the collections below.
By others:
Various Links
Written Guides:
- Heat treating in a forge
- Peening pins and handle construction (full tang)
- How to heat treat in a forge
- Straighten warp during temper
Video Guides:
- How to heat treat a knife
- Gough filing jig
- How to make an electro-etcher
- How to do Anso pattern
- Straighten warp with carbide hammer
- How to make a leather sheath
- How to make a kydex sheath
- How to make a mini forge & use it to heat treat
- Building a heat treating oven
Trusted Stores
- Alabama Damascus
- Alpha Knife Supply
- Bitter Root Handle Works
- Jantz
- Maker Material Supply
- New Jersey Steel Baron
- Nichols Damascus
- Pop's Knife Supplies
- TiConnector
- Tru Grit
- USA Knife Maker
Heat treat Recipes
For now, I’m focusing on linking to recipes for steels that are well-suited for beginners. I don’t really see a need to include recipes for more challenging steels, as they require advanced techniques or specialized equipment that may be out of reach for most beginners. However, if there’s enough interest or demand, I’d be happy to expand this section to include more complex steels in the future.
Disclaimer
While I’ve reviewed every guide and resource linked here to minimize misinformation, it’s important to use your own judgment when following them—I may have missed something, and practices can vary widely. I am not affiliated with any of the products, websites, or creators mentioned throughout the resources page, and their inclusion is not necessarily an endorsement.
Additionally, some of the guides or tutorials, such as those on leatherworking or other techniques I haven’t personally tried, are included as suggestions and should be approached with the same critical eye. Be sure to cross-reference information and do your own research to confirm what works best for your needs. Knife-making is a diverse craft, and there are often multiple valid ways to achieve the same goal.