Knifemakers Mastery

In this final episode (episodes 14-15) of the 15 Knifemaking Steps, Steve discusses final polish, presentation, packaging, and marketing your knives. If you are new to knife making and thinking about creating a knife making business down the road, then you'll want to listen to this episode. Links: Gale E. Spring, Adjunct Associate Professor of Scientific Photography, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia https://youtu.be/XG2VY2vxFhc Walter Sorrells Videos on Photographing Knives https://youtu.be/i1Mkki1L3V4

In this episode, Steve discusses his techniques for making his knives hair-shaving sharp and why it all starts with beveling!  Is it all about the type of sharpening stones you have?? No!!! It's all about using the right techniques.  Master these techniques and learn how to achieve optimal sharpness in your blades.    Links: Carter Cutlery sharpening a knife with a brick:  https://youtu.be/CXLaE1JvQ94    

In this episode, Steve goes through the entire process he uses to finish his knife handles. Each part of the finishing process, to include the blade finish part, are crucial to the final presentation of your knife. For that reason, Steve explains the importance of the finishing stages and how to achieve professional results.

In this episode, Steve talks about the 2 major ways to attach knife handles and breaks down different ways of doing it. He then explains exactly how he does his knife handles and options for buying handle hardware. Links: https://www.knifemaking.com http://www.jantzsupply.net https://www.aspenfasteners.com/

  This is the second part of core topic 10, finishing your blades. Steve talks about how to get setup for sandblasting, how he does it and how he also blackens his knives with ferric chloride and other methods. Here are the links from this episode https://youtu.be/O7ZThs1y8xs --"Self Made Knives" rust test for knife makers https://youtu.be/MpnALC4HDeg --acid etch with ferric chloride -"Dirty Room Knives"

In this episode, Steve discusses how he produces a satin and mirror finish on his knives.  He explains the process step-by-step, as well as the types of supplies needed.  Additionally, Steve also does a quick comparison between the Grizzly 1015 intermediate Knife Grinder and his new KMG-10 professional level grinder.

Today's guest hales from the UK and has been crafting knives for over 10 years! He owns two different knife companies: Webber Handmade knives, where he offers bush craft and outdoor knives, and Dirty Room Knives, where he offer EDC and Tactical blades, which in my opinion, are nothing short of badass! I'm proud to admit, the this knife maker is one of my influences --his knife videos were of great help to me when I was starting out a few years ago. And I still get inspired from his work! His knives illustrate a perfect blend of craftsmanship, functionality, and artistry. He has published around 54 videos on YouTube, with over 78000 subscribers and 400K average views. He also is a regular on Instagram and has nearly 6K followers. This man is a serious master of his craft! So much so, that Joe Robinet, the bushcraft/survivalist expert who has been on the History channel asked our guest to make him a run of bushcraft knives. Welcome Mr. Dell Webber! Links: Youtube channel- https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtyRoomKniv

In this episode, Steve talks about his latest Primal Knife project --a batch of Outlaws!  He discusses some of the principles of designing advanced features and what and what not to do.

In this episode, Steve discusses exactly how he heat treats his knife blanks, made from either O-1 Tool Steel, Sandvick 12C27 Stainless, or 1095 High Carbon steel.  His methods assume that you will be using a professional heat treating kiln.

Welcome to core topic number, episode 1 - the introduction to heat treating.  Steve discusses the 4 elements of heat treating: Steel, Equipment, Quenchant, and process.  As a prerequisite, Steve recommends that you review core topic 2, episodes 1-3, if you haven't already listened to those.

Thinking of starting a custom knife making business one day? My guest today is very familiar with the complexities of knife making. He has continued to evolve over the years from making "simple" fixed blades...to complex titanium folders! His workmanship is superb and his dedication to the knife making community is equally admirable! He has posted around 133 videos on YouTube, with over 23K subscribers. He also is a regular on Instagram and has a following of over 9K. With that sort of footprint, it's no wonder he has made the jump to full time knife maker! It's a privilege to have in the virtual knife shop, none other than Mr. Mike Stewart, owner, operator of Ekim Knives! Contact Information Youtube: ekim knives https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVo_uKCir7cvgt6g-_DaqJA?view_as=subscriber Instagram: @ekimknives https://www.instagram.com/ekimknives/ Website: https://ekimknives.com/ Email: ekimknives@gmail.com preferred method of contact is email or through Instagram.

Steve goes through the process for cutting out your knife handles from your previously flattened knife scales and aligning them to the knife tang.  Following Steve's methods will ensure your handles will be perfectly aligned and your handle hardware will fit correctly!

Steve discusses how to cut and prepare your own knife scales and make them into knife handles. He also introduces techniques to help you not to make mistakes.

Steve takes us into core topic 6, applying the maker's mark. He discusses two methods for putting your maker's mark on your knives: Acid etching and stamping. He also provides some information on where to buy supplies for both methods. Here are the websites referenced in this episode: argontool.com (for steel stamp) knifemaking.com (Jantz Knife Supply) markingmethods.com (stencils) popsknifesupplies.com (where I buy my Micarta)

In this short core topic, Steve explains what you need to know in order to drill precision holes into your knife blank.  

One of the cool parts of podcasting is getting to meet other interesting knife makers. Well today's guest certainly fits that category, in fact he's extraordinary. He's been making knives for just over 2.5 years, yet, after just a little over a year, had one of his hunters put on the front page of Blade Magazine! Can you believe it? This man is blessed with God-give talent. It took me around 600 hours to get to the point where I made something that resembles a knife. Well I'm glad he stopped by the virtual knife shop to share some of his tips and techniques, aspirations and challenges to you. Contact links to CJKnives: www.cjknives.com www.instagram.com/cjknives www.facebook.com/cjknives2 www.twitter.com/cj_knives cjknives1@gmail.com

In this episode, Steve goes step-by-step how he bevels his knives. He talks about his own techniques that he uses to achieve professional results.  For best results, make sure to listen to Beveling parts A and B first.

This is part B of the introduction to beveling knives.  In this second part, Steve concludes the 8 concepts of knife beveling, which he refers to as the Zen of knife beveling!  Master the 8 concepts and you'll be beveling with professional results.

Welcome to core topic number 4!  In this episode, Steve introduces the first 4 of the 8 concepts of knife beveling. Those concepts are what you will need to master in order to successfully bevel your knife blanks. This introduction is divide into two parts. Get ready to master the concepts that will make you a successful knife maker!

In this episode, Steve talks with Pop, a man who has been in the world of knife making for many years. He remembers attending knife maker guild meetings where speakers included folks such as Bob Loveless and A.G. Russell. My guest used to make beautiful knives that, if you can find on the market these days, will likely sell for over a thousand dollars. He has a unique style and his knives were made with precision and craftsmanship. These days he runs a small knife supply shop, www.popsknifesupplies.com/, and offers some of the best service and prices. I'm honored to introduce to you, a man who understands the knife making community, because he is one of the patriarchs of it, in my opinion.