I was thinking of making and providing kit blades for those here who like to do projects like that. Just trying to gauge if there is any interest here for that sort of thing.
I'd appreciate input on what sizes and shapes would you like to see as well.
For those of you who don't frequent the knife crafters forum, here are a few examples of what I build.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/45stomp/P5100279_zps21354e56.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/45stomp/media/P5100279_zps21354e56.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/45stomp/P4230244_zps955963d9.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/45stomp/media/P4230244_zps955963d9.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/45stomp/P4090233_zps788f28dd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/45stomp/media/P4090233_zps788f28dd.jpg.html)
Thanks,
Darcy :campfire:
I am interested in the hunting styles.
You've become a favorite blade smith of mine and Id be thrilled to see what you have in mind.
Darcy you build great blades and I would spend some money on bare blades. Are you talking about forged blades? What ballpark price range would we be talking? Thanks...
Kits would be nice for the guy who can't do it all but wants a little help in assembly,
Darcy, I wouldn't be surprised if you could stay pretty busy doing that.
Many years ago I was buying blades from Bob Engnath, a guy in CA better know for his scrimshaw, but he did a great job of turning out mostly ATS-34 blades heat treated by Paul Bos. He did do some 1084 and 1095 blades which he heat treated himself, especially his Japanese blades. He was quite a student of the Japanese blade. Wish I still had a copy of his catalog around.
I could buy a blade and know it would be as good a knife as I finished it. Made enough money selling them to pay for a belt grinder and start doing my own so I could put my name on them.
I think there are a number of interested people on this forum that would love to get one of your blades and put guards and handles on them. It's fun getting into the sheath making too.
I find nothing unethical about that as long as they don't represent them as their own work, or try to sell them as your work.
My guess is the small/medium hunters will sell best, but there is something fascinating about Bowies too.
Darcy, I think you would stay pretty steady making blades. I would love to make one like the top damascus knife you have pictured. I know you would turn out a higher than average quality blade. When buying pre-made blades you don't always know what you are getting! Mike
Smaller blades, 4 or 3 inches work for most of us.
Thanks for the input guys.
My thoughts were to make forged blades. High carbon steel, and maybe the odd Damascus blade. They'd all be differentially heat treated and performance tested, so there would be no questions about performance. I was also considering a makers mark identifying them differently from my own completed knives. Pricing could vary a bit depending on the degree of finish and size etc. but considering how much time is spent doing fittings and handles, the price would be a lot lower than a completed knife.
Appreciate the input. Any other thoughts?
Darcy :campfire:
I would be interested in smaller (3 - 4") hunting blades... a chef knife blade would be nice, too!
What are the size specs for the knives shown above?
I am interested. I just started with Blanks and making handles
Definitely interested. I've been looking all over for someone who offers this.
.....as would I. Functional 3.5/4 inch hunting blades.
Been thinking about trying my hand at some knife "making"/assembly and would love to have a blade I know I can trust. I would probably be most interested in 3.5 - 4 drop point or similar.
Beautiful Damascus work!
As far as kit blades, I'd be interested in the classic Green River shapes - both the straight and the curved skinner; maybe with a coffin handle design. Also a smaller (6") coffin handled Bowie with a sharp straigth back edge not just tapered.
I love the second knife picture. Not a fan of damascus blade looks.
Would be interested in a 7-9" blade sturdy for a general all around pack knife that can do it all. Thinking about an Osage or antler handle.
:thumbsup:
Thanks very much for the input everyone, sounds like there is enough interest to make a few and see how it goes.
Darcy :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by NittanyRider:
I would be interested in smaller (3 - 4") hunting blades... a chef knife blade would be nice, too!
What are the size specs for the knives shown above?
Blade lengths are approximately 4.5" 3.25" and 8.5" in that order top to bottom.
Thanks,
Darcy :campfire:
I for one would be very interested. I love a good knife and enjoy projects :)
Add me to the list of those interested...
If this project comes into being you gents will be getting a great deal.looking forward to seeing where this goes. Great way to Pay it forward Darcy.
Chris
Definitely interested!
Would be very interested in a 2.5 to 3" blade for a neck knife. Maybe even something that I could just use paracord for a handle.
Thanks again guys.
Darcy :campfire:
Darcy, you didn't mention the degree of finish, but I'm assuming you are talking about a completely finished blade, ready for guard, bolsters handle, etc. You might want to also consider offering a forged blade, heat treated and rough ground, but not rubbed out. At a little lower price, a guy who wants to invest some sweat equity in hand rubbing could wind up with a quality knife at a slightly reduced cost.
Then again, maybe most guys would be buying it to get your touch in the final finish.
Ron
Thanks Ron,
I had figured on doing some of both like you suggest, except for any Damascus blades, which would need to be fully finished and etched.
I was also planning on posting some detailed tutorials on the knife forum on methods of finishing with minimal tools......tools that the average guy already has, or can get for a reasonable price at the local hardware store.
Darcy :campfire:
I'm currently looking for a small blank now to suit a sheath on the side of a 2nd hand back quiver I recently purchased. Having trouble finding one that suits exactly that is not made in China or Pakistan, I don't want to waste a lot of my time on a 2nd rate piece of steel no matter what type it is. So good quality blanks from someone you could rely on would be a done deal.
Yes Darcy Im ready to order now.
Thanks Terry
I would be interested in the bottom blade(8.5). Would it be in the form of a kit including the handle and guard? Thanks in advance! Jon
Darcy, I think you have a winning idea. I know Bob Engnath, before he died unexpectedly, got dozens if not hundreds of guys interested in knife making, including me. I studied metallurgy a bit in school before switching over to the electronics side, so I had an interest in steel, but no knowledge of knife making. Bob's catalog gave detail instructions of how to hand finish his blades (which were usually flat ground to 110 or 220 grit) and how to attach various types of handles and guards.
Your idea of offering tutorials would give you a big advantage over someone just supplying a product. And instead of ordering a cookie cutter blade from some big outfit, made by some unknown blade grinder, your customers would probably already be familiar with your work and know they are getting a hand-forged blade, properly heat treated and something they can pass down to their kids with pride.
Go for it!
Darcy, I hope you are able to make this work! I started by making helle blades then a few others but wanted to dabble in my own designs with my name on them so I got started in stock removal. I love making knives but with my limited bench top tools(1 inch belt grinder etc) it takes me forever to grind one out and I am limited as to what I can harden in my home made forge. I feel my knives are respectable but if I sell one, I probably make about 5 bucks an hour. I'm sure this will give many others the bug. I think putting your mark on the blade will keep someone from claiming the knife as 'theirs' and unintentionally misrepresenting themselves as the maker of the blade. Good call! Mike
QuoteOriginally posted by Jon Shade:
I would be interested in the bottom blade(8.5). Would it be in the form of a kit including the handle and guard? Thanks in advance! Jon
I will start with some blades and offer a few options for various prices.
Will let this thread drop off the radar for a while now and get back to the regularly scheduled Powwow programming :D .
Keep an eye on the sponsor classifieds for kit blades as I get some ready to go.
Thanks again for all the replies. Much appreciated :notworthy:
Darcy :campfire:
I agree with Bladepeek, it's a great idea and it would be awesome to get an "assembly required" kit that come with instructions that were originally written in English. (One of my bigger issues with the Helle kit that I got.) And it would be nice to get such a kit from a "familiar face."
I'd definitely buy one (or more) if I can afford it. I'll keep my eye on the Sponsor's Classifieds.
I think you have a great idea here. I will be watching to see what you come up with.
Short 2.5-3" skinner semi-skinner.
I hope you pursue this. While there are lots of cheap blades available, there are not many high quality and not much differentiation as far as blade styles one from another.