any interest in kit knife blades?

[D.Ellis]

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.

 





Thanks,
Darcy  

[Steve O]

I  am interested in the hunting styles.

[Izzy]

You've become a favorite blade smith of mine and Id be thrilled to see what you have in mind.

[Sockrsblur]

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...

[longrifle]

Kits would be nice for the guy who can't do it all but wants a little help in assembly,

[Bladepeek]

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.

[Bodork]

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

[Roadkill]

Smaller blades, 4 or 3 inches work for most of us.

[D.Ellis]

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  

[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?

[SteveD]

I am interested. I just started with Blanks and making handles

[rwbowman]

Definitely interested. I've been looking all over for someone who offers this.

[TOEJAMMER]

.....as would  I.  Functional 3.5/4 inch hunting blades.

[bowhuntingrn]

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.

[KenH]

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.

[German Dog]

I love the second knife picture.  Not a fan of damascus blade looks.

[Wudstix]

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.

 

[D.Ellis]

Thanks very much for the input everyone, sounds like there is enough interest to make a few and see how it goes.
Darcy  

[D.Ellis]

Originally 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  

[cmh]

I for one would be very interested. I love a good knife and enjoy projects