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Making My 1st Knife

Anyone who has looked at my profile knows that I am a newcomer to the knife world.

Last fall I attended a local knife show.I was completely taken in by the diversity of personal collections. by the high level of craftsmanship of makers. By the warmth & friendliness of the people which I encountered. They all seemed more than happy to share their experience as well as the general chit chat. Needless to say it made a lasting impression.

Ballard Baker, a local knife maker is the fellow who has helped me get my feet wet. It took nearly 9 months or relentless phones calls/ schedule conflicts. Finally my tenaciousness paid off.

We spent the entire day together. Me with my 10,000 question & him patiently guiding me. See, unfortunately for him I'd been doing lots of reading, videos, etc. He covered it all from steels to grinds to heat treating & every other question I had.

This knife is crude & far from from a polished specimen. The point was to guild me through the process. I couldn't be more appreciative. And even though he wont be reading this blog, Thank you Ballard!

Blade- 01 Tool Steel, 3 3/4"Hollow Grind Drop Point

Handel- 4" Burl Walnut & Brass guard & all home made

That's all folks

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In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on July 20, 2012 at 23:15: That's a great little knife there Steven. How in the heck did you make it without all them tools? The buddy stystem? lol... Keep it up, only good things can happen.

Comment by Steven Gibson on July 20, 2012 at 19:09: Thank you to you all, I really appreciate it!

Well lets see...I've already started purchasing equipment. Just picked up a drill press along with 2 bench grinders. One for deburring & the other for polishing. Tomorrow I go to pick up a bandsaw & just placed an order with Jantzs. Also have my eye on an kiln.

I'll continue to work & learn with Ballard but am quiet excited to experiment & practice on my own. My next project is to make a knife for my brother. His birthday is in Aug & this will be a total surprise to him.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Comment by John Kellogg on July 20, 2012 at 17:20: It is in fact a piece of art compared to my first knife. You got some great guidance and its obvious you have a natural talent.

Comment by stephen tungate on July 19, 2012 at 22:52: what a great job steven . i wish my first knife looked that could.keep up the good work it looks like you have knife building talent.it is always good to have a good teacher. i had to try to figure it all out watching video's and talking with knife makers here at ikc they helped alot....