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...
Feb 14, 2019•43 min•Season 14Ep. 1
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
Feb 06, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Season 13Ep. 1
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.
Jan 30, 2019•45 min•Season 12Ep. 1
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/
Jan 24, 2019•37 min•Season 11Ep. 1
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"
Jan 17, 2019•42 min•Season 10Ep. 2
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.
Jan 10, 2019•50 min•Season 10Ep. 1
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 kni...
Oct 25, 2018•45 min•Season 9Ep. 4
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.
Oct 18, 2018•29 min•Season 9Ep. 3
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.
Oct 11, 2018•31 min•Season 9Ep. 2
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.
Oct 04, 2018•41 min•Season 9Ep. 1
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...
Sep 26, 2018•47 min•Season 8Ep. 2
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!
Sep 25, 2018•32 min•Season 8Ep. 1
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.
Sep 21, 2018•45 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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)
Sep 13, 2018•40 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this short core topic, Steve explains what you need to know in order to drill precision holes into your knife blank.
Sep 06, 2018•37 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 ...
Aug 31, 2018•48 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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.
Aug 29, 2018•52 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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.
Aug 01, 2018•45 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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!
Jul 25, 2018•43 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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.popsknifesuppl...
Jul 18, 2018•38 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode, Steve goes through the 12 steps that he uses when profiling his knife blanks. He provides details on the techniques that he employs, as well as things to keep in mind when profiling, and things to avoid.
Jul 12, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this introduction to profiling, Steve provides an overview of the 5 common methods for profiling knife blanks: Hacksaw, angle grinder, metal cutting bandsaw, water jet, and CNC. He shares some of his experiences and talks about what he uses in his knife shop.
Jul 04, 2018•32 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Steve changes things up a bit. This episode is all about what he's been building in the knife shop recently. Just some good 'ol shop talk! Hear about a couple of the problems he encounters and how he turns those problems into opportunities while making his latest skinner and tactical dagger.
Jun 27, 2018•47 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, Steve discusses several types of blade steel that you need to know about if you are going to be a serious knife maker, who makes quality knives. The types of steel include: D2, O1, 154CM & CPM154, Sandvick 12C27, and more.
Jun 20, 2018•44 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, Steve discusses the basics of steel composition and the transformation that occurs during various levels of heat treatment. Specifically, he explains in plain english, the atomic structure of steel, from Ferrite to Austenite, to Martinsite, and also normalizing, annealing, hardening, and tempering.
Jun 13, 2018•30 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this first episode of the second core topic titled, Steel. Steve introduces the essentials of blade steel, including terms, chemical composition, and properties of various alloys found in knife steel. He breaks it down into three categories: High carbon steel, Tool steel, and Stainless Steel.
Jun 06, 2018•45 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, Steve discusses the tools needed to get started with stock-removal knife making. He breaks it down into 3 primary packages: Economy, Mid-Grade, and Pro-Grade kits. Take the guess work out of what you'll need to start your knife making journey!
May 30, 2018•58 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, long-time sword smith & knife maker, Walter Sorrells, visits the virtual knife shop and imparts his wisdom and practical information for new knife makers. He has been interested in swords and knives since he was a little kid. As an adult, he became a successful novelist and martial artist. One day, he had an idea for a story that involved a Japanese sword smith. While conducting his research on Japanese sword smithing, he got inspired to give it a go himself. So, he jumped i...
May 23, 2018•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This is the third installment of the Art of Knife Design topical series. Steve discusses the various types of bevels that can be ground onto the knife blanks, and the functional value of each bevel type.
May 16, 2018•34 min•Season 1Ep. 4
This is the second episode in the topical series called, the Art of Knife Design. In it, Steve discusses 8 common blade styles & when to use them and why.
May 08, 2018•34 min•Season 1Ep. 3
