Looking to make a knife..need help

[Jeff Hounshell]

Everyone,

I want to puchase a knife kit from Woodcraft, and make the scales to fit. I am wondering if someone can give me the general step by step, or if there is a website out there to show me the best way to get it done. I have some general ideas, but if I am missing something, I'd appreciate some direction. Any help here would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Glenn Clabo]

Check this out...
http://www.knife-making-supplies.net/

[John Keeton]

Hey Jeff - Welcome to the creek!! Remind me to get you connected up with Ken Woosley, local knifemaker, and he can be a good source of info for you if you go further with this new venture.

[Tim Anderson]

When I 1st starting making knives I picked up several ideas from

www.knivesby.com/handles.html (http://www.knivesby.com/handles.html)
&

www.knifenetwork.com (http://www.knifenetwork.com)

Tim

[Steven Wilson]

I like the tutorials on this site http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials.htm

[Gary Breckenridge]

This is a supplier for professional knife makers. They also sell to amatures like me. www.jantzsupply.com (http://www.jantzsupply.com) Check them out.:cool:

[Tom Walz]

knifeforums.com
bladeforums.com

Alpha knife supply

[Barry Clodfelter]

http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html
is a very comprehensive sight for most things you will need to know about knife making. I have made several and your first one won't look as good as your second and your second won't look as good as your third.
The best way to learn is by doing. there is no substitute for hands on.

[John Schreiber]

Lots of great suggestions above. I would add that it's important to "just do it" and do it a bunch of times. I have blades which I have made three or four handles for before I felt like it was just right. Rather than use the cool fancy wood the pros do, I have been using Maple from a tree which went down at my in-laws.

I usually make a scale drawing on paper, (actually, I do it on the computer so that I can continually make modifications), glue the paper to the wood blank and cut out the rough shape with a draw knife. A band saw would be better if you have one. Then I round it off with the draw knife, then with a whittling knife, then with sandpaper as appropriate.

Most I have glued with epoxy. For some, I have made rivets from 1/8" brass rod. Both have been reliable. For some knives used in the kitchen (that means abused in the kitchen) I have soaked the handle in an polyurethane finish for as long as a week. Those have held up remarkably well too.

[Jeff Cremers]

This will be added to my to do list
Thanks for the links
JEff

[Jeff Hounshell]

Thanks gentlemen, a lot of good info here.

Jeff