What book do I need??

[ragnik]

Hello to all,

Wanted to inquire some more about knife making and was intersted in what books you guys would suggest for me as a beginner. From reading the the different posts it appears that Wayne goddards $50 shop is a good start and the wonder of knifemaking is also good. I am looking to start slow and on the inexpensive end!! Most of all I want to get some books so i can read up more on this hobby and move on from there!

Thanks

Ross

[ABirch]

Ross

You will probably find all the things you need to know right here.

I would suggest the best way to start is with a fixed blade kit knife. This will give you the basics of assembling and finishing. Try TKD, K&G or Koval.

Read the tutorials. Terry Hearn has a great one, and so does Jens Anso.

Grab a coffee, and start on the forums. You will probably have a bunch of questions , and thats where you will find the answers to most of them. Go to the bottom of each forum, and show all threads. Start reading!

I've read a few books on knife making and still think this is the best resource. If its not in here, just ask.

Good luck and enjoy!

Adrian

[Ray Rogers]

Here is a list os most of the popular books :

www.rayrogers.com/books.htm

You can't possibly read too much! The kit knives are a good place to start. Be sure to get a catalog from each of the major knife supply houses. These catalogs also contain a lot of tips for beginners...

[Wiz]

Ross,

a book that isn't recommended much is Bo Bergman, Knifemaking. It is entirely about Nordic knives, like the puukko, and has nothing about blade making. The Nordic tradition seems to rely upon blades made by smiths or purchased from commercial suppliers.

Now, it happens that my favorite style knife is the Nordic, more specifically the Finnish and Saami ones, but that isn't why I like bergman's book. It is really good on the topic of handles and sheaths, though the Nordic sheaths may look a bit strange to our eyes, at least at first, until we see the practicality of them.

This book is cheap and you will get a lot from it, regardless of which tradition you decide to build in. If you want to learn more about these knives, and find a super suplier for your needs, then try Dennis Holmbacka at Brisa in finland. My orders arrive within a week and usually require only about $6 for postage. If you order over $100 (not too difficult :-), shipping is free.

http://www.brisa.fi/start3.html

Cheers/Carron

[RickNJ]

You might want to check out How To Make Knives by Barney/Loveless. It's sort of like a knifemaker's bible and it even has a section on making a knife with hand tools only.

[BoyNhisDog]

I also like Knife Making by Bergman and How To Make Knives by Barney/Loveless. Both are good reference books that you can use as a starting point and put your own variations on. One reference I use most of all is an old Engnath catalogue which he includes lots of knife finshing tips.

[ragnik]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to my question!! I have been reading away and my next stop is amazon for some book shopping!!

Ross

[SVanderkolff]

Ross
I realize you asked specifically about books but I would also recommend Gene Osborn's video on making a hunter. It is a resource that I keep coming back to and learning something every time. Just follow the links at the bottom of any of "Geno" posts to his website. Good luck and just keep asking questions.
Thanks
STeve