What Tools Do I Need To Make Knives

Power tools will help you make a knife.

While no one knows for sure the history of the first knife, scientists have found evidence of handmade knives from as far back as the Stone Age. The skill of making knives is still in practice today. Aside from the steel you will use for the blade and the wood for the handle, you will need a number of tools to assemble a handmade knife. Wear safety goggles when using power tools to protect your eyes from slivers of steel.

Vice

A metalworking vice or drill press vice will hold steel in place as you cut it. It will stabilize the blade as you shape and sand it. A vice holds the steel with a clamping pressure of around 1,000 pounds, offering pressure and stability as you work with a thin piece of metal.

Hacksaw

Use a hacksaw to cut away any bumps or rough edges protruding from the rivets that will sandwich the steel between the wood of the handle. The hacksaw can easily remove anything that impedes the metal from slipping between the wood. When using the hacksaw, be careful to trim the rivets as close to the handle as possible without damaging the wood.

Power Drill

A power drill is the best tool to use when cutting a knife blade out of steel. Just drill a series of holes close together in the shape of the knife blade. Be prepared with a number of drill bits. The steel will quickly dull your drill bit, and it's quicker and easier to discard old bits than sharpen dulled bits as you work.

Bench Grinder

A bench grinder smooths jagged edges. A metalwork file is a cheaper option for this purpose, but a power grinder is a much faster tool. Use a bench grinder with an abrasive stone, an angle grinder or a belt sander. If you opt for a power grinder, work slowly and carefully. The steel will heat quickly, making it too hot to work with.

Sandpaper

Once your blade is in its final shape and the cutting edge is very thin, polish it using wet/dry sandpaper. Start with a rough sandpaper, and graduate to finer-grade paper to get the finish you want. For best results, rub the blade on the sandpaper until the grind marks disappear.

Hammers

You also need a peening hammer and a heavy hammer to complete the knife. The peening hammer will create a rivet head in the brass rod that sandwiches the metal blade in the wooden handle. Use the heavy-duty hammer to remove unwanted sections of steel from around the blade.

Optional Tools

Depending on how fancy the finished product will be, you may need a a belt sander, rotary tool and woodworking tools. Use a belt sander to remove paint from wood or to ensure a completely smooth wooden surface. Insert an appropriate bit into a rotary tool to grind, clean, polish or carve the handle of your knife. Use other woodworking tools, including a branding iron or various sizes of chisels, to add personalization or artistic design and shape to the handle.

Tags: belt sander, steel will, between wood, knife blade, peening hammer