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  1. #1
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    Default My First Hand Made Knife

    Hi All

    I have always wanted to make my own knife and after some
    searching on the net found Herbst knives in Pretoria north

    Both Gawie and Tinus are members of the Knife-makers Guild
    of Southern Africa (KGSA) and have both won numerous awards.
    The course costs R1400-00 and runs over 2 days, normally a
    Friday and Saturday , snacks and lunch are provided
    - Their web site is : http://www.herbst.co.za/

    Ok now to the details , arrived on Friday morning had coffee
    and spend approx 2 hours in theory - Type of steel, Handles,
    and tempering and basic theory of knife making.
    - You also get a 48 page manual with all Knife Making details.

    Then given a blank (1st Pic - Blank_1) and drilled holes and off
    to kiln for tempering.

    Then given a piece of mild steel and let loose on the grinding
    wheel to learn how to hollow grind and get the curve right
    Gawie and Tinus there to help you when you get stuck, throughout
    the course.

    You are taught everything you need to know how to make a knife
    to KGSA standards as well as more practical tips & "shortcuts"
    including the following
    - Hollow grinding
    - Tang Tapering (did not do this , but showed how to)
    - Making a bolster (Metal piece part of handle)
    - Making the handle
    - Making the sheath (even that is according to KGSA standards)
    - Etching the blade

    By Saturday afternoon you walk out with something I am most
    proud of. (2nd & 3rd Pic - Knife_1 & Knife_2)

    If anyone out there is interested in learning how to make a knife
    I would definitely recommend this course
    - Easily the best fun one can have with your clothes on ;-)

    I also bought 2 blanks which they tempered and hollow ground the
    first stage (4th Pic - Blank_2), I now intend finishing the knives
    using only hand tools (File , sandpaper etc.) as I don't "YET" have
    a belt grinder, drill press, sander , buff etc.

    Will let you know how this turns out and will post pics when done


    Thanks
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Member KevinF's Avatar
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    Default

    That is so cool.

    I was chatting to someone the other day about how many of the current generation of kids seem to be unable to do pretty much anything for themselves, from changing a tire to cooking supper. Given that, it's really great that skills of this kind are still being passed on!

    Seems like a brilliant way to spend two days.

  3. #3
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    Default

    Hi Kevin

    I agree , thats one reason I want to do the course again (yes it's that good)
    with my boys , so they can each make a knife

  4. #4

    Default

    Nice
    "Guns are just tools, the way they're used reflects the society they're apart of, if you don't like guns, blame it on society" ~Chris Kyle

  5. #5
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    Default

    Very Nice.
    "There is no second place winner in a gunfight" - B Jordan

  6. #6
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Selah View Post
    , I now intend finishing the knives
    using only hand tools (File , sandpaper etc.) as I don't "YET" have
    a belt grinder, drill press, sander , buff etc.
    Selah, don't get caught in the trap of "You can't make a knife without a beltgrinder/ speed control/ milling machine/ lathe/ micrometer/ nuclear reactor/ cyclotron/ and whatever else the "experts" will tell you to buy.

    The single most important tool: your own ability to improvise. Then, a drill press.

    Files and sandpaper will bring you quite a distance, but most importantly, you will be learning patience, and lots of it.

    After acquiring a drill press you can build or buy a disk grinder. (There is a post somewhere else on this forum of knives I made using a disk grinder. I don't own a belt grinder.)

    Best of luck with your knifemaking attempts.

    PS: Take a look at www.knifeknowhow.com

  7. #7
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    Default

    Well done man, that is really satisfactory.

    Yes, you dont need a grinder to make a blade, i will post some pics tonight of blades in progress, all made by hand saw, and file.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Thanks for the Comments , really Appreciated

    KnifeknowHow : thanks for the tips , I know I dont "Need" all of the equipment
    just make things easier and a lot quicker - but as I am not going to be doing it
    as a Profession I don't need to get everything right away

    First on my list is a drill press , and decent vice , then maybe some more files etc.
    I can always get the blanks with first hollow ground already done

    thanks for the link to website , already marked as a favourite

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