Knife Making 101: How To Make Your First Knife
So if you're looking for a video on "how to make a knife", this one is for you. My goal with this tutorial was to show multiple different methods for each step of the knife making process. It is geared towards new knife makers with limited tools.
⭐ PDF Plans - / 44182200
🛠 Some Useful Tools for this Project:
Checkering File - amzn.to/3bg2iER
Chain Saw File: amzn.to/3muGz0R
Angle Grinder - amzn.to/39GEUhU
Bulk Flap Disks - amzn.to/3mHUUr9
Kant Twist Clamp 1'' - amzn.to/332ygmu
Digital Calipers - amzn.to/2Z6EsUZ
Needle Files: amzn.to/2LLQ3G3
Dremel Tool - amzn.to/2G53oIX
⭐ 2 Brick Forge Guide - • HOW TO MAKE A FORGE & ...
⭐Want to support the channel and also gain access to my knife templates? Become a patron here - / redbeardops
🔸 Steel and Supplies:
1084 Steel - amzn.to/2UE2ZSv
1084 Steel (Alpha) - www.alphaknifesupply.com/shop...
G-Flex Epoxy - amzn.to/2UDSWwA
Canvas Micarta Scales - amzn.to/39Dq6k7
G-10 Scales - amzn.to/34BSnbA
G-10 Scales (Pop's) - popsknife.supplies/collection...
🗡 Beginner Knife Builds Like This One:
Knife From Kit - • The Easiest Way to Sta...
Amazon Tool Knife - • Make A Knife With Chea...
🗡 Advanced Knife Builds:
Twisted Damascus Bowie - • "That's TWISTED!" -- L...
Insane Fantasy Build - • "This is Madness!" -- ...
Takedown Bowie - • This BOWIE took MONTHS...
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00:00 - Intro & Steel Selection
00:40 - Profiling
03:18 - Drilling Handle Holes
04:01 - Filing Main Bevels
08:22 - Heat Treatment
12:32 - Post HT Cleanup
14:40 - Handle Scale Drilling and Profiling
18:02 - Handle Glue-up
18:54 - Handle Finishing
23:03 - Sharpening
23:33 - Final Thoughts
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A Notice from Red Beard Ops LLC:
The information provided on this channel is for entertainment purposes only. Any action you as the viewer takes upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk, and Red Beard Ops LLC will not be liable for any losses, damages, or personal injuries in connection with the use of this content (including injuries, damages, or losses sustained while you were trying to emulate the actions and projects on this channel). Attempting to emulate any of the actions or projects put forth by this channel should not be done without training and even then, at your own risk.
The free *PDF Plans* for this knife are linked in the description. If you want access to all RBO templates they're on my Patreon - www.patreon.com/RedBeardOps Also... the oil I sprayed on at the end was Ballistol - amzn.to/3wehL4W
You even have pdf files. Awasom video
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You forgot to pin you're comment
@@Ieuan775 Damn... since October too. Thanks for the heads up.
Great video, I'm no knife maker but i still thoroughly enjoy the video. Subbed! When you use the dowel with sand paper wrapped around it i was thinking maybe if you put 1 or 2 bearings at the end of the dowel that makes it easier to hold and give you more control.
This is absolutely the best knife making intro video I have ever seen. Great job and thank you!
Thank you! Your comment is much appreciated!
my thoughts exactly!
yup totally agree!
Same for me
Absolutely agree 👍 👏 👌 great teacher. Thank you sir
I’ve been watching knife videos for over ten years and this is one of the best comprehensive guides I’ve seen. I like that you suggest multiple options for each task for those with different setups and that you also reference videos/methods that we might have seen from other knife makers. Great work, thank you for putting this together.
Thank you for your comment! I'm stoked you got something out of this!
So cool of your to drop back and help people out with a video like this. Showing that if you really want to make a knife, how few tools you can get by with and different options. You're a good dude
Thanks man! Glad you liked this one for sure.
Well done James! Very thought out and thurough. Wish I would have seen this one video back when I started out. Showing the different ways of doing things all in 1 video would help any beginner.
Heck yeah, thanks Jim. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm right there with you... when I started it was pre-KZhead and I got most of my information off the forums. Great guys on the forums, but limited over all information compared to today. Anyways, I hope this gets some newbies into their garage! Have a great weekend!
This is the most helpful knife build video I've come across, I've been looking to get into knife making for over a year now and haven't seen anything remotely close to this for a complete noob! Thank you so much!
Heck yeah Jimmy! I'm stoked you enjoyed this build!
Great video, tips and tutorial as always James. Easily one of the best video lessons for a beginner on making a knife out there.
Heck yeah Nick, thanks a million for your comment. I hope this video finds some guys who are right there on the fence looking to make a knife... then pushes them over into the garage! Have a great weekend man.
I am homeschooling my teenager, we are about to dive into blacksmithing. He said he wants to make knives to sell at the CoOp event in August. Your videos are great for those of us who have no idea where to even start, thank you.
Heck yeah, glad to hear it! Good luck with the knives!
Thank you for this comprehensive guide showing multiple different ways to "skin a cat" never would have thought to use a hand drill with sandpaper. Awesome 👌
Glad it was helpful!
Great timing! Getting my second one planned out after following your other excellent tutorial! You definitely got me off the fence, I really appreciate you putting this out there
Heck yeah Darrell! Glad to hear it! Don't be afraid to fail.
Hey man! Do you mind telling me how your first knife went? I’m looking to get into it and it would awesome to hear your experience.
@@miguellucero it was a lot of work but I learned a lot. Turned out decent and have made 3 since then and they keep getting better. Experience is your best friend
Great job. I’ve got a plan for a “Simple Knife” build vid in the near future and this gave me some good ideas. Always a pleasure.
Heck yeah sir, I'm almost starting to think it's something that a "more seasoned" knife maker does every year or so... Gives you perspective and brings you back you your roots!
I truly thank you for you presenting style, specifically how you present multiple options, focusing on how it is possible even with the most basic of tools. I have been a maker for a couple of years now. I often say self taught but truly i am taught by the good people who spend their time sharing their own experiences. Because of this i have seen so many videos, by many different creators. Some will criticise any method but the 'pro method', and although I see their point, most who come looking for the basics, just want to know essentially the points / structure that you use here. Thank you for your content!
Glad you enjoyed the video Joel! Cheers sir
Yes. Thanks so much for this instruction. By far this video has been the most help in my amateur launch of knife making. Straight forward and all the information I need to begin. Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you! Just made a pair of knives following this video. So helpful!
Glad it helped! That is awesome sir!
Definitely appreciate you showing the DIY vs Pro methods, for those of us that have some but not all of the pro equipment and machinery. As always, love the clear and simple instructions you provide for these things, helped me get into knifemaking. Cheers
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing all this knowledge with us! Glad I've found your channel, you have a lot of smart ways of tackling hard processes!
Thank you greatly! Really happy that you enjoyed this one! Glad to have you on board.
I've been watching your videos for a while now and not only are you getting better at making them but you have explained everything so clearly anyone can understand how to do it nice job
thank you very much! I'm stoked you're enjoying them!
I'm just getting into knife making. I already have a decently equipped work shop but I have never made an actual blade and I must say for my 1st knife I'll be using almost everything you showed in this video except for propane forge since mine is coal one. Glad I found this video and thank you for making it and all other videos, extremely helpful!
Heck yeah, glad to hear they're helping you out man! Cheers, good luck with your builds!
Perfection my friend! I've used every single one of these methods in the video except for the drill the holes in Connect the Dots method. I love doing the textured handle scales in order to get them straight it's good to look down the spine of the knife so you can seevboth sides of the handle scales at the same time
I was super glad to see a new knife video from you this morning!
Good tip sir! Have a great weekend!
I will man you too! Hey this Sunday Tyrell knifeworks and my channel are doing our knife Build-Off videos! You have to stop by and see what we both came up with for our builds
Killer knife! I love that you used tools just about anyone has or can afford. SOLID vid, brother!
Thank you greatly!
As a new arrival to knife making this is one of the best videos I've seen. Great work and thanks for the inspiration. Stay safe - Steve from the UK
Heck yeah Steve! I really appreciate your comment... it makes these videos worth it. Have a great weekend, sir! Cheers from Texas
Thank you for a very informative step by step. I have made 4 knives now and surely wish I had seen this tutorial before I started.
Thanks for the praise Doreen! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Oh man, this is one of the most useful videos I've ever seen! I wish I could watch it a couple months ago when i started
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, I with I would of had it when I started too! LOL
That was a massive journey and I loved it!!! Awesome vid, heaps to think about 👍🏼
I’m looking at getting into blacksmithing and knife making and I love this video. It teaches you what you need to know and how to do it
Thanks Rob! Glad you enjoyed it!
This was wall to wall pure awesome. I've never seen anyone go over a knife build like this with three levels of How To, and it was beyond helpful. No blah blah blah, no song and dance, just a ton of useful techniques for people like me that don't have all the dedicated shop equipment. Your tips and hacks alone are worth a permanent Bookmark, I'll be re-watching this many times. Thanks for doing this, really great job!
Glad it was helpful! Cheers
Apart from the fact that this is literally the best knife making 101 video ever, you sound like Keanu Reeves, man :)
LOL, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video man! Great work. I wish I had videos this helpful when I started making knives 😆👍
Heck yeah man, me too... I remember getting start by conversing with the old timers on blade forums. It's pretty cool how accessible everything is now days for new makers. Your comment means a lot sir, I've been a huge fan of your channel for a long time now! - (edited the grammar based on @alexey Orlov's correction)
@@RedBeardOps nowadays. Your . --- study English .
@@alexeyorlov9639 if you want an English class, maybe you are in the wrong place.
Great to see two pro makers complimenting eachother.
I have been making knives for 20 years, and from the old school of bladesmiths. Very old. You sir did a great job not only making the knife, but also the video and sharing the craft. In the old days,, this is how it use to be, and i am very proud of you and your skills. I'm also happy this craft is being carried on by so many new, and very talented people. Good Job!
Your attention in showing multiple ways of accomplishing a step is great. Really well-made video.
I appreciate that! Glad you liked it!
Best video I’ve seen for beginner knife makers like me, I got so much out of this video. Thank you sir!
Thanks Brady!
Awasom video brother. Extremely informative. Im actuly considering making my first knife now that I know I don't need thousands of dollars in tools and equipment. Thank you for posting this video and I look forward to your next.
Heck yeah George! Thank you. I'm happy you're getting something out of these.
Another great and easy to follow video. This has inspired me to make a knife.
Heck yeah marc! Glad you enjoyed it. That's the goal for sure!
Thank you !!! You actually made it seem doable.
This is the most helpful video I have seen on budget knife making👍
Glad you liked it Max!
Hey there. Since the start of the year (when things went a bit wonky for us all) i've been binge watching knife making videos. There's lots of good videos out there but i find your complete presentation to be very comforting and confidence inspiring. I'm in the process of making my first knife but i have a few questions. 1. Does the plunge line have to be vertical? I've designed my knife to have a forward (tip) leaning plunge line. That can be future me's problem. 2. My knife is a decent size (Not over compensating, Honest). How do you work out how many holes to drill in the tang, to balance the blade to the handle? 3. How much will my beard effect the outcome of the knife?
Heck yeah, thanks man. I'm happy you're getting in the game! 1.) Nope, doesn't have to be vertical at all! Many makers have a forward slant of the plunge line. Most of mine end up that way... I don't think a backwards slant looks good though... just my opinion. 2.) That is a difficult question. Handle material will come into play. Some people like having the knife a little blade heavy and others like more of the weight in the handle. To lighten more than just drilling holes you can "hollow" out the tang with a grinding wheel or skeleton it with a dremal. Lots of options here. Trial and error will likely be your friend. 3.) The beard is actually pretty crucial to success. If you keep a decent beard the process of knife making, cabin building, and weight lifting will be easier for sure. To state it simply, the beard will help with all aspects of life. Cheers man!
This was AMAZING video. Thanks for showing the different methods from beginner to pro. Lets people know they don't have to have fancy equipment to make a knife.
Thanks Shayne!
I think I have seen all of the making a knife videos at this point. If I had seen this one first I would not have need to watch the others. This one is by far the best. Thank you.
Wow man, thanks for the complement. Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Honestly, I think the asymmetry of the handle gives the knife more character. Damn, this video makes me want a workshop.
Heck yeah sir, thank you!
2:44 that's a funny looking Dremel you've got there...
lol, make due with what you got! Have a great weekend Goat
Great video. I'm 58. Retired a bit early. Thinking about taking the knife making plunge. Videos like this give confidence.
Heck yeah! Do it! You won't be disappointed.
Do it ! I wish I was in a position to myself :(
Best "how-to" video, period. Great job. Love the forge.
Glad you liked it!
instructions unclear, made A lightsaber
LOL
By far the best knife making tutorial for beginners I've ever seen. Just ordered some steel, I'm gonna get in the knife making game, hopefully!
Heck yeah! Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your build!
You are a natural born teacher A person should have no problem making a good knife
Thanks Kenneth!
Absolutely great. I tend to sand the wood from rough cut after epoxy. Your way is much much better. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial!
Awesome, thank you! Glad it was helpful! Cheers man
Showing multiple ways in one video is such a great idea. So many videos have $100 worth of tools or $1000< barely any in between. Very good amount of detail and great explanations 10/10
Thank you! Cheers
Always a treat to watch you make a knife and learn new tips. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed this one!
I am Brazilian I follow your channel I will start making knives because of the way you appreciate your work Congratulations
Awesome! Thank you! Really glad to hear that man. Cheers from Texas!
That was a massive journey and I loved it!!! Awesome vid, heaps to think about 👍🏼
Heck yeah, glad it helped! Thanks man
Hey man, I recently took an interest into forging and found your channel. Ive watched some of your videos and man, you've inspired me. You do some amazing work. Instantly subscribed. Keep up this great content!
Heck yeah man! Much appreciated! Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for making this video, very well put together and the different options to complete steps is greatly appreciated. You make this hobby accessible and approachable.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow! Thank you for all that hard work. I appreciate custom knives so much more now.
Glad you like them!
Fantastic informative video for those just starting their knife making journey. Thanks for making and sharing this video
Thanks for your comment Rob! Much appreciated! Have a great weekend.
best video for this topic. very well put together. this should be used as a guideline for every other "intro vid" in every genre.
Thanks Dominic! I'm stoked that you enjoyed this one!
Another excellent video J! Thank you for taking the time to do this!
Heck yeah Jeff! Really glad you took the time to comment and enjoyed this video!
I think the dremel is a total win for every DYIer out there! Great video. Thanks for sharing your skills with us!
Great point!
i bought my first bench grinder and used it for the very first tme today to sharpen some barstock as a throwing knife, this is definetelly going to be a project im gonna be doing soon, first gotta get some more tools, thx for posting this, its realy inspiring
Heck yeah Mateo! Good luck!
This is outstanding. I'm struggling starting out knifemaking and needed a good step-by-step to start over with. I also like that you use a convection oven. So many people at the knife forums insist you can't do tempering with a convection oven but I just can't afford an Evenheat so I have to make it work. Thanks man.
Cheers man! Good luck with your builds!
Hey there! I am currently in a trade school for STICK welding and wanted to broaden my horizons when it comes to metalworking. I wanted to start by making knives as they have always interested me. I've got most of the stuff you suggested already but I'll go through and get the rest. Thanks so much for the detailed tutorial.
Awesome, good luck!
Awesome very detailed without being complicated, showed it can be fun while still showing serious skills no matter what your budget
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video. This is a hobby that has intimidated me for years. I'm hoping this will help me get over the hump and start trying it out. Thanks
Heck yea! Good luck!
In the next few months I’m taking a “make your first knife” workshop with a professional at their shop because I don’t have tools/a place to do it myself, but this video is very helpful in quickly understanding each step/dimension required. Thank you!
Awesome Ryan! Glad you liked it!
This is an excellent video for those starting out. I'm sure if I knew about your channel 4 years ago, I would have much nicer tools and have better overall results. I Started knife making when I was 12 back in 2016 and I've gotten a lot better over time. About a year ago I went pro and I use your techniques all the time. Thanks to makers like you I am no longer making knives at a financial deficit.
Heck yeah! Glad to hear it sir!
Really detailed and simple to remember. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I wanted to forge for so long, been thinking of going to a welding school then a blacksmith school. I’m very glad when u looked where ur tools were I see all Amazon. I will be buying this stuff and trying a knife
Good luck sir!
Hi, awesome video, really helpful. I just made myself a furnace like this, but clamped two bricks together and used a hole saw and went in from both ends, the full depth of the holsaw, opened the bricks up and removed the plug.. Then did exactly the same till I met in the middle. Found this way really quick and accurate..
Glad you liked it and glad you found a solution!
Great tutorial. After repeated viewings I finished adding scales to my purchased Damascus knife. Turned out very well. Thanks for getting me started. Now to move to Christmas gifts.....
Heck yeah Robert! Welcome to the game!
I cant wait till i get all the stuff together to make my first knife your videos are so helpful
Heck yeah Nick! really happy to hear this helps. Good luck with your build!
Man, this is an awesome, complete, clear instructional video. My 15 year old is showing interest in making a knife, and this seems like exactly the place to start together with tools we have on hand. Thanks for showing some simple alternatives to approach the same step with different tools. This video is inspiring, and makes me feel like I can help him through the process of making his first knife (mine too). Thanks!
That's awesome! Good luck Brendan!
@@RedBeardOps What do you recommend for belts for different steps? Assuming you'd use ceramic for knifework?
@@brendan8363 search blade forums for “belt progression” I started a thread on it a while back
Very cool vid thanks for all your different levels of knowledge! I just ordered a1x30 belt sander and some 1/8" stock can't wait to start making something! 👍👍
Glad to help! Good luck!
Yep. Great video man. I like the options. And that handle looks great!
Heck yeah, thanks man!
Beautifully crafted. Great walkthrough. Feels more doable
Glad you like it!
Hey,just wanna say that this video inspires me to make my first knife. Thank you for this wonderful video
Heck yeah! That's what I like to hear!
I've watched this like 3-4times now as I prepare to make and film another knife build. This is by far one of the best start to finish videos using common tools in different ways. Great job I'll be using this as a template and I'll make sure to tag you in the vids ✌️
Thanks!
Well done... Good video. Thank you for not filing backward like I see some folks do. (easiest way to ruin a good file)
Cheers sir!
Thank you for this video. You explain everything so well. Time to make some blades
Heck yeah Daniel! Good luck in your shop!
Great video. Looking into getting started with knife making and your vid is absolutely perfect starting point. Again thank you for that
Heck yeah! Good luck with your builds man
Great video man!!! Easy to follow instructions and fantastic end results!! Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hello i'm french, your job is very good, and i love this. Continue
Heck yeah, thanks man!
Fantastic video. I am just about to build my first knife & this has inspired me. Cheers!
Awesome to hear!
Your best video to date!! IMHO. Keep up the good work!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome project! Thanks so much. I’m going to attempt this in the CNC and will update you!
Heck yeah, good luck Peter!
@@RedBeardOps thanks very much. What angle do you recommend for the bevel? I will model it up in CAD and share it
@@peterbrouwer143 Pre-HT, I like to keep around 0.020" "behind the edge" meaning that where the edge of your blade will eventually be you have a 0.020" plateau before HT. I would start with this edge dimension then bring the bevel all the way up to about 1/16'' away from the spine at the plunge line.
Awesome work. The minimalist mentality escaped me. I'm currently looking into belt sanders and band saws. Totally going to go for the hand tools to start.
Right on! I can't blame you!
Thank you so much. I want to get into knife making, and was beginning to think i had to get all the tools. Thanks man!
Good luck man!
Very good video. I'm ready to start my second knife and hope to show improvement by using your instructions. Subscribed!
Excellent, good luck sir!
That little wharncliffe blade in a background photo was awesome! 🙌🙌
I still use this guy on my box opening. - - kzhead.info/sun/e6V-abptrqdrpHk/bejne.html
thank you for the video lesson. I will be using this method for making my first knife.
Good luck with the build!
Thank you for a very accurate tutorial I made a exact same knife in my garden
Awesome!
Fantastic video. Brilliant craftsmanship! I love the custom Wharncliffe you showed in the corner. 🤩🤩
Thank you very much!
Great video! Nicely explained every step of the way, nice and humble host.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is definitely one of the best beginner friendly tutorials I've seen
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
So many great tips for the first time knife maker!
Hey Bill, really glad you liked this one! Thanks for your comment!
It's just what I wanted! I need to get an angle grinder and files, and the materials of course. And I want to make it little bit different to yours it's such a good base.
Good luck Filip! Cheers
So far the best first knife instructional video I’ve seen. Would like to see a video discussing type and thickness of steel and where to buy.
1/8'' thick stock from Alpha Knife Supply is a good start
Just bought my very first piece of Damascus steel, i will be doing everything by hand, this video gave me some great tips... keep up the great work 💪
Heck yeah! Glad you liked it!
Cheers fella Awesome video which has got me inspired even more...new to knife making and this video is a massive help 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Heck yeah Ian! Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers
Wow that was a lot of cool info. I don't make knives but I enjoy watching the process. That's nice of you to share all that.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yep, you've discovered it.., your supreme niche ~ teaching knife making! I've never watched a better [not even close!] intro to Knife Making 101. Mixing the simple base methods with moderate and "PRO Series" instructionals is Way Awesomeness. Thank YOU! GOD Bless American PATRIOTS..!!!
Thank you greatly Andrew! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you! This was a great tutorial.
Glad it was helpful! Have a great weekend!
Good build and very informative vid as always. It made me laugh as I used to drill around the shape in the steel but I then used a chisel to break through the gaps and end up with the roughest cut blank known to man :) This was like 30plus years back, I've changed that part of the build now hehe.
Hahaha, man it's a time consuming process with the drilling. But hey, got the job done! Thanks for the comment, sir. Have a great weekend!
I really like how you used so many clamps. Great vid, man!
Thanks Jan! I was trying to show some different clamping methods for those getting into the game! Cheers!
@@RedBeardOps I'll try to copy your methods for my own projects. Thanks a lot for the great content 👍👍