Ordered my first knife making kit

[MadeinUSA]

Anyone else start with one of these? I’ll need to read some of the threads in the AAPK knife creation forums before I begin

I have no idea if I have the skills to even complete this

BEFORE

WHAT AFTER IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE (or similar)… wish me luck

[bestgear]

I’d love to see a photo and/or video journal of your journey and I’m sure others would as well. Keep us updated please and good luck!

[dlr110]

You're going to have fun doing that. I've done about 25 fixed and folding knife kits and I'm about to start another.
Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing your results...

[MadeinUSA]

Good idea… I’ll capture the journey in pictures and share my experiences

FYI- i bought the kit from www.knifecountryusa.com a family owned biz in Michigan

[1967redrider]

Very cool. Boker makes a folder kit but this one looks to be a little more challenging.

[Reverand]

You will enjoy it.
I bought a Rough Rider pocket knife kit for my Dad a few years ago, and the two of us worked on it together. Good times!
I agree about pic and/or video your progress.

[MadeinUSA]

Kit arrives today

Quality components from what I can tell

Directions appear clearly written

Will take a closer look when I return from vacation

[MadeinUSA]

First steps....

Got the interior slot of the front brass bolster filed and fitted over the tang (they purposely make the slot a bit small)

Got a rough design of the handle sketched

Rather than using the brass rivet at the end of the tang... Thinking about cutting the tang so it will hide inside the handle

Found a US flag pin I may embed into the left side of the handle

I'm wondering if epoxy glue will be adequate to hold the handle on the tang or will I need a pin?

Haven't decided if I want to use the reindeer antler and make a spacer or just the entire block of curly birch as is and shape it

[MadeinUSA]

I drilled the hole for the tang using a handheld drill (I have no drill press) … then used small files to adjust the hole in the curly birch handle to fit the tang

Then I used epoxy and affixed the tang to the handle

Note i decided not to use the reindeer antler spacer… I have just one block for the handle

Got the extra material cut off the handle using a Sabre saw (all I had) and a hand rasp

Will shape the handle using a small sanding drum on my Dremel at low speed

Would be nice to have a small belt sander

[MadeinUSA]

Here’s what I’ll be trying tomorrow… to reduce the dust when sanding

My “shop” is also my basement office… (one side of room office, one side shop).. so sawing and cutting generates dust that is problematic for my computer equipment

https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-t ... g-sanding/

[1967redrider]

Looking good, Jim.

[Oledadsknives]

You might want to wear a mask/respirator while sanding also. That dust will mess up some lungs.
Looking good though. I usually put a fan behind me pointing out the open door to carry dust out or set up a vacuum cleaner hose by where I’m working.
I’ve never done a kit but looks like a blast to me!

Jim at oledadsknives

[MadeinUSA]

Decided to try a brown ‘jigged bone’ look

The handle feels surprising comfy in hand (maybe because I just want it to feel good since I shaped it )

I’ll need to apply the sealer (thin polyurethane) once it dries

Next steps:

Making the sheath will be an adventure… I’ve never done any leather work to speak of… maybe a simple kit or two when I was a Scout leader many decades ago

[Reverand]

Looking good!
Jigging is harder than it looks!
I have only done it once so far, with mixed results.

[MadeinUSA]

Just starting on the sheath… harder than I thought —- working with leather for the first time

I have a new appreciation for those who are leather craftsmen!

[glennbad]

Looks like you're well on your way!

[Reverand]

A fun project! I have made a few knife sheaths. None of them look professional, but they are all sturdy and useful. And fun to make!

[1967redrider]

Very cool project, Jim.

[MadeinUSA]

The results are in… The proof is in the pudding… and pictures


final thoughts

- I’m not a craftsman

- I made a DOG TURD knife handle!!!! (that’s what my attempt at designing, shaping and attempting to emulate a jigged bone handle resulted in)… looks like one you’d find in the yard if you have a big dog… and we used to have a big yellow lab

- the handle does feel good in hand, it’s good size, with a swell and appropriate amount of texture

- while making the sheath (first time ever leather work for me) I did have fun learning how to do a saddle stitch and back stitching to end it

- the knife does have good retention in the sheath… otherwise it would have been a total bust. The plastic sleeve protector for the blade is tucked down into and is also nicely retained by the tight sheath

- an old Tandy snap kit I found in my workshop (used to repair a child’s coat a long time ago) came in handy… I was able to made the belt loop with a snap (my preferred way of taking a knife sheath on and off my belt)

- I have a new appreciation for craftsmen who can make knives and handles and sheaths

- my USA shield on the end of the handle is a hoot… makes me laugh

- this DIY job will go in the drawer in our small RV trailer and be used at the campsite for who knows what… I’ll carry it around the campsite and on short hikes to the fishing hole etc

Enjoy the pictures of my bubba knife

[Reverand]

Don't sell yourself too short - that knife ain't that bad!
I agree that the handle has a slight resemblance. . . But not too much. The sheath looks great!

[Oledadsknives]

I think it looks like a great carrying knife. You put your own spin on it and made it yours! I say Good Job!!

Jimbo