I have gotten the itch to try and make my own custom knives. From the research I have done it seems difficult, time consuming, expensive, and very experience dependent. I am down with all of that but wanted to see if anyone on here has any experience or has any advise about getting started?

I got into it a couple years back and have been having a blast so far. I will say this, if you just want a few nice custom knives, buy them. Otherwise I recommend spending as much as you can on a nice belt grinder, 2x72 with VFD if possible. I started making knives on a 1x42 belt sander and got through half a knife before I said **** it and bought a KMG.

There are a bunch of places that will do heat treating online so unless you are like me (metallurgy geek) or have a decent budget I wouldn't buy a heat treating oven right away.

Walter Sorrels and Ekim Knives YouTube channels are a good resource for equipment and techniques.

How much did you invest to get started? Are you forging or just removing material?

JonSnow said:

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How much did you invest to get started? Are you forging or just removing material?

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I spent ~$2500 initially to get set up with a 3hp variable speed KMG grinder. I have since spent more money than I care to admit on other knife making equipment (2 heat treating ovens, horizontal belt grinder, and various contact wheels/attachments) and supplies. It is an addictive/expensive hobby, and unfortunately for me, one of many...

Edit to add that I do stock removal. I would love to play around with forging but it is hot enough in Texas without standing over a forge.

Very impressive.

Tx-Ag2010 said:

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I got into it a couple years back and have been having a blast so far. I will say this, if you just want a few nice custom knives, buy them. Otherwise I recommend spending as much as you can on a nice belt grinder, 2x72 with VFD if possible. I started making knives on a 1x42 belt sander and got through half a knife before I said **** it and bought a KMG.

There are a bunch of places that will do heat treating online so unless you are like me (metallurgy geek) or have a decent budget I wouldn't buy a heat treating oven right away.

Walter Sorrels and Ekim Knives YouTube channels are a good resource for equipment and techniques.

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I pretty much did the same thing. Bought the KMG also, and several attachments, wheels, rotary platen,... Very addictive, but very dirty hobby. Expect black boogers to be the new norm.

If anyone is looking to buy a KMG, I could probably part with mine. Doesn't get used too often anymore.

Send me an email at diamondmknives@g mail with a price.

Email sent, with a list of everything it includes. Expensive, but quality.