Knife Makers Mastery

In this episode, Steve goes through the 12 steps that he uses when profiling his knife blanks. He provides details on the techniques that he employs, as well as things to keep in mind when profiling, and things to avoid.

In this introduction to profiling, Steve provides an overview of the 5 common methods for profiling knife blanks: Hacksaw, angle grinder, metal cutting bandsaw, water jet, and CNC. He shares some of his experiences and talks about what he uses in his knife shop.

Steve changes things up a bit. This episode is all about what he's been building in the knife shop recently. Just some good 'ol shop talk! Hear about a couple of the problems he encounters and how he turns those problems into opportunities while making his latest skinner and tactical dagger.

In this episode, Steve discusses several types of blade steel that you need to know about if you are going to be a serious knife maker, who makes quality knives. The types of steel include: D2, O1, 154CM & CPM154, Sandvick 12C27, and more.

In this episode, Steve discusses the basics of steel composition and the transformation that occurs during various levels of heat treatment. Specifically, he explains in plain english, the atomic structure of steel, from Ferrite to Austenite, to Martinsite, and also normalizing, annealing, hardening, and tempering.

In this first episode of the second core topic titled, Steel. Steve introduces the essentials of blade steel, including terms, chemical composition, and properties of various alloys found in knife steel. He breaks it down into three categories: High carbon steel, Tool steel, and Stainless Steel.

In this episode, Steve discusses the tools needed to get started with stock-removal knife making. He breaks it down into 3 primary packages: Economy, Mid-Grade, and Pro-Grade kits. Take the guess work out of what you'll need to start your knife making journey!

In this episode, long-time sword smith & knife maker, Walter Sorrells, visits the virtual knife shop and imparts his wisdom and practical information for new knife makers. He has been interested in swords and knives since he was a little kid. As an adult, he became a successful novelist and martial artist. One day, he had an idea for a story that involved a Japanese sword smith. While conducting his research on Japanese sword smithing, he got inspired to give it a go himself. So, he jumped in and not only learned this ancient craft, but through much sweat, discipline, and dedication to craftmanship, became a well-respected blade smith, who in the Japanese tradition,not only learned to hand-forge Japanese-inspired swords, but he even smelted his own steel. Eventually, his unrelenting dedication to craftsmanship had established him as a a master and other knife makers began to ask himm for advice and guidance. So, as is his nature, he developed highly professional videos on how to forge blades and make knives. Well, his popularity and skills continued to soar, so much so that he was invited to be a contestant on History Channel's popular knife making show, "Forged In Fire." Today, this blade smith enjoys a following of nearly 3 million viewers and over 300K subscribers to his YouTube channels. I personally learned from his videos back when I started making knives in 2013. Today, he is still expanding and growing his successful business, Tactix Armory, where he sells custom-made knives. So what's next on his horizon? What are the philosophies that drive him to such perfection? What is the secret to his success? Well, we're going to find out and much more today because it is my honor and privilege to welcome to the virtual knife shop, the one and only, Mr. Walter Sorrells!

This is the third installment of the Art of Knife Design topical series. Steve discusses the various types of bevels that can be ground onto the knife blanks, and the functional value of each bevel type.

This is the second episode in the topical series called, the Art of Knife Design. In it, Steve discusses 8 common blade styles & when to use them and why.