Blog

Creating a High School Knifemaking Program 

Gavin Scorer, a high school teacher on Vancouver Island, invited Curtis to give a weekend knifemaking workshop for seven Grade 10 students.   Gavin is starting a knifemaking program. He explained that “to participate in the program both the student and the parents need to sign a contract to ensure the student participates in a meaningful and safe manner”.  Gavin said knifemaking “teaches students many aspects of working with metal, power tools, metallurgy and it creates fine-tuned skills”.  See our Blog for more details.

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Elk Antler makes excellent knife handles.  It is attractive, strong, durable, and it lasts forever.  Make sure it is seasoned. Here are two ways to use the antler for a hidden tang or scales.  The hidden tang method is relatively easy by soaking or boiling the piece in water.  Using it for scales involves cutting the piece in half then either filling the pores with super glue or scraping the pith and filling the hole with epoxy or wood.

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Kydex Heating Temperatures: When heating Kydex, the temperature range will be between (275-400°F). The heating temperature will vary depending on the thickness of the Kydex, altitude, and humidity levels in your area.  Eyelet Sizing depends on: Outside Diameter, Length Under Flange and Flange Diameter. To avoid Eyelet Chipping and Splitting problems here are some tips to try. 

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Polishing Tips:  To Help Get a Mirror Finish on Your Blades

If you are having trouble getting a mirror finish on your carbon or stainless blades even after sanding and polishing, consider these six techniques.  

Safety Guidelines for Every Buffing Operator

Buffing machines are considered one of the most dangerous machines in the shop. Therefore always use extreme caution when using it. Follow these safety guidelines.   Here are 13 safety guidelines to follow.  

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While this information provided by Paragon is aimed primarily at the Ceramic Artisan it provides good insights for knife makers.

Over the years, the selection of kilns has grown steadily. To help you sort through the confusion of choosing from so many different types, Paragon has narrowed the selection criteria to eight: Temperature, Size, Electrical, Round or Square, Top or Front Loading, Firebrick or Ceramic Fibre, Insulating Firebrick Wall Thickness, Manual or Automatic. Each of these criteria is discussed below. 

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