Knifemaking News

Becoming a Master Bladesmith is a grueling process that takes many years.  As a result there are under 125 knifemakers who have passed the Master Bladesmith tests set out by the American Bladesmith Society (ABS).

The ABS is the sanctioning body of the journeyman and Master Smith designations. There are three stages to becoming a Master Bladesmith: Apprentice, Journeyman, and then the Master Smith. Read the full blog to find out the details on each stage and the two-step evaluation process that includes performance tests and a judging panel.

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Creating a High School Knifemaking Program 

Last year we were invited to attend the BC Technology Education Teachers Association Conference to display our products.  During this time, we met many high school teachers who said they would like to have a knifemaking program in their school but didn’t know how to start one. One High School is using a contract with students and parents to get students involved in knifemaking in a safe and responsible way. 

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Elk Antler makes excellent knife handles.  It is attractive, strong, durable, and it lasts forever.

Getting an Antler

You can find a shed in the woods after runt season or buy a rack. If you buy one make sure it is seasoned. Cutting into it is the only way to know if it is seasoned. If it is gooey or oily then it needs to cure longer.  Put it in a dry place and forget about it for two to three years.

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Here are some tips to consider when making a Kydex Sheath. 

 Kydex Heating

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. Heating can be done in a kitchen oven or a toaster oven. Or you can use a blow torch, but be careful to make sure the heat is evenly applied. 

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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 techniques. 

Tip #1:  Try buffing a couple times early when you are sanding.  This should make the remaining scratches easier to see. 

Tip #2:  If your last grit was 400 at a diagonal you would not expect to see any scratches parallel to the blade. Try mixing up the angles so that you can see the scratches.   Try changing directions with each grit and finish with 800 grit.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A KILN - BY PARAGON

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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