Originally Posted by
jhilde
Making your own blades is usually out of the question for most of us, due to not having the hundreds needed to buy all the grinders and belt sanders, heat treating equipment etc. so what I would suggest is go to Atlanta Cutlery, have them send a catalog. They have two full pages of blade blanks to choose from that are already polished and tempered and you would make and install the guards, handle materials and pommels along with making the sheath. I have made maybe a dozen knives this way using just a small bench grinder and an inexpensive belt sander that was powered by my electric drill motor. I've sold most of them, but totally enjoyed making them and who knows, you might get good enough to get into it on a larger scale--it's a fun hobby and you can use what you make , enjoy----John
I dont think its right to discourage someone. I'm far from rich and I've made a knife or two. I didnt have the equiptment that gerber has but me and my father spent many hours out in the garage grinding and sanding. Some of my fondest memorys. I didnt have a plasma cutter to cut out my blanks but some one I knew did have. Go for it is what I say. It depends on what kinda knife you want as to what materials and tools you will need.