TSJC Summer NRA Short Course Series

July 23 - July 27

Knifemaking

In this course each student will make a full-tang fixed blade knife. We will use hand tools almost exclusively. Because of this and the short duration of the course it is necessary that we restrict the size of the knife that you will make. Your design must have a blade less than 4" in length and 1 1/4" in width, not including the handle.

The entire design, handle and all, must fit within a 8" x 1 1/2" rectangle. I have no problem with larger knives, but the size restriction is in the interest of your success. If you design and make a smaller blade you will be able to sit back and smile while the guy with the big knife is struggling to get finished. When it comes to first knives, SMALLER IS BETTER!!

Keith Gipson, Instructor

We will use 440C stainless steel for the blade and brass or nickel-silver for bolsters and pins. For your first knife I recommend brass for bolsters and pins as it is easy to work and solder. If you want to use nickel-silver or (Heaven forbid) stainless steel for your bolsters and pins, those materials can be uses as well. They are available from the knife suppliers in 12" lengths. You will need 3/4" x 1/4" flat stock for the bolsters, 1/8" round stock for the bolster pins, 1/4" or 3/16” round stock for the handle pins, and 1/4" OD x 3/16" ID tube for the thong hole liner if desired. We should have time to make a sheath for your knife and TSJC will provide the leather and materials for your knife sheath.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions, 719-846-5577 days or 719-846-7954 evenings before 10 pm Mountain Time.

Tools:

Knife Materials:

Knife Blade Steel precision ground 440C stainless
1 each 1/8” x 1 ½” x 18” Jantz #CG718
This will make at least two blades

Brass or Nickel-Silver Bolster and Pin material – Texas Knifemakers Supply
1 each ¼” x ¾”x 12” barstock
1 each 1/8” x 12” roundstock
1 each ¼” or 3/16” x 12” roundstock

Knife Handle Scales (Your Choice– Dymondwood, Micarta, or Stabilized Wood)
1 pair standard size 1 1/2" x 5" x 1/4"

This list reflects minimum tool requirements. If you have other tools or supplies that may be useful, bring them.

Some reliable vendors are:

Tools:
MSC Industrial Supply Co.
www.mscdirect.com
800-645-7270

Knifemaking Supplies:
Texas Knifemakers Supply
www.texasknife.com
713-461-8632

Jantz Supply
www.knifemaking.com
800-351-8900

Leatherworking Tools and Supplies:
Tandy Leather Factory
Tandy has stores across the country
Check your Yellow Pages or www.tandyleatherfactory.com

If finances are not a problem or if you plan on making knives as an active hobby or sideline business, these items will prove useful.

I have tried to make these lists as complete as possible, however I am sure that I have overlooked a number of items. If you have other tools and can bring them with you by all means bring them!