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Hello From Alberta

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Kevin Blenkhorn, Mar 28, 2016.

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  1. Kevin Blenkhorn

    Kevin Blenkhorn New Member

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    Just wanted to say hello and looking forward to any advice that can be given. Have not started any knife making yet just looking to learn as much as possible before spending too much on equipment. Plan to start looking for the basics but would eventually like to end up with a fully set up shop. Any idea what an average price range would be to get a good setup? Forge/good anvil/good quality belt grinder/press/pneumatic hammer ( prob won't be getting the last 2 right away.

    Kevin
     
    Kevin Blenkhorn, Mar 28, 2016
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  2. Icho-

    Icho- Staff Member

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    Welcome to the forum Kevin. I can't help you much with the forging part since I only do stock removal but for my first knife all I used is a 1 x 30 belt grinder. I was able to get the grinder for about $30 at Harbour freight in the states. I know they are a bit more here in Canada but you can probably even find a decent belt grinder locally on kijiji. I already had all of the drill bits I needed and all kinds of little things here and there. Many start off with no belt grinder. Nothing wrong with starting out with a file and hack saw. It ain't forging but at least you can start making a knife and then you can find out yourself what tools are most important to get first. Every reply you get on this topic will be different. When I started it started realizing very quickly what I wanted next and the only thing holding me back is money....still have that problem. Lol. My absolute minimum starters list would be :

    Blade steel
    Wood for scales
    Pins to attach scales
    Epoxy
    Hack saw
    Some files of different shapes and coarseness
    Sandra paper 120 -about 600gritt
    .250 drill bit (must match pin size)

    I think that is it but I may have missed something.

    As for heat treat. You can find people to do that for you until you can get your own oven/forge.

    So here's something to think about and if you have any more questions ask away.
     
    Icho-, Mar 28, 2016
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  3. John Noon

    John Noon Well-Known Member

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    A portable bandsaw for steel can be had used for a decent price.

    Also cuts composites with ease and makes clean cuts on pins
     
    John Noon, Mar 28, 2016
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  4. PeterP

    PeterP Active Member

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    Welcome! You will find many ideas of basic tools needed to start, BUT!....once you get the bug....you will be like everyone on this forum...you will be going around saying OOOHHH I need that! I want This! I could really use this! $$$$ :D
    Sitting at the kitchen table with your wife trying to figure out how to explain to her WHY you need what you need...lol
     
    PeterP, Mar 28, 2016
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    Mason R. likes this.
  5. dancom

    dancom Dust Maker Legend Member

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    Hey Kevin,

    Welcome to the forum!
    What part of Alberta you hail from?

    Dan
     
    dancom, Mar 28, 2016
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  6. Kevin Blenkhorn

    Kevin Blenkhorn New Member

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    I live in Fort Saskatchewan just outside Edmonton.
     
    Kevin Blenkhorn, Mar 28, 2016
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  7. dancom

    dancom Dust Maker Legend Member

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    Right on. I live about 40 minutes south in Leduc County.
     
    dancom, Mar 28, 2016
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  8. Kevin Blenkhorn

    Kevin Blenkhorn New Member

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    Awesome. I had no idea there were so many bladesmiths in Alberta. Loved the Nakiri by the way, am just going though some of the projects page. If you hear of anyone looking to sell any shop tools let me know. I would like to get a belt grinder to start with .
     
    Kevin Blenkhorn, Mar 28, 2016
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  9. Jim T

    Jim T Active Member

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    Hi Kevin and welcome to the forum! I'm in Wetaskiwin. I work at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum where we host a Metal Art Show and Sale every September. Among the forty-plus metal artists, we usually have about 20 custom knifemakers displaying and selling their knives. Try and check us out. The Metal Art Show and Sale is on September 17 and 18 this year.

    Jim T
     
    Jim T, Mar 30, 2016
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  10. LeclairKnives

    LeclairKnives Active Member

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    Welcome Kevin, I am in Edmonton
    If you want to stop by and talk knives some time just let me know.
    StaySharp
    Jason
     
    LeclairKnives, Mar 31, 2016
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  11. Putterer

    Putterer New Member

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    Welcome Kevin. I too am a noobie to knife making. I'm still collecting a few things for my first knife. I'm sticking with stock removal and files to start with, but I'm going to use a small two brick forge and a propane torch for my first attempt at heat treating.

    If I get hooked, and can find a bit more hobby time, I may look at a grinder and kiln.

    Good luck. There's tons to learn from the posts here on the forum and on some of the members blog sites. If you haven't already, you need to check out dancom's site and read everything there. I'm sure it will answer many of your questions as a noobie.

    Cheers from Ontario.
    Gary
     
    Putterer, Mar 31, 2016
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  12. krash-bang

    krash-bang Active Member

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    Hi Kevin, welcome to the forum.
     
    krash-bang, Apr 1, 2016
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  13. Kevin Blenkhorn

    Kevin Blenkhorn New Member

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    Jason I would love to stop in and talk knives a bit. Like I said I am def a newbie but am very interested. I work 8 days on and 6 off so have lots of down time.
     
    Kevin Blenkhorn, Apr 6, 2016
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    LeclairKnives likes this.
  14. LeclairKnives

    LeclairKnives Active Member

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    Just drop me a pm or whatever to let me know when you want to pop over. I work 8-5 mon- Fri so weekends work best for me.
     
    LeclairKnives, Apr 6, 2016
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  15. Chris Roy

    Chris Roy Active Member

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    Welcome Kevin
     
    Chris Roy, Apr 7, 2016
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  16. Rick Runciman

    Rick Runciman New Member

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    Hi Kevin, I just joined the forum today and look forward to meeting many like minded people. I'm a machinist from Calgary and have a small machine shop in my garage. Presently building a belt grinder attachment for my lathe. Knife making has been a fun hobby for the past 30 years. It's quite addictive for those who enjoy metal work. What with the past recession, and now this one,, have to turn my fun hobby into a small business if I want to retire. I wish you all the best in your knife making adventures.
     
    Rick Runciman, Aug 6, 2016
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  17. SDMay

    SDMay Active Member

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    Welcome to the forum. Lots of talented folks in here so you will pick up lots.
     
    SDMay, Aug 7, 2016
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  18. Robert

    Robert New Member

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    Im in Two Hills Alberta. And just starting in knifemaking i am tring to build myself a 2by72 grinder but never have been real good at drilling and taping straight holes. Would like cad planes but like everything good you don't get them for free. Like the idea of getting help from more experienced people. Thanks everyone
     
    Robert, Aug 23, 2016
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  19. dancom

    dancom Dust Maker Legend Member

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    Hi Robert,

    Welcome to the forum. A couple of makers here built their own EERF grinders. http://www.wilmontgrinders.com/Pages/EERFGrinder.aspx Perhaps someone can help you with the metalwork and you can bolt it together. There is also Tracey Mickley's No-Weld grinder, which is all drill. bolt and clamp, but the plans will cost you something.

    Dan
     
    dancom, Aug 23, 2016
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  20. Grouch

    Grouch Active Member

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    Rob
    I can send you the Parts list and plans for the KMG grinder. The plans are for a bolt together grinder but I welded mine and it worked out fine.
    Frank
     
    Grouch, Aug 23, 2016
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