Thread: Knifemakers, help me out!

Originally Posted by foundlingofdollar

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for, moreover I'm looking for those that have used one of these products before and would consider what they got to be "high quality".

I can only speak to the quality of service and other products you get from some of these places- most of which are very high. The problem with asking knifemakers about buying pre-shaped and finished blades is that none would know... they probably would all make them themselves!

Again I'd suggest calling any of these places and asking personally about the knives. Say you want an honest opinion and tell them your concerns. Any knife place I have called with questions like these have been 100% honest and helpful in their answers. These places should (and probably do) know their products.

Originally Posted by kevint

You can find a variety of definitions of "hand made". It looks welded, but i didn't see any mention of pattern welded in the description of the deba, just "hand forged" which technically does not eliminate factory production work

It says 'damasucs' so given that it is not wootz, it would have to be pattern welded.
And good pattern welded steel costs money.

The Jantz supply site is only stainless steel and I would say useful but not elegant or aesthetic. But they are kit knives.

I know Dennis at Brisa and he runs a very good business. I'd buy anything from him and expect 100% service and a quality product every time. His prices are fair aren't they?

The "damascus" blades are pattern welded Japanese knives. Some how he's managed to obtain a supply of the blades before they are assembled into Shun or Kershaw or the like of commercial knife blades. The core is probably blue number one super steel and the outer layers are non hardening stainless' of two types to create a contrast, or, the inner layer is a super stainless of cutlery quality and the outer skins are other stainless'. You won't know until you cut something and the inner layer darkens a little with patina.

Thanks mike. When seeing low prices like this, it's always hard to know if it is good value for money, or overpriced garbage. This is where word of mouth and reputation are invaluable.
The price is indeed great, and they will make really nice gifts.

Originally Posted by Bruno

It says 'damasucs' so given that it is not wootz, it would have to be pattern welded.
And good pattern welded steel costs money.

doh! don't know how i missed it.

I e-mailed Pat over at one of Brisa's listed sellers- NorthCoast Knives Home- about a project I'm thinking of, and he was very nice and honest. I think I'll be ordering a couple blanks from him, so I'll let everyone know how it turns out

Well, I ordered a small knife blade blank, emerald micarta, and two sheets of kydex from NorthCoast Knifes. Shipping was quick and everything was great quality. I'll post back with pictures as soon as I get it done

Definitely a great site. Let me know how you like the steel.

So far it seems like your typical 440C. I'm still learning how to hone knives, so I can't really say that it performs well or otherwise. What I can say is that it does seem solid and doesn't feel cheap. His Micarta is nice as well. Once I figure out how in hell to hone a knife, I'll post back

I am hardly an expert, but since I can get (some of) my knives pretty sharp...

I usually my x motions as if I am trying to slice a piece away from my hone (1000). I do this at a shallow angle, and I continue until the blade grabs my thumbnail.
Then I go to a fine hone (4000) and do the same for 20 laps or so.
Then I increase the angle, and very, very lightly make 2 X motions so that I end up with a double bevel.

The result is pretty sharp.