Thread: Which steel smiths here can make knives?

Hey,
I noticed some of the steel smiths here not only make razors, but knife blades too, and for the life of me can't remember who. The reason I ask is that my dad's mother passed recently in a very very unfortunate manner that I would not like to go into. Anyway, we all were born and raised in Africa, and now living in the States we have a lot of cheap things that carry a lot of sentiment as it is very expensive to go back to visit our homeland, different horns from various antelope, wood and stone carvings, copper jewelry and pots (copper is VERY popular in Africa), etc. Anyway, I asked him on his trip to the funeral to bring back a horn or piece of wood or warthog tusk from the farm as a momento for me, but I'm planning to use it to make a knife handle for him, and I'm interested in getting a nice blade made/fitted in it. Does anyone know someone up to the task?
Thanks guys!
Karl

Me, Joe Chandler, Josh Earl, Mike Blue... off the top of my head. What style blade?

I can't decide whether it would be nice to get him a folding knife (which will be hard to do and expensive), an all purpose kitchen/carving knife (not for daily use, but should he want to use it, or just a sleek, classic looking knife for display or breaking out on very special occasion. I will have to discuss this with whomever I work with, but price will be a big issue, as I am a poor college student. I'm not looking for deals or anything, just saying that I will have to consider price. I like the look of damascus steel but am scared of the price tag... Also I don't know if simple vs complicated design impacts price but fortunately my dad likes simple, functional looking things. He likes the clean line aesthetic.

I guess I'll just try to find pics of your guys' work and I dunno, I guess talk with y'all. I'm in no real rush, I don't expect this to be fully over and done with for at least a few weeks if not a couple months. I won't even know what the handle material will be for a week or two, if he can even get it through customs. I'm just starting the groundwork planning.

As a knife enthusiast I would recommend you go on bladeforums and talk to some of the knifemakers there. There are many skilled makers there that can work with you to fit your requirements. Even if you decide to go with a maker on SRP, at least you can browse the knife galleries there and get some ideas.

L R Harner

Harner Knives

He doesn't keep his site up to date, but there are lots of pics!

My plan was to try and get a guy here, as you guys have been so helpful to me I a)wanna keep business in the family and b) if you can make a razor blade, you can make a knife. (with regards to edge that is)

Originally Posted by khaos

My plan was to try and get a guy here, as you guys have been so helpful to me I a)wanna keep business in the family and b) if you can make a razor blade, you can make a knife. (with regards to edge that is)

L R Harner is a member here. I have one of his razors. This is one of Butch's own photos of my razor (I hope to get a camera for Father's Day):

I highly recommend Robert Williams: Custom Straight Razors by Robert Williams

He does very nice work.