Laura Zerra - A Modern Guide to Knifemaking: Step-by-Step Instruction for Forging Your Own Knife from Expert Bladesmiths, Including Making Your Own Handle, Sheath and Sharpening

A COLLECTION OF FLINTKNAPPED TOOLS CRAFTED BY BRAD SALON. WHILE INCREDIBLY FUNCTIONAL, THESE TOOLS DEMAND GREAT CARE AND A SKILLED HAND TO USE.

Though effective at accomplishing everyday tasks, any modern-day human who picks up a stone tool will realize immediately that they are very different than what we have available today and certainly have their limitations. Stone edges require infinitely greater skill and care than modern-day tools. The same percussion and pressure that is used to construct stone tools can also destroy them, as they are not made to stand up to the same kind of carving, chopping, and abuse that metal knives can take.

It wasnt until nearly three thousand years ago that people first began smelting bronze into tools, and it was only about one thousand years ago that smelting pots were able to reach temperatures high enough to work with iron, a much more commonly accessible ore. Both the availability and durability of metal as a material led to a significant transformation in the use of tools across the world; metal ax heads allowed for the quick clearing of land for agriculture, and swords were highly effective weapons in warfare. Lands were conquered, sprawling civilizations were built, and the world would never be the same.

In our modern world, most of us no longer have that direct connection to our own survival. Yet still, most people own and regularly use knives to complete such everyday tasks as cooking dinner. In a world where technology is constantly advancing and tools are replaced with gadgets, knives have remained surprisingly the same; nothing beats the efficacy and usefulness of a simple blade. The draw so many of us feel to knifemaking is tied to this vast history. It is part of our story. Our very success as a species has been intrinsically linked to the blades we use, and our relationship with the knives we carry reminds us of what it is that makes us human.

As if somehow the ancient memory of that connection was in my blood, I had a fascination with knives at a very young age. Though I cant pinpoint the moment this captivation began, I will never forget the excitement of getting my first knife. Marching out of the store with my dad, I distinctly remember the feeling that with my new blade, I was somehow capable of anything. Twenty years later, I still feel that way with a knife by my side, although I never could have imagined what the future would hold or how much the confidence in having a good blade would mean to me.

Over the years, I have put countless knives through the wringer. Ive learned what works for me in a blade and what doesnt; in this way, knives are very personal. This constant search for the perfect blade to suit my needs was my inspiration to try my hand as a knifemaker, as making my own knives gave me the ability to build a blade to my exact specifications. I can design it to fit my hand, to appeal to my own aesthetic, and to accomplish the tasks I need it to. I find myself appreciating the work of other knifemakers on a whole new level and becoming inspired to modify and combine different design ideas to create something Ive never seen done before. The ability to create the knife of my wildest dreams, and then change and improve upon it, is a constant and rewarding challenge. In this way, knifemaking is a continual learning process. Every time I make a knife, I do things a little differently, whether it be trying out a new design or improving on my forging skills. Everyone has their own style and way of doing things. The techniques in this book are what worked for me in my learning process, but they are certainly not the only way to get the job done. As you spend more time practicing the art of knifemaking, youll find what works for you and what modifications suit your budget and your style.

Each skill laid out in this book can be built upon exponentially, and the more time you put in, the more you will learn about what you prefer. I encourage you to experiment with different types of metals and materials to find out what you like best and to seek out as many resources as you can to further your knowledge. While I began my knifemaking journey as a means to an end, Ive found that the real beauty has been the process, allowing me to continue in the long succession of knifemakers who have made human history possible. Happy forging!

IRON AGE BLADES COULD CUT THROUGH WEAPONS AND ARMOR MADE OF SOFTER BRONZE. THROUGH THE ADVANTAGE GAINED IN THEIR USE, BATTLES WERE WON AND EMPIRES WERE BUILT.

CH. 1 TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Now that youve decided you want to be a knifemaker, its time to set up a work space and make sure you have the right tools. As you first start out, dont be limited by the thought that you need to invest a ton of money to have the best tools and a huge work space. While investing in certain equipment down the line may make the process easier, most of the tools you need to start making knives are probably in your garage right now. In this chapter, well go over what kind of space you need to set up your workshop and what tools you need to complete the different tasks.