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Thinking.

Grump

Grand Master
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I know it has nothing to do with turning but you are all my friends and I wanted to run an idea by you.
I made a knife handle some years ago and threw the knife in my toolbox.
It has stood the test of time and is still in reasonable condition.
A young lad I currently work with showed a lot of interest in it so I gave it to him today.

P1070904 (Custom).JPG

This got me thinking about doing some engraving on knife blades with my cnc machine so I had a little play with a cheapy old knife from Drains drawers init?

P1070909 (Custom).JPG

The idea I have in mind is getting hold of some knife blanks of all sorts, making bespoke handles and individualise the blades and flog em at craft fairs on Neil's stall LOL.
Is it a stupid idea????

P1070906 (Custom).JPG
 

Jimjam66

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Brian, I think it's a great idea. I would check the legalities surrounding the sales of knives before too much longer, though. That first knife seems to have a decorative pattern on the blade - very pretty!

Also, you might want to consider making the blades too - with your equipment and skills I doubt it would be very difficult.
 

Jim

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Go for it Brian, how do you know if you don't try .. Making handles like this can only help ... Looks very much like Elm Burr, but whatever it is it does look good ... :thumbs:
 

Buckeye

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That's a fantastic idea and well worth exploring further, go for it.

Peter
 

Grump

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I like your hand made handle Brian, what timber is it?

If this were a competition Jim would have already won, yes it is Burr elm, One of my most favouritist ever woods init?
On a Damascus steel blade given to me by a Damn Yank and George would play with it every time he visited much to my unervedness if that's a word.
Legalities David yes certainly need looking into But I was thinking more of kitchen knifes than bushcraft knifes.

Brian's Blades Howzat for a name init?
 

paulm

grave manibus faciendum
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Brian, a superb and original idea and very sellable I would think. I love the idea.
 

Penpal

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Brian,

Any man who is game enough to raid his wifes drawers should only do so by inclination or invitation then should not be daunted with your suggested project that has great merit. Please be careful with copyright but I know you already know that.

Have fun then success my best to you both in your quest.

Kind regards Peter.:thumbs:
 

Grump

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Depends on how much Neil is going to charge you Brian, you know how tight fisted he is :funny::funny::funny:

Sssshhh I haven't mentioned it to Neil yet, he is blissfully unaware until I turn up at his door armed to the teeth with Brians Blades.
Not sure if you now have a mental picture of Rambo or Bimbo. :kiss:
 

Mr Finch

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Coll
Brian, I think it's a great idea. I would check the legalities surrounding the sales of knives before too much longer, though. That first knife seems to have a decorative pattern on the blade - very pretty!

Also, you might want to consider making the blades too - with your equipment and skills I doubt it would be very difficult.


The decorative pattern is because it's Damascus Steel - just the way that the steel is folded which gives it the pattern.

In theory this is a great idea, and if you aim at the Craft Fair type market rather than the Bushcraft market (where you see LOTS of this type of thing) then you may be onto a winner. Blade Blank styles, prices (and quality) vary as much as they do for pens, but you could do much worse than look for a "woodlore" clone blade and make scales for that.

I think making the blades is prohibitively expensive (not knowing what equipment Brian has (fnar fnar!) :banana:). Some of the custom blades that I see (that are nothing special) are selling £150 and up.
 

Grump

Grand Master
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Good points Mr Finch.
While the idea of flaunting my wares and engraving blades is new to me, the knife making is not a new project for me.
I understand the costs being prohibitive for fancy blades and that market is already a busy one for those established in it.
I am certainly looking at the cheaper end of the market of practical show pieces if you like.
Still lots of thought to go into any project I may embark upon or not as the case may be.
I am thinking of kitchenware or wall display pieces rather than bushcrafts although if asked and with a deposit to cover the blade cost I see no reason why not.
As for equipment I still have my Parker steel account open and one of my old companies is still going strong although all the lads are now self employed I know they will accommodate my needs as small pickings to them.
County Steel :: Home and will be paying them a visit at the weekend.
 
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