If you’re going to start into the journey of Blacksmithing and/or bladesmithing, think about the learning process. Start Simple and make a progression to harder challenges.
One of the first challenges I encountered making my first knives was getting a consistent bevel. To counter this, I made the bevel guide shown here.
But with the bevel guide I found I could get a decent bevel and bevel line, but it was still a challenge to get the starting point consistent side to side, even and looking good.
A little trial and error brought me to the conclusion I needed a starting point. So I made a few knife designs that didn’t have this challenge. This gave me a bit of confidence,
![](https://www.timetestedtools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_20181220_075030191-2-1024x315.jpg)
This design is a good design and simplified the process. I then moved on to making my knives with a sharpening choir. This helps make an obvious point of reference. I use the top dead center of the circle. Each stroke I tell myself to slow down and hit the mark. I’ve found this to be a tremendous help.
I file the sharpening choir with a chainsaw file. Find a chainsaw file the correct diameter for the choir you want and file it in. Then start your grind. I have even added one after to help clean up a line.
![](https://www.timetestedtools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/choir-1024x539.jpg)
Next you’ll want to keep your handle simple. I choose a full tang with one piece scales. A nice piece of figured wood, or a piece with some sentimental value (from the oak tree your grandparents are buried under kind of thing) works great and makes a very nice knife.
![](https://www.timetestedtools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/full-tang-1024x539.jpg)
Use a slow setting epoxy. You will want time when setting your scales and pins, and sometimes 5 minutes makes you hurry. Aside from the fact most slow setting epoxies are stronger, you’ll be thankful for the additional time.
Another option is a knife like a kiridashi. For this you don’t even have to worry about scales. You can make these right and left handed or with a double bevel too. This one I made for a woodworker to use as a marking knife.
![](https://www.timetestedtools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kiridashi-paul-fisicaro-1-1024x768.jpg)
Or wrap the handle with Paracord or leather.
![](https://www.timetestedtools.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_20190811_154547_387-3-1024x819.jpg)
And one last piece of advice for this time, when you get close, finish by hand. At the start plan to do a little extra hand work. There is nothing worse than being almost done and slip on the belt grinder.
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