Knife Templates -- PC Question

[yoda1624]

Where do you find knife templates? I see patterns for bags posted here, but rarely find knife templates posted or linked. Do you generally design them as you go?

I have seen some nice knives displayed in this and other forums. Because my computer skills are better than my knife making skills, it would be relatively easy for me to take a picture posted here and derive a template. Is that politically correct or acceptable?

Thanks in advance.

Fabucci

 

There are patterns for bags because there are numerous parts that have to fit together. Drawing the outline of a knife blade is relatively simple. Once you draw a shape you like, you could make a paper pattern to ensure that the others you made were the same, but the first one is just an outline.

 

[Joe Yanta]

Fabucci I'll take a stab (no pun intended) at answering your question. Knives or cutting devices are one, if not the oldest of man's tools. Throughout the ages the making and use of knives has influenced those makers who follow after. When I make a knife I start with a design which I would like to put to form. Sometimes it works out and sometimes I wind up with something much different than what wanted to do. Knife shapes and designs have been copied and modified throughout time. I think that well known knife makers were profoundly influenced by an earlier maker. Such as Randall being influenced by Scagel. It goes on and on. And just about any knife has been copied such as Buck, Loveless, Schrade, Case, Kabar, Western and just name them all. If you feel inspired about a particular knife design you would like to make...go for it anyway you can. If it was me and it was my first knife I think I would tend to find a simple and easy design that would be a better chance of success and completion. Knife making can be a wonderful past time, hobby, necessity and for some an income. We all have one thing in common and that is we all had to make our first one.

Joe

 

[omarick1948]

Carl Davis pretty much gave you the best method for making a basic design. You might have to do some trial and error for getting the fit and design you are attempting.

We really don't use the PC on this forum for Politically Correct, but use PC for the Period Correct identification purpose! No biggy, just thought you might like to know! :thumbsup:

Rick

 

[yoda1624]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate the tips.

 

[JamesG]

The smiths that have the most i noticed are stock removable.Some guys that forge of them to.I just have a general idea and hope i get lucky.I say hit some still or stock removable and practice.

 

[omarick1948]

The smiths that have the most i noticed are stock removable.Some guys that forge of them to.I just have a general idea and hope i get lucky.I say hit some still or stock removable and practice.

Huh?........ :shocked2:

 

[Claude Mathis]

Because my computer skills are better than my knife making skills, it would be relatively easy for me to take a picture posted here and derive a template.

That would work very well. Find a photo of a knife you like, scale it to your dimensions, print it, cut it out, and there's your pattern. :thumbsup:

 

[mazo kid]

I say hit some still or stock removable and practice.

Huh?........ :shocked2:

I THINK what he meant to say was "hit some STEEL (forge), or stock REMOVAL (grinding/filing) and practice. At least that's how I took it.

 

[yoda1624]

Thanks Claude. I respect your opinion. Thanks for all of the comments.

Fabucci

 

[crockett]

Claude is right, I do a fair amount of pc knives like butchers and scalpers. Get a photocopy, some will have a scale and others you know the length of the blade so expand the image until full size. I'll make three or four prints. Cut out and use Elmer's Glue to glue the image to the steel bar stock and grind out to the line. Sometimes the image will fall off etc- that's why you made the extra copies.
You'll end up with probability an "as close to the original" as is do-able.
You can use the same tactic for patch box designs, etc.

 

[LaBonte]

Good info above but I would recommed you get a copy of the Fur Trade Cutlery Sketchbook - it has scale drawings of the most common knives used from the 1600's to through the 1800's
here's one source http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(w...TID=4&SUBID=36&STYLEID=130&PARTNUM=BOOK-FTCSB

 

[yoda1624]

That book will be in my library shortly. Thanks for the info.

Brian

 

[paope]

"The Knife in Homespun America" by Madison Grant
"Accouterments" series by James R. Johnston
Are all great reference books and fun to read. Check your local library or ILL.
Peace

 

[crockett]

I agree on the fur trade cutlery sketch book and you can do the same thing, photocopy a drawing and use the ruler to expand to full size. A really good book well worth having.

 

[Bountyhunter]

Take a road trip down to Cody and the big museum there and enjoy the guns and take lots of pictures, then you have all the patterns you would ever want. Museum of the Fur Trade is just a ways east of there, while you are down in that area.

 

[cal.43]

try this French Beltknives
and
French tradeknives

that page has many interesting infos.

 

[cal.43]

IRON TRADE KNIVES ON PETUN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES has many blade templates

 

[yoda1624]

Thanks for all of the information.

Fabucci