Top Ten Beginner Knife Making Mistakes...and How to Avoid Them!

In this video knife maker Walter Sorrells talks about some of the mistakes he made when he first started making knives...and how to avoid making those same mistakes. Some may disagree with some specifics...but the basic thrust of the video is to stress the importance of acquiring basic knowledge of fundamental skills.

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Here are some metallurgy sources:

* Metallurgy of Steel for Bladesmiths & Others who Heat Treat and Forge Steel by John D. Verhoeven

* The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel, by US Steel (various editions)

* As always, Google is your friend. Seach the web and you'll find lots of useful material.

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[phillipturner]

as a self made knife maker, i really do appreciate the time you have put into making this series of videos. You and other knife makers have helped me progress as a fabricator, blacksmith and artist overall. Thank you Mr. Sorrells!

[hphillips]

I made my first knife today and the main lesson learned was I have a long way to go

[waterrocketengeneer]

This is awesome Walter, but could we maybe also have top 10 rookie practical mistakes?

Like don't let the point of your knife burn off while hardening, centerpunch your holes and sandwich drill with a punch in the other hole for perfect alignment, proper filing technique, don't be breathing burning motor oil and grinding dust, ...

You know, the obvious things that one needs to hear or have experienced (or have common sense) to know not to do.

[sigung]

You know, Walter, this video is a life lesson, truthfully, it goes far beyond knife making. A person could apply the lessons here to any discipline. This is one of my all time favorites. Thank you for reminding me of how important the basics are.

[dyhosjw]

Hey Walter, I just started making my first knife. Been following your channel for a few weeks and I really appreciate all the knowledge you give out for free. First knife is all by hand so I can learn all the aspects. So much more goes into this than the average person assumes.

Anyways, thanks for what you do. 🤘

[SepticXable]

Hmmm...what the hell am I gonna do with my Sherman tank crankshaft now?

[Biblicalgiants]

Years ago before YouTube you had to read books or watch a pro in shop to learn how to make knives. Having a guy like Walter showing how to do stuff really makes it easier. Good upload!

[stimpsonjcat]

Good stuff. I took my first blacksmith class in 2000, built a forge that year, had acquired a Bader by 2004. Built my own forges. And just last year finally acquired a 1929 Little Giant power hammer. I hand forged one Damascus billet around 2010 or so and decided I wasn't going to make any more of that without a power hammer. The Damascus is looking good, but I agree trying to do it too soon is a recipe for failure.

[ARodriguez]

Hey Walter, thanks for making these videos, particularly the ones for beginner knifemakers. They are super helpful for one such as myself who is just getting into this as a hobby.

[shawnj]

I’ll refit an old kitchen knife first then work up to a knife from a Sherman tank gun barrel.
Good advice.

[anotherhardcase]

I have never worked with expensive steel. I’m just a beginner. I use railroad spikes. They’re free. They’re mild steel from I heard, but I’m still learning to work and shape the steel. Great video! Thank you

[massdesign]

Thank you for this. I just started knife making a few months back and got frustrated because I started to try to do something complicated. Now I'm back at it and doing my research. I will take you advice into account and start simple.

[LepsuSankari]

My rookie mistake no. 1. Not wearing a respirator.

[tylerahn]

Can you make a video showing your failed katana and other projects that didn't turn out the way you wanted?

[fredbalster]

I have been working on knives for about a year. I had two knives tested for Rc hardness. It told me where I was at heat treating. Now I know what to do to improve my knives. All your comments are right on. I want my knives to look rustic, so people will use them. Some knives are so pretty, that people are hesitant to use them. 😊

[olinadciram]

Not only knife making lessons, those are life lessons.
"Doing a little things right, that is what get you to the big win." - Walter Sorrells

[Josh_Mahan]

Number three is great advice for almost any artform or craft!

[Angelinasmonkey]

I like how, when you discuss the foundation/basic skills, that you could transpose the name of any career and it would still be pertinent advice. Great videos. Great knives.

[aSpyIntheHaus]

Another great and very informative video Walter.
I have made a bunch of different knives, scrapers, punches over the years. The motivation for each stemming from, "Ooooh there's a great piece of 'mystery steel' that I can make 'some super tool' out of". All with varying degrees of success but still some valuable lessons learned.

[TheWtfnonamez]

Thank god I found this (and a few other videos like it) before I started to make my first knife. My project went well because I started small, used 0-1 steel, from a good supplier, and kept my first attempt very modest. You speak very wisely about artistic vision your eye on the horizon and the big payoff, but be mindful that its all the little things and the hard shitty work that gets you there. Many thanks. +1