Last time, we discussed the first step in creating any knife, which is making a sketch. Once we have our design ready, it is time to get the materials we need to bring it to life.

Step 2: Getting the Right Materials

Steels

Blade steels come in different sizes and types. For beginners, it is recommended to use carbon steel, as it is easy to use and to temper (tempering will be discussed on a later topic). The preferred thickness of your steel blank should range from 3.2mm-6.35mm. Once more comfortable, you can try other steels like Damascus and Stainless, which have their own quirks and finishes.

Visit Auslet’s Blanks section here.

Scales

Once you have the blade steel, next on our list is the knife handle or scales. There are different types of materials that could be used as a knife scales, such as wood, ivory, bone, metals, glass fibers, among others. Picking the right material will bring out the uniqueness and personality of your knife. Wood is the easiest to work with, so that will be the best place to start.

Browse the Knife Scales section of Auslet here.

Others

Other materials that would be needed are knife bolster guards and rivet and screws. Knife bolsters help protect the user’s hand from the blade, while rivets and screws bring everything together. Both of these come in a wide range of designs and materials, with each giving your knife its own character. Mosaic pin rivets with different designs, as well as screw rivets, can be used for your knife project. Ball bearings for flip knives, as well as knife spacers, can be used on advanced projects.

Check out Auslet’s selection of bolster guards here, as well as rivets and screws here.

Once we have the materials on hand, we will start forming the blade, which will be our next discussion.