Handcrafting a Custom Knife

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Custom handcrafted knife with Damascus steel blade and polished wooden handle on wood surface

Knife making has become a very popular hobby, and all the materials needed to make custom knives to keep or give as gifts can be found at Woodcraft and Japan Woodworker. 

In handcrafting a knife, the maker adds a personal touch through the selection of the knife blank (blade that comes in a kit) and knife scales (handle blank).

Whether you're looking for a skinner knife, a filet knife or a kitchen knife, the basic instructions are similar. Follow these steps to create your own one-of-a-kind knife. They make awesome gifts, too!

Stack of stabilized wood blocks in various colors for knife handles or small woodworking projects

The knives pictured here were made using 1″ x 1-1/2″ x 5″ Stablized and Dyed Spalted Tamarind Knife Scales, available in Green, Lime Green, Orange, Red and Yellow.

 

 

Custom knife with patterned blade clamped for handle assembly alongside wood handle blanks and pins on wooden surface
STEP 1 - Glue and clamp the handle. 
Hands sanding a wooden knife handle blank on a drum sander in a workshop
STEP 2 - Rough out the handle.
Hands filing a wooden knife handle blank clamped in a woodworking vise on a workbench

STEP 3 - Shape, sand and polish. 

There you have it! 

Read this article from Woodcraft Magazine for tips on keeping your knives sharp, as well as a more detailed knife making tutorial. Have fun and go make something!

Five handcrafted knives with textured blades and colorful wooden handles on oak surface
woman in workshop setting with necklace, posing for woodworking blog header

Just pick your favorite wood or acrylic from our wide selection of knife scales, choose a blank, and create your own truly one-of-a-kind knife. Stop by your local Woodcraft store to find out more! 

We hope you'll be inspired!

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