This page contains quick links to the products used during the blacksmithing classes. No how-to information is provided on this page. If you participated in one of these workshops, feel free to contact me with any questions. Or, you can get FAQ on blade care on our Care of Knives and Swords page.
Stuff I use
Epoxy - Henkel Loctite Heavy Duty 5-Minute Epoxy - it is hard to find this version in the .5 oz syringe so you may have to get the bottles. Sometimes you can find it at a Hardware store, Home Improvement store, or Walmart but may have to special order.
Leather Conditioner for Sheaths - Lexol brand leather conditioner can be used on all types of leather. Be sure to clean your sheath well before conditioning. Leather conditioner can be found in most tack stores and sometimes at leather goods outlets like Wilsons or in the shoe department of a major retailer. See Care of Knives and Swords for more information about sheath care.
Oil for Blades - 100% mineral oil, I use a Zoom sewing machine oil because I like the extra long spout but you can buy any brand of sewing machine oil in the craft section at Walmart . Optionally called White Mineral Oil but not the same as Machine Oil.
Oil for Wooden Handles - I use Watco brand Teak Oil or Danish Wood Oil will work. You can find it in the paint section of any major store.
Sanding Belts - micron
Sharpening Stone - Only a diamond stone will work, everything else is too soft. I like the Gordon brand 4-sided Diamond Hone Block.
Sharpening Stone portable kit - Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit works for small-medium blades and serrated edges
Sharpening Stick for curved blades - Use the same Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit
Sharpening Stick for gut hooks - Use the same Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit
Super Glue - Insta-Cure Super Thin for most applications and Un-Cure Debonder if you need to clean up a mess! You can also buy Extender Tips, for getting into tight places, or replacement caps, in case of clogs (though I haven't had that problem)
Leather Conditioner for Sheaths - Lexol brand leather conditioner can be used on all types of leather. Be sure to clean your sheath well before conditioning. Leather conditioner can be found in most tack stores and sometimes at leather goods outlets like Wilsons or in the shoe department of a major retailer. See Care of Knives and Swords for more information about sheath care.
Oil for Blades - 100% mineral oil, I use a Zoom sewing machine oil because I like the extra long spout but you can buy any brand of sewing machine oil in the craft section at Walmart . Optionally called White Mineral Oil but not the same as Machine Oil.
Oil for Wooden Handles - I use Watco brand Teak Oil or Danish Wood Oil will work. You can find it in the paint section of any major store.
Sanding Belts - micron
Sharpening Stone - Only a diamond stone will work, everything else is too soft. I like the Gordon brand 4-sided Diamond Hone Block.
Sharpening Stone portable kit - Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit works for small-medium blades and serrated edges
Sharpening Stick for curved blades - Use the same Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit
Sharpening Stick for gut hooks - Use the same Smith's Diamond Field Sharpening Kit
Super Glue - Insta-Cure Super Thin for most applications and Un-Cure Debonder if you need to clean up a mess! You can also buy Extender Tips, for getting into tight places, or replacement caps, in case of clogs (though I haven't had that problem)
Books I recommend
An Edge in the Kitchen by Chad Ward- a great introduction book about kitchen knives, includes information on how to sharpen a knife
The Wonder of Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard - great introductory book about making knives. While I don't always agree with his techniques you are unlikely to get any incorrect information
Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It! by David Boye - Instruction with a focus on the grinding and shaping
Custom Knifemaking by Tim McCreight - A survey of knifemaking skills presented through 10 projects
The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon & Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara
A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times by George Cameron Stone - if you need to know some basic info about a knife - any knife - this is the place to start
The Wonder of Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard - great introductory book about making knives. While I don't always agree with his techniques you are unlikely to get any incorrect information
Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It! by David Boye - Instruction with a focus on the grinding and shaping
Custom Knifemaking by Tim McCreight - A survey of knifemaking skills presented through 10 projects
The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon & Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara
A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times by George Cameron Stone - if you need to know some basic info about a knife - any knife - this is the place to start
Useful Tools
1HP Motor - This 1 hp motor with reversing controller is for the 9″ Disk Grinder and fits both the Horizontal and Vertical Configurations.