The Beginner's Guide
Do you want to start making your own knife?
Knifemaking is the art of making your own knife, from choosing steel and handle blanks, to final assembly and sharpening. You can shape something completely unique with materials of your choice – whether it's a hunting knife, a camping knife or a gift for someone you love.
What do you need to get started?
To make your first knife, you only need a few carefully selected components – and a little creativity. Here are the most important things you should have ready before you start:
Choose a ready-made blade for an easier start, or start with raw steel if you want to forge or shape yourself.
See finished magazines here
A solid wooden handle provides both grip and character. We recommend birch, masur birch, walnut or olive wood – perfect for both shape and feel in the hand.
Brass, steel or mosaic pins are used to attach the shaft to the blade. This provides both strength and aesthetics.
See all pins here
Industrial adhesive that withstands moisture and stress. Required for shaft assembly.
Minimum: File, drill, saw, and sandpaper.
Recommended: Belt sander, drill and vice.
Complete your project with a handmade sheath. We have pre-cut leather parts and complete sheath kits.
Ready to try?
At Storbua we have made it easy to get started. We have put together complete beginner kits, and you will find everything you need here
Get started with knife making: Starter kit for making a great Scandinavian tolle knife. Includes detailed guide with pictures for each step, and explanation for each step. See sample images from the guide specifically for this knife making kit!
Making a knife is a very rewarding craft project. It's also a great feeling to use a knife you've made yourself, or even more so to give it as a special gift. Here's a great starter kit that introduces you to the world's most rewarding hobby, and takes you through the entire process, with materials and guidance.
All the materials you need for the knife and sheath, including a guide!
1 x Carbon steel blade 95 mm from Casström, in CrV8 steel (HRC 58-59)
1 x Brass bolster for transition between blade and handle
1 x Brass washer to attach the pliers to the back of the handle
1 x Masurian birch shaft blank
1 x Reindeer antler insert
1 x Vegetable tanned leather for the scabbard
1 x Plastic case for the inside of the sheath
1 x Waxed linen thread
1x User manual/Instructions (in Swedish or English)
To build this knife, you will need the following additional materials, or an alternative that fulfills their functionality: Strong glue such as epoxy , saw, rasp, files, sandpaper in different grades, wide clamp, a drill, drill, a hammer, measuring tools, knife, needle nose pliers, saddlery needles , an awl and boiled linseed oil. Feel free to check out our 14-piece sheath making set . Most of these are easily found at local stores such as Biltema, Clas Ohlson or country store (well-stocked grocery store in the village)!
Buy everything together, including 14 tools for sheathing!
Now you can also buy both the Beginner Knife Making Kit and the 14-piece Sheathing Kit together! Save money and buy the complete set, choose "Knife Making Kit + Sheathing Tools 14 Pieces"!
This complete set also includes:
1. 7 sewing needles for sewing sheaths
2. 50 meters of black waxed thread
3. 50 meters of dark coffee-colored waxed thread
4. 50 meters of neutral colored waxed thread
5. Cube of beeswax
6. Marking wheel with black wooden handle
7. Thimble
8. Awl with holes
9. Handle awl
10. Cowhide finger protector
11. Edge marker for crimping and sealing edge trimmer
12. Leather grooving
13. Cut-out pen
14. Edge trimmer
Startsett
Knivblad
Skaftmateriale
Do you need help getting started?
Storbua is here for you. We have put together guides and packages to make it easy to get started. If you have any questions or special needs, please contact us at any time.
1. How to make a knife, videos
2. Which steel should you choose for a knife?
3. How do you make a knife?