Pro knife makers: How to be one

The history of knives comes a long way through the ages. You will find that the design, material and features of a knife has evolved since its discovery and are still evolving presently.

Most people own a knife or knives of some fashion or another. Of course, who would not recognize the infamous kitchen knife which every household has. Knives are also a must have for those who are engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and hunting. For this reason, many companies exist that make knives and make good ones. Furthermore, companies that create knives that are cheap are also present in the market since the item is easy to sell. Being able to tell the quality and durability of a knife is something that a knife enthusiast can easily do. How does someone become a master knife maker?

If you're looking to become a good knife maker you will need to know all there is to know with regards to knives. You want to be thoroughly familiar with all the applications of a knife, from the bayonet and combat knives to kitchen knives and specialty knives like box cutters. You will need to know all the types of knives for you to be able to come up with the right knife to create for your client or buyer. A surgeon will always require a different type and classification of knife compared to an outdoorsman. Each and every knife out there has a different specialty or function that a master knife maker should keep in mind.

As one master knife maker put it, every blade is designed to serve a specific purpose. An effective knife maker should know how to design a knife for a specific purpose and should have a thorough knowledge with regard to metalwork. All of these skills are necessary if you want to be a master knife maker.

"Form meets function" is something that you usually hear from master knife makers whenever you ask a specific knife from them. To explain this adage further, say if you are looking to purchase a knife that you can throw then a knife maker would design one that is easy to throw - one that is light and balanced. If someone is looking for a rugged hunting knife, it has to be designed in such a way that it is durable and yet performs the function that is demanded of it.

A knife maker can use various materials in order to create a masterpiece knife. The function of the knife usually dictates which type of material to be used to create the tool. There a lot of knives designed with materials for durability. A lot of knives will require a thicker and sturdier material for cutting hard things and there are also those knives that require a thinner but yet sturdy material to make thin slices.

In addition, knife makers are artists. A part of their job description is to be able to create a knife that can be used outdoors, in the kitchen, something to cut thin or large items and others.

As you can see, in order to be a master knife maker, you need some special skills such as knowing the material that makes the best knives, how to form that material so that it best to competences the function it was designed for, and how to create a work of art.