The Basics of Custom Knives - A tutorial

[Kevin Jones]

Here's a little tutorial by Don Cowles that helped me to learn the basic styles and terminology when I initially started becoming interested in custom knives. Thought it might help new collectors visiting our forum in getting started as well.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/Alittleaboutknivespg1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/Alittleaboutknivespg2.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/Alittleaboutknivespg3.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/Alittleaboutknivespg4.jpg

[Buddy Thomason]

This is excellent information - the type of thing that would've saved me lots of confusion and feelings of ignorance in the beginning. I hope lots of folks will come here and see this. Our hobby is much more fun when we can communicate using such time tested terminology.

[Russ Andrews]

Question for Kevin: Where did the info on the Rabbit tang come from.

Curious mostly, as many of our knives have the appearance of that type
of construction...and it would be difficult to determine how far back
the tang actually goes....

Thanks,
Russ

[Kevin Jones]

Question for Kevin: Where did the info on the Rabbit tang come from.

Curious mostly, as many of our knives have the appearance of that type
of construction...and it would be difficult to determine how far back
the tang actually goes....

Thanks,
Russ

Hi Russ
Don Cowles is the author of All the information from my opening post.

Good point as how far the tang progresses towards the butt and pining method are substantial considerations in this type construction.

I believe these are great documents for the new collector in both identifying knife terms and components and getting them thinking along the lines of knife construction and what questions to ask makers.

[Eli Gautreaux]

Thanks Kevin, that is very helpful -- especially for newbies. I'm going to save this one.

[Bob Starkey]

Lin Rhea did nice critique for our website that some may find helpful.
http://www.customknifecollectorsassociation.com/Knife_critique.html
Bob