Modern Knifemaking for Beginners

Create yourself the perfect knife with step-by-step guidance from survivalist and Naked and Afraid star Laura Zerra.

From her vast experience in the wild, Zerra has learned about what works and what doesn’t, what steel will hold an edge, and what nuances in blade design will make or break a knife. In this concise and affordable edition of A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, she shares essential knifemaking tips and tricks, including detailed instructions for both forging and stock removal.

From design to sharpening, Modern Knifemaking for Beginners covers every step in the knifemaking process, all with beginners in mind:

• Knife Design – Consider what you want your knife to accomplish, develop a design, and make a prototype.
• Choosing and Sourcing Materials – Learn how to choose and buy steel for your knife. 
• Forging Techniques – Build your own forge, then learn forging basics.
• Developing a Blade Shape – Forge the shape of your knife and make the blade tip. 
• Cutting and Finishing the Blade – Cut the blade profile, grind in bevels to make the edge of the knife, heat treat and temper your blade, and grind and polish it.
• Making a Handle and Sheath – Create a handle and sheath for your new knife. 
• Maintaining the Edge – Learn sharpening techniques to maintain the knife’s edge.