Customer Reviews

Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wayne Goddard's name would be instantly recognized by knife collectors as one of the premier voices in bladesmithing. A long-time contributor to Blade magazine, Goddard has compiled the best of decades of forging experience to start the beginning bladesmith off.

Lots of masterful, practical advice, money-saving tips and knifemaking shortcuts, told in easy to understand language, refreshingly free of knife jargon that clutters so many other books on blademaking. There are plenty of handy hints on sourcing for steel and handle materials, building a homemade forge and equiping a basic workshop. For people who have always had the yearning to hammer steel and coke coal, but didn't have the means to build a fully equipped shop, this book is for you.

I was hesitant on ordering this book, I've read or bought almost everything I can find relating to bladesmithing or blacksmithing. I got the book, and read it from front to back, then read it again. This book not only offers insight on how to make needed equipment, but also explains how to make knives of both stock removal, forging and wire damascus. I've never read a book on this subject where it felt like the author was talking directly to me, explaining things that I was thinking. This book is definitely one for the beginner smith.

I got this book last night and have read it cover to cover. Wayne gives great confidence to the beginner. Just the simple fact that you don't have to go broke to make knives is very fullfilling. Some great shop tips and good ways of looking at shop problems.

Buy this book and David Boye's book, and you are well on your way.

I bought this because I'm thinking I may want to make a few knives in the future, and I wanted to see what could be done in a low-commitment way.

The $50.00 limit is a bit arbitrary, and perhaps outdated. It really depends on scrounging a motor and making your own grinder/sander. That sounds like more trouble than it is worth, to me.

Other than that, I found the minimal equipment list a useful reference for any future excursions into this craft.

The book has a lot of information about Damascus-style blades made from steel cable; although an interesting concept, I don't care for the look of the blades, so I found that information of less value than the rest of the book.

The procedures for hardening and tempering, on the other hand, made me feel that this part of the process was actually accessible. Before reading this book, heat treating in general was an intimidating mystery. Now, it is just something that requires care and practice.

Even though he has not been able to buy an anvil yet, hubby has re-crafted several knives using the methods described in this book. It is only a few months old, but is already very worn and tattered. When ever he gets quite (no metal grinding or scraping noises), I know he has sat back down with his book for more inspiration or a bit of clarification.

If your a beginning knife maker this book is very good and covers a little bit of everything to do with knifemaking.
I do not regret buying it. Even with all the info out there on the internet this book still worth getting.

A good read for anyone considering making knives for themselves or for sale. I have made some of my own and have found the information very useful. You will enjoy using your own knife far more that one purchased at the sporting goods store.

My best basic book,will answer all your questions,and will get you started and on your way,if you are not new to knife building it will reinforce you knowledge even more..