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Knife handle sanding is one of those shop skills where the exact grit numbers matter less than using a sensible sequence and refusing to move on too early. The goal is simple: remove material quickly while the shape is still rough, then refine the surface in controlled steps until the handle feels right in the hand and looks clean under finish.

A kitchen knife is one of the most-used tools in the home, so it needs to be more than sharp. It needs to be clean, durable, corrosion-resistant, and built with materials that can safely stand up to food prep, washing, and regular use.

From the first sharpened stone held by a prehistoric human to the latest steel folding knife clipped to a modern pocket, the need for a reliable, sharp tool has always been there. A knife is more than just an instrument; it is a profound link to our past, an essential item for survival, and an everyday tool.

Here, we delve deeper into the history of knives, the history of knife making and how they have always been an essential tool for mankind.

When it comes to making sure you have all the tools you need in your knife making workshop, don’t forget about an anvil! Anvils are a great piece of equipment for helping you perfect your knife making skills and are widely used across many metalwork practices. In this guide, we unpick who needs an anvil, what practices require an anvil and what size knife making anvil we recommend.

The best steel for knife making very much depends on the style of blade you want to achieve and what it will be used for. In this guide, our experts will talk you through the different types of steel available and which one is best for your knife making project.

Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Father’s Day or Christmas, knife making kits make great knife gifts for both beginners and experts. Introduce your loved one to a new hobby or add to their knife making collection with one of our expertly curated kits.

If you’re ready to embark on your first knife making quest, we have a couple of tips to help get you started. As the largest supplier of knife making kits in the world, we have the expertise to guide you through your beginners knife making experience. Our handy knife making for beginners guide will break down everything you need to know and help you decide what knife making kit and knife style is best for your needs.

Choosing the top knife blanks is about more than just shape, it’s about matching blade design to function, user preference, and build style. Different knife blade blanks excel at different tasks, from heavy outdoor work to precision food prep. In 2026, custom knife makers are focusing on versatility, performance, and designs that stand out while still being practical.

Below, we break down the best knife blade blanks, explain what each is designed for, and compare them so you can choose the right blank for your next custom knife build.

There’s a unique satisfaction in holding a knife you made yourself. The balance of the handle, the weight of the blade, and the way it feels in your hand tell the story of every careful file, every sanded edge, and every assembled part.Knife making blends craftsmanship, creativity, and precision, and even a single project can teach skills that last a lifetime.

If you’re interested in knives, one of the first choices you’ll face is whether to buy a custom knife or make your own. Both paths can give you a fantastic knife, but the experience, the skills you pick up, and the story behind the knife are very different.

Getting started in knife making often means choosing between a knife making kit or sourcing knife parts individually. Both approaches can produce excellent knives, but the experience, skills developed, and time required are very different.