What’s Included in a Typical Knife-Making Kit? A Breakdown for First-Time Makers

If you’re considering your first knife making kit, you’re probably wondering exactly what comes in the box, and whether it includes everything you need to get started. For beginners especially, understanding what’s included (and what tools you’ll need separately) removes uncertainty and makes the process far less intimidating.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a typical knife making kit includes, explain what you need to make knives successfully, and clarify what you need to make a knife from start to finish.

What Is a Knife Making Kit?

A knife making kit is a pre-matched set of components designed to simplify the process of building a knife. Instead of sourcing a blade blank, handle material, pins, screws, and hardware individually, a kit provides all essential parts in one package.

At KnifeMaking, our complete selection ofknife making kits is designed to remove guesswork while still giving makers the freedom to shape, finish, and personalise their knife.

For first-time makers, this structure allows you to focus on fit, finish, and assembly — not on tracking down compatible components.

What Do You Need to Make Knives? (Core Kit Components Explained)

If you’ve ever asked,what do you need to make knives? The answer depends on whether you’re building from scratch or starting with a kit.

A typical knife making kit includes:

1. The Blade

The blade is usually pre-profiled, heat treated, and sharpened. In many cases, it may be a flat tang or hidden tang blank depending on the style. For example, ourflat tang blades are commonly used in fixed blade kits because they offer strength and simple handle attachment.

If you’re building a more traditional or lightweight design, you may encounter hidden tang blades, which allow slimmer handles and a more refined appearance.

2. Handle Scales or Handle Material

Most kits include handle scales (for full tang builds) or handle blocks (for hidden tang builds). Materials may include G10, wood, or composite materials depending on the kit type.

For example, our folding kits like the Honey Badger Liner Lock Folder Kit and the Python Axis Lock Folder Kit include lightly textured G10 handle scales that are designed for durability and grip.

3. Pins, Screws, and Hardware

Fixed blade kits typically include pins or bolts for securing handle scales. Folding knife kits include pivot pins, bushings, liners, stop pins, springs, and locking components.

Our full range of folding knife kits includes all necessary hardware to complete assembly, you just provide the tools.

4. Locking Mechanism (For Folding Kits)

If you’re assembling a folder, your kit will include a locking system such as:

• Liner lock (Honey Badger kit)
• Axis-style crossbar lock (Python kit)

Our newer designs, including those found in our new folding knife kits, feature refined locking systems and modern materials for smoother operation and improved durability.

What Do You Need to Make a Knife Beyond the Kit?

Even the most complete knife making kit does not include tools. Here’s what you’ll typically need in addition to the kit itself:

• T6 and T8 Torx drivers (for folding kits)
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Files
• Clamps
• Epoxy (for fixed blades)
• Drill (if shaping custom scales)

We also strongly recommend Blue Blade Tape to cover pre-sharpened blades during assembly to prevent accidental cuts.

Fixed Blade vs Folding Knife Kits: What’s Included Differs

Fixed blade kits are generally simpler. They include:

• Blade blank
• Handle scales or block
• Pins or fasteners
• Sheath (in many outdoor kits)

Folding knife kits are more mechanically involved and include:

• Blade
• Liners
• Lock mechanism
• Pivot system
• Handle scales
• Screws and hardware
• Pocket clip

If you’re just starting and wondering what you need to make knives confidently, fixed blade kits are usually the easiest entry point.

How Complete Are Knife Making Kits?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that kits are “basic.” In reality, many of our kits allow for professional-quality results. For example:

• Our hunting-style kits are ready for heavy outdoor use.
• Our kitchen kits rival custom chef knives.
• Our modern folder kits feature advanced lock systems.

The only major elements not included are finishing tools and personal customisation choices.

When to Contact Us Before You Start

If you’re unsure what you need to make a knife for your specific project, or you’re choosing between a fixed blade and a folder, our team is always here to help. You can reach out through our contact page and we’ll guide you toward the right kit for your experience level and intended use.

Final Thoughts on Your First Knife Making Kit

A knife making kit is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start building knives. It provides the core components you need while still giving you hands-on experience shaping, finishing, and assembling your own tool.

If you’ve been asking what do you need to make knives or what do you need to make a knife, the answer is simpler than you think: start with a well-designed kit, the right tools, and a little patience.

From there, you’re officially on your way to becoming a knife maker.