multiple subject Q's

[walker]

good morning ! since this is dumb question day, i'm going to get right to it. do people actually make a comfortable living producing hand made knives? how should i have blades prepared to send to tx knifemakers for ht? should i request regular ht or cryo? is there a difference?( for ats-34 ) ? are prices for 1/16 x 3" blades reasonable? i plan to wait and send about 8 or 10 together. what does the term 'picked bone' mean ? how many jig patterns are there on bone ? i've heard of a few .are there design patents on them ? how bad will the scale be when my blades get back from ht (or cryo)? is there a chance of getting warped blades back from tx knifemakers ht( or cryo) ? i would like to find some very thin metal shim washers , 3/32" i.d. x 1/4" o.d. x .001" to.003" thickness ,suppliers? i'm thinking that a miniature end mill could be a very usefull tool in my shop , i've seen the microlux and sheerline. , they are a bit pricey for me so i was looking on line at used models, some of which are huge machines , some not so big but rather large in comparison to the mini machines, some very old , some w/ lots of accesories, some w/ none. sometimes i could use a larger machine as well , ideas, advice ? thanks, WALKER

[Ray Rogers]

A hodge podge of questions will probably get you a hodge podge of half baked answers to your questions. Better to ask them one at a time so that there is a chance of getting a discussion going on one issue. That's the best way to get an in-depth answer to your questions:

But, here's some half baked answers to some of your questions:

Some people do make a living, most struggle.
For 1/16th blades, I'd grind after the HT, so profiling is the only prep. Ats-34 likes cryo. Prices are what they are.
Jig pattern is unlimited, your imagination is the key. No patents.
Scale should be no problem, warping is always a possibility from any HT source. Get catalogs from all the major knife siuppliers to see their list of washers, or make your own. A mill is a very useful machine for folder makers, not so necessary for fixed blades. Generally, bigger is better but I have a Sherline and a larger mill, both get used a lot...

[McAhron]

ed fowler once said make knives only because you have to.i do it for fun and hope to sell only enough to pay for my hobby.sounds like you have been bitten by the bug.get some books and videos.use the search feature and get to work.as far as making a living its pretty risky venture.

[Shakudo]

if you have workspace limitation or just interested in a miniature mill and lathe.take a look on ebay for a unimat DB or SL model,it is the size of a portable sewing maching and can occassionally be had at a good price.some may laugh at it's size,but clockmakers,jewelers,and other hobbyist have enjoyed using them for years.

[bulldogsblades]

I have made a fulltime living of custom knives, but it?s a tough business. I now do blacksmithing as well and its easier.