Knifemaking

Knifemaking is the building of a knife, which includes the blade, handle and other accouterments. It all starts with the blade, most of which are made of steel by one of two methods: the removal of metal from a steel blank via a grinder in the process known as stock removal, and the forging to shape of hot steel into a blade in the process known as bladesmithing. There are other ways of making blades as well, including the knapping of volcanic glass (obsidian) or stone into a blade, casting steel, ceramics, etc. Handles, meanwhile, come in any number of shapes and materials. Other parts, including bolsters, guards, pommels, etc., are needed to complete the finished knife.

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