Simple Knifemaking: A Beginner’s Guide To Building Knives With Basic Tools

Helpful I’m just writing because I have to because Amazon made me but it was actually a very helpful book very well written

I am a huge fan of this author and a subscriber to him on YouTube. When I heard his announcement of a knife making book I purchased immediately for two reasons 1) I am an amateur knife maker and 2) to support Nick for all the education he's given me over the years. I figured that I'd read this book and pass it along. However, there's a lot more in this book than I was expecting! I can just sense the dedication and focus that went into presenting all of this information. It's clear- simple- basic (in a good way) and is easy to grasp. Honestly- this would have been a book that I'd have bought if it existed when I made my very first home made knife. Highlights- the simplest forge I've ever seen that's absurdly easy to make- great general info about knives (things I thought I knew but didn't) -- some nice looking project knives he covers in detail. No ego, no high end tools the average person cannot afford.

Enough emphasis on safety without going overboard. Good info on testing found steel's suitability for knifemaking, and how to do both testing and making with simple equipment. Good walk-throughs for a few basic types of knives without too much detail. Well done.

This book has everything an aspiring knife maker could want. The author teaches the process in a clear step-by-step manner, without complicating things with useless technicalities or niche tools. The author gives clear, simple processes for making 3 (sorry, 4!) knives of various styles. These use easy to get everyday materials, and simple, inexpensive tools. He also teaches the reader to make micarta (a popular handle material), and includes tutorials on building not one, but two types of forges for heat treating your blades. I read a lot of DIY books, and this is by far one of the best.

sent 20 mins overlooking the book and learned a handful of things i did not know... Very well Written 5/5

I have many books by Nicholas and feel most of them are absolutely top notch. This book however left me a little disappointed. The Title says "Simple" Knifemaking and "A Beginners Guide" etc.. Therefore I really expected a truly Beginners approach; Handmade;Hacksaws, File work, etc., etc.,instead of most work being done on machines. I have other books with the handmade approach and some are very good, but because I have admired Nicholas's other work I ordered this book to get a new take on things.... his approach; his SIMPLE approach. Am disappointed....

This is my favorite knife-making book. You can watch his youtube videos of making the knives as well. His style of teaching is natural and approachable. Great for the beginner/intermediate. If you are needing some encouragement to get going on knife-making this is an awesome guide. I reference this book frequently when going out to heat treat and temper. I also bought his book on making bows and love it equally.

Enjoyed the book. Plenty of information, particularly about heating and treating steel and some detailed design and build information. Was disappointed that there was no details about actually forging knives.

Spiega bene le basi dell’arte: l’unico problema è che ti fa venire voglia di iniziare a costruire coltelli! Io lo consiglio a chi conosce l’inglese.

I got this book after being impressed by The Backyard Bowyer from Nick. This book does a great job of giving you a primer to knife making. It starts off with some basic fundamentals which are clearly and thoroughly explained with being too overwhelming. Then moves into a guide of how to make three different types of knives with three different techniques. The book covers a lot of ground without losing me. It’s a great guide to start knifemaking and I can thoroughly recommend it!

Great product exactly as per the description

I have a fairly solid knowledge of knifemaking but I but this for reference material and I was impressed. There is a lot of very good knowledge packed in here. Wish the chapters had seprate cover pages and an index but hey I'm just knit picking. Worth the buy.

Father in law loves it