About This Project
Data Sources & Purpose
The KnifeMaker tools are designed to help hobbyist and professional knife makers make informed decisions about materials, processes, and techniques. Our goal is to provide a user-friendly resource to help knife makers achieve better results.
Data presented on this site is compiled from multiple sources:
- Publicly available material specifications from steel manufacturers
- Published research papers on metallurgy and knife production
- Practical experience and knowledge from experienced knife makers
- Textbooks and educational materials on knife making
- Comparative testing performed by independent experts
For steel properties that are subjective in nature (such as edge retention or ease of sharpening), we've normalized data on a 1-10 scale to provide comparable values. These ratings are based on best available knowledge and are intended to be relatively comparable within our system.
Calculation Methods
Steel Browser
The steel browser provides a comprehensive overview of 30+ steel types with detailed properties. Each steel type is rated on a 1-10 scale for edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening. You can filter and sort steels to find the perfect type for your project.
Material Browser
The material browser contains a selection of handle materials including exotic woods, synthetic materials, and metals. Each material is rated on 6 properties: durability, moisture resistance, workability, finish quality, grip comfort, and aesthetics. This helps you choose the right material based on your priorities.
Guides
We offer 14 detailed, step-by-step guides covering all aspects of knife making: grinding techniques, heat treatment processes, handle making, leather sheaths, polishing, and much more. Each guide includes illustrations, safety instructions, and practical tips.
Steel Selector
Our steel selector uses an algorithm that compares user preferences against the known properties of each steel type. For each parameter (edge retention, corrosion resistance, toughness, and ease of sharpening), we calculate a distance score representing how well the steel matches the user's preferences. Additionally, we apply a bonus to steels that are commonly used for the specific knife type the user has selected.
Heat Treatment
The heat treatment schedules are based on best practices for each steel type. The temperatures, times, and processes are derived from manufacturer recommendations and the experience of professional knife makers. The calculations adjust tempering temperatures based on target hardness and adjust times based on blade thickness.
Grinding Angle Calculator
The grinding calculator uses basic trigonometry to determine precise angles based on measurements. For flat grinds, it's a direct application of the arctangent function. For hollow grinds, Scandinavian grinds, and other types, we implement various adjustment factors based on empirical testing and theoretical models.
Speed Calculator
The speed calculator uses standard formulas for surface speed based on wheel diameter and motor RPM. The optimal speed ranges are established through extensive testing and are adjusted for steel type, grit size, and belt width to achieve the best balance between cutting speed and heat generation.
Disclaimer & Limitations
This website is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable data, we make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Information presented on this website should not be considered professional advice.
Knife making involves working with sharp tools, heat, chemicals, and heavy materials, all of which can be dangerous. We assume no responsibility for any injuries, losses, or damages that may result from using information from this website.
Our tools and calculators are guides and cannot account for all real-world variables. Results should be verified through testing and adapted to your specific needs and conditions.
Users are encouraged to always:
- Follow safe practices and use appropriate personal protective equipment
- Consult multiple sources and expert opinion
- Experiment with small samples before large projects
- Use adequate ventilation and safety precautions when working with heat treatment or grinding
- Verify measurements and calculations before implementation
By using this website, you agree to use the content at your own risk. PowerData by Michael Bay Laursen is not liable or otherwise responsible for any actions taken based on information from this website.
Contact & Feedback
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for improvements, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate feedback and strive to continuously improve our tools.
Contact: masterdraco@gmail.com