Carbon Steel Knife Kits

[insanelupus]

I like the looks of some of the knife kits from Jantz and Knife Kits.  The only thing that I've seen is that a lot of the stainless steel type blades don't seem to be very good quality steel.  Is there anyone making a reasonably priced "beginner" type kit, with some decent carbon steel blades?  I want to give it a try and maybe give one to a friend as a moving gift.  Any ideas? 

[HL]

The last I checked, 440-C is still a pretty good stainless steel, which is what most of Jantz's kits include. I know 440-C is not as primo as some of the fancier steels that has come about in the past several years, but it is still a very good functioning steel.

Most of the blades I make are from ATS34 and 440-C.  The ATS34 is a higher quality steel with better edge holding, but I don't notice that much difference between them when it comes to cleaning animals. 440 needs to be sharpened a little more often, but other than that, not much difference to me.

I don't think you would go wrong with one of their 440-C kits.

But back to your question, I have not seen kits available in high carbon.

I would imagine anything you make and give as a gift, will be much appreciated. I have sold a few but have given many more away to friends and family, and never one complaint.

Have fun, it's addictive!

HL

[Joel]

Sheffield Knifemaker's Supply at http://www.sheffieldsupply.com offers a PDF catalog with Solingen carbon blades plus,in some cases, the guards/bolsters necessary.  I have no idea how good the blades are, since I've never handled one.

[ironglow]

    www.ragweedforge.com 

      Ragnar provides Nordic knives, blades, fittings and kits. Whether in stainless or carbon, these are all first quality blades made in Norway, Sweden or Finland.
   Most of the carbon blades are made in relatively small family owned shops, and the prices of some will pleasantly surprise you.

  If you are primarily interested in blades or kits..scroll to bottom of home page and click onto "blades and books"...

   The whole website id very interesting and worth a browsing visit...Ironglow

[Buckskin]

WOW, was thinking about getting into making knives and looked at the Sheffield catalog and it made my head spin.  I think I need to do a little reading about the subject first.  For some reason couldn't open the Ragweed link.