First Impressions of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 immediately strikes me as a fantastic entry point for anyone interested in getting into the rewarding craft of knifemaking. Manufactured by Knifemaking, this blade features a 4-inch satin-finished stainless steel blade and a full tang stainless steel handle, offering a blend of simplicity and potential for customization. For a price point of only $19.95, it appears to offer a solid foundation for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing knife.
My journey to this particular blade started with a desire to craft a custom EDC (Everyday Carry) knife for my son, who is just beginning to explore outdoor activities. I wanted a project that would teach him about tool care, maintenance, and the satisfaction of creating something useful with his own hands. I considered purchasing a completed knife, but the personalized aspect of crafting one ourselves made this a far more attractive option.
Upon unboxing the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150, I was immediately impressed with the clean lines and the weight of the stainless steel. The satin finish on the blade looked smooth and even, and the full tang construction gave me confidence in its strength and durability. It felt substantial in my hand, and the design seemed well-suited for a variety of handle materials and styles.
I considered several other options before settling on the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150. I looked at blades from MoraKniv and Condor Tool & Knife, both known for their affordability and quality. However, the Knifemaking blade offered a cleaner slate for customization and a simpler handle design, making it more approachable for a beginner knifemaker.
My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 exceeded my expectations for the price, offering a solid foundation for a fun and educational project. I was excited to begin the handle crafting process and turn this simple blade into a fully functional and personalized knife.
Real-World Testing: Putting Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 to the Test
First Use Experience
The first task was to test the blade’s inherent qualities before committing to a handle design. I took the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 into my workshop and performed some basic cutting tests on wood, rope, and cardboard. Even without a finished handle, the full tang provided sufficient grip for controlled cuts.
I tested the blade in dry conditions initially, and it performed admirably, easily slicing through the materials with reasonable sharpness. However, when I purposely wetted the blade, the handle-less grip became slippery, highlighting the immediate need for a well-designed and textured handle. The initial use solidified my determination to craft a handle that prioritized both comfort and safety.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 as a test blade in various shop tasks, the stainless steel showed no signs of rust or corrosion. I primarily used it for light tasks, such as opening packages and whittling soft wood. The edge retention remained reasonably good, though it did require a touch-up on a honing steel after extensive use.
Durability was generally excellent, with no bending or chipping of the blade observed. The satin finish also proved to be resistant to scratches and stains. Cleaning was simple, requiring only soap, water, and a quick wipe down with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.
Comparing this experience to other similarly priced blades I’ve used, the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 felt more robust and well-constructed. It did not match the edge retention of high-carbon steel blades, but the stainless steel offered a superior resistance to corrosion and required less frequent maintenance, a significant advantage for an EDC knife.
Breaking Down the Features of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150
Specifications
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 features an 8.5-inch overall length, with a 4-inch blade. The blade is made of stainless steel and has a satin finish. It boasts a full tang construction with a stainless steel handle.
The stainless steel blade is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for everyday carry and use in various environments. The full tang design extends the blade steel throughout the entire length of the handle, providing strength and stability, essential for demanding tasks.
Performance & Functionality
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 performs well as a utility blade, suitable for a variety of cutting tasks. With proper sharpening and a well-fitted handle, it could become a reliable EDC knife. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and potential for customization, allowing the user to create a knife tailored to their specific needs.
However, the blade’s factory edge is not exceptionally sharp, requiring some initial honing before use. Additionally, the bare stainless steel handle necessitates the creation of custom scales for comfortable and safe handling. Overall, the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 meets expectations for its price point, offering a solid foundation for a DIY knife project.
Design & Ergonomics
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 features a clean, minimalist design. The stainless steel construction provides a solid, weighty feel, inspiring confidence in its durability. The ergonomics are entirely dependent on the handle scales crafted by the user.
The bare handle provides a blank canvas for customization, allowing for a wide range of handle shapes, materials, and textures to be incorporated. This versatility makes the blade appealing to both novice and experienced knifemakers alike. The blade itself has a neutral profile making it suitable for most general cutting tasks.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 ensures excellent long-term durability. Stainless steel is known for its resistance to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for use in wet or humid environments. With proper care and maintenance, this blade should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening. The stainless steel is easy to hone and resharpen, ensuring that the blade remains in optimal cutting condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 comes with no included accessories, emphasizing its nature as a blank canvas for customization. The primary customization involves crafting handle scales from a variety of materials, such as wood, Micarta, G10, or even metal. The full tang construction allows for a wide range of handle attachment methods, including epoxy, rivets, or screws.
Given the blade’s standard dimensions, it can be easily paired with commercially available knife-making supplies, such as pins, rivets, and epoxy adhesives. The simplicity of the design also makes it amenable to decorative embellishments, such as file work on the spine or custom etching on the blade itself.
Pros and Cons of Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150
Pros
- Affordable entry point into knifemaking.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Full tang design provides strength and stability.
- Excellent customization potential with handle scales.
- Simple and easy to maintain.
Cons
- Requires custom handle scales for comfortable use.
- Factory edge requires initial sharpening.
Who Should Buy Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150?
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 is perfect for: DIY enthusiasts, beginner knifemakers, hobbyists looking for a simple and rewarding project, and anyone seeking a customizable EDC knife. It is especially well-suited for individuals who enjoy crafting and working with their hands.
Who should skip this product? People seeking a ready-to-use knife, individuals with limited crafting skills, and those who prefer high-end materials and factory-perfect fit and finish might find this blade unsuitable for their needs.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Essential accessories include handle material of choice (wood, Micarta, G10), epoxy adhesive, pins or rivets for handle attachment, and sharpening tools. A belt grinder can be very helpful, though not strictly necessary, for shaping the handle scales.
Conclusion on Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150
The Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 is an excellent value for anyone interested in trying their hand at knifemaking. For a price of only $19.95, it offers a durable stainless steel blade with full tang construction and unlimited potential for customization. While it requires effort to create a finished knife, the process is both rewarding and educational.
The price is certainly justified considering the quality of the blade and the versatility it offers. With some elbow grease and creativity, the Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150 can be transformed into a beautiful and functional EDC knife.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and engaging DIY project. So grab a Knifemaking Knife Blade BL150, gather your materials, and unleash your creativity to craft a unique and personalized knife that you can be proud of!