A step-by-step guide to the Nordic Edge Knife-Making Kit 

By Billy Allen 

Building your own knife from a kit is a rewarding experience that combines craftsmanship, precision and creativity. Nordic Edge provides an excellent knife-making kit that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of assembling a high-quality knife using the kit, with each step illustrated for clarity. Let’s get started! 

Step 1: Unpacking the kit

The Nordic Edge Knife-Making Kit arrives neatly packaged with everything you need to craft a functional and beautiful knife: 

• A stainless-steel knife blank 

• A block of ambila wood for the handle 

• A bolster guard and spacers 

• A set of basic instructions, including a QR code link to detailed video guides and additional resources on the Nordic Edge website. 

The kit is thoughtfully designed, making it accessible for first-time knife makers while offering enough flexibility for customisation. 

Step 2: Protecting the blade

Begin by wrapping the blade in masking tape. This serves two key purposes: 

1. It protects your hands from the sharp cutting edge while you work. 

2. It shields the blade from scratches, glue, or other substances during the assembly process. 

Take care to wrap the tape tightly and evenly to ensure full coverage. 

Step 3: Shaping the stick tang

Next, shape the stick tang (the portion of the blade that fits into the handle) to allow the bolster guard to slide down to the hilt. This requires removing some steel from the tang using a grinder with a grinding disc and a coarse file. Work slowly and check the fit frequently to avoid removing too much material. 

Step 4: Squaring the shoulders

Using a coarse file, square the shoulders of the knife blank where the tang meets the blade. This ensures the bolster guard sits flush against the blade, minimising visible gaps for a clean, professional finish. Take your time to achieve a precise fit. 

Step 5: Preparing the handle block

Prepare the ambila wood handle block by squaring the top edge using a square and pencil to mark a straight line. Then, cut it flush with a handsaw. This step ensures the handle block aligns properly with the bolster guard and spacers later and allows for a more accurate drilling angle. 

Step 6: Marking the centre point

Locate the centre of the wooden block by drawing an ‘X’ from corner to corner with a ruler and pencil. This mark will guide your drilling in the next step, ensuring the tang fits perfectly inside the handle. 

Step 7: Drilling the handle

Using a drill bit slightly larger than the thickness of the knife’s stick tang, drill a hole through the centre of the wooden block. This hole will house the tang, so ensure it’s deep enough to accommodate enough length of the tang while maintaining a snug fit. 

Step 8: Trimming and notching the tang

Cut the tang to match the depth of the drilled hole in the handle block. Additionally, add a few shallow notches along the tang’s length using a file or saw. These notches will enhance the epoxy’s adhesion, ensuring a secure bond between the tang and the handle. 

Step 9: Preparing the spacers

Using a box cutter, trim the spacers provided in the kit to fit snugly between the bolster guard and the handle block. Test the fit on the tang to ensure proper alignment before moving to the gluing stage. 

Step 10: Gluing the components

Assemble the knife by gluing the tang into the handle block, along with the spacers and bolster guard, using two-part epoxy. Start by filling the drilled hole in the handle block with epoxy, using a kitchen skewer to ensure even distribution. Coat the spacers and bolster guard with epoxy to secure them to each other and the handle. Align the components carefully, ensuring the blade and handle are square, then clamp them in place. Allow the epoxy to set for 24 hours for a strong bond. 

Step 11: Shaping the handle (Initial)

Once the epoxy has cured, begin shaping the handle using a grinder with a flap disc. This allows you to remove larger amounts of wood quickly, forming the rough shape of the handle. Work cautiously to avoid removing too much material. 

Step 12: Refining the handle shape

Switch to a small sanding linisher to further refine the handle’s shape. This tool helps you smooth the handle and contour it to your preference, creating a comfortable grip that feels natural in the hand. 

Step 13: Final sanding

To achieve the final handle shape, use a sanding block and sandpaper by hand. Start with coarse sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits until the handle is smooth and has the desired texture. This step requires patience but results in a polished, professional finish. 

Step 14: Applying the finish

Apply boiled linseed oil to the handle using a clean rag, ensuring full coverage. Repeat the process two or three times, allowing the oil to soak in between coats. This is one of the most satisfying steps, as the oil brings out the natural beauty and grain of the ambila wood, giving the handle a vibrant, polished look. 

Step 15: The finished knife

Congratulations! Your Nordic Edge knife-making kit is now complete. The result is a stunning, handcrafted knife that combines functionality with craftsmanship. Whether you’re using it in the field or displaying it as a keepsake, this knife is a testament to your skill and dedication.