Top positive review
17 people found this helpful
Great knife kit
By PJ Reader on Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
This was part of a 3 piece set and a new product from this supplier who I have had other knives from before with very good results. The knives come in nice boxes which makes a very good presentation if used as a gift. The making of the handle part is quite simple and when finished gives excellent results. Tools needed are 1/2" (12mm) and 3/16 (5mm) brad point drills and 5/16 (8mm) drill, Drill press, Band saw, Belt sander and hand sand paper in progressive grades for the finishing process. I used walnut wood 1.5' square cut to the length for the handles make the cuts square. Mark each end in the center by cross marking from corner to corner. Find the length of the tang from the bolster to the threaded end and calculate how deep that will be in the handle and drill one end in the center with the 1/2" brad point drill to a depth 1/2" further than the end of the tang. Drill the other end of the block with the 3/16 brad point drill all the way though. figure the orientation of the blade and mark on the end with the small hole with the 5/16 drill make a small recess and 2 small drill holes n the direction of the blade direction to accommodate the anti twist feature at the bolster and mark the shape of the bolster with a fine point sharpie pen. Cut the handle at the end with large hole at an angle to suit the cavity of the presentation box and mark the location of the end cap. Rough shape the handle on the band saw and on the belt sander to about 1/16" bigger than the desired finished size of the handle. Insert the tang part way and apply 5 min epoxy into the small hole and in the cavity in the bolster, drop a 3/16 washer into the large hole to fit over the threaded end of the tang and with a 1/4 drive deep well socket apply the nut to the tang and tighten to make secure. I used a small square of the polyethene bag the hardware came in to hold the nut in place in the socket I found this a big help. make sure of the orientation of the blade before final tightening. Now it is time to apply 5 min epoxy into the large hole and fix the end cap to the handle once again lining up ht direction of the cap to suit the blade. Final sand on the belt sander and finish the rest by hand sanding working down to final sanding of 400 grit. Dip the finished handle of the knife in boiled linseed oil overnight wipe off leave to harden and polish apply a final coat of shellac or polyurethane as desired. Hope that you find this useful information.
Top critical review
Chinese junk!
By John W. Patrick, Ph.D. on Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
The knife that arrived looked nothing like the one on the site. The “Damascus” lines on the blade were barely visible and appeared to be laser applied. I felt ripped off and returned it. It’s made in China, by the way!
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Great knife kit
By PJ Reader - Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
This was part of a 3 piece set and a new product from this supplier who I have had other knives from before with very good results. The knives come in nice boxes which makes a very good presentation if used as a gift. The making of the handle part is quite simple and when finished gives excellent results. Tools needed are 1/2" (12mm) and 3/16 (5mm) brad point drills and 5/16 (8mm) drill, Drill press, Band saw, Belt sander and hand sand paper in progressive grades for the finishing process. I used walnut wood 1.5' square cut to the length for the handles make the cuts square. Mark each end in the center by cross marking from corner to corner. Find the length of the tang from the bolster to the threaded end and calculate how deep that will be in the handle and drill one end in the center with the 1/2" brad point drill to a depth 1/2" further than the end of the tang. Drill the other end of the block with the 3/16 brad point drill all the way though. figure the orientation of the blade and mark on the end with the small hole with the 5/16 drill make a small recess and 2 small drill holes n the direction of the blade direction to accommodate the anti twist feature at the bolster and mark the shape of the bolster with a fine point sharpie pen. Cut the handle at the end with large hole at an angle to suit the cavity of the presentation box and mark the location of the end cap. Rough shape the handle on the band saw and on the belt sander to about 1/16" bigger than the desired finished size of the handle. Insert the tang part way and apply 5 min epoxy into the small hole and in the cavity in the bolster, drop a 3/16 washer into the large hole to fit over the threaded end of the tang and with a 1/4 drive deep well socket apply the nut to the tang and tighten to make secure. I used a small square of the polyethene bag the hardware came in to hold the nut in place in the socket I found this a big help. make sure of the orientation of the blade before final tightening. Now it is time to apply 5 min epoxy into the large hole and fix the end cap to the handle once again lining up ht direction of the cap to suit the blade. Final sand on the belt sander and finish the rest by hand sanding working down to final sanding of 400 grit. Dip the finished handle of the knife in boiled linseed oil overnight wipe off leave to harden and polish apply a final coat of shellac or polyurethane as desired. Hope that you find this useful information.
Good materials, quality and value…keep an open mind
By Sean M. - Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2022
Verified Amazon Purchase
Pros: material, quality and overall value Cons: not enough detailed information for a novice but easy enough to figure out if you approach it with the goal of covering a bolt and a nut of 2 different diameters with a piece of wood
Very nice knife
By drd - Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
This was my first hidden tang knife while the other knives I have made are the traditional scales on a tang type. While there are no step-by-step instructions there are some very accurate dimensional drawings to create the handle. I used African Mahogany for the material and five minute epoxy to hold it together. Only challenge in the project is drilling the hole through the handle stock as most drill bits are not long enough. The knife has a great balance and is very sharp out of the box with a good feel in your hand. I plan on buying the larger size knife to give me some variety.
Sharp knives
By TLS - Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023
Verified Amazon Purchase
Good looking and quality steel . Holds an edge also .
Great knife for kitchen.
By Todd - Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2021
Verified Amazon Purchase
Bought the kit to make a nice utility knife for my wife. The knife came with and has maintained a great cutting edge and has nice "graining" over the entire blade. Bought the kit and made a White ash handle with a "superglue" finish for the handle. My wife and everyone that has seen it have been really impressed, so much so that I have ordered two more for gifts.
Chinese junk!
By John W. Patrick, Ph.D. - Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
Verified Amazon Purchase
The knife that arrived looked nothing like the one on the site. The “Damascus” lines on the blade were barely visible and appeared to be laser applied. I felt ripped off and returned it. It’s made in China, by the way!
Good beginning knife build.
By Joel Fernandez - Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2019
Verified Amazon Purchase
It was a simple and straight forward build. A good launching point to start knife making. They don't include instructions, so the builder should have a basic knowledge of tools. Use expoxy to set the stem in the handle. Seems to work best and check YouTube for more handle ideas.
Great knife blank at an awesome price
By nf - Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2020
Verified Amazon Purchase
This was my first time using this brand of knife kit and will be my go-to in the future. The knife blank came “shave your arm hair” sharp. Quality was excellent. Paired with a red and black micarta handle and a UV resin finish, it made a great gift for my nephew who is really starting to get in to cooking.
Perfect starting point for a knife / woodworking hobbyist making a gift
By Juno - Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2018
Verified Amazon Purchase
If you're a woodworker looking for a good blade to show off your scale work, this is the one. The knife isn't too showy, so anyone you give it to will use it in the kitchen. The hardware fit well and everything was clean and tight. The knife also comes in an unbranded gift box which makes it perfect for gift giving. This is the second unfinished knife we've bought from Katsura, but the first with the hidden tang. Both knives are superb.
Good blade, but no directions
By Ben - Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
Verified Amazon Purchase
Came sharp and timely. The handle I made wasn't to the dimensions of the foam cutout, so I couldn't use the box it came in, but otherwise a good blade. I just wish it came with some rudimentary directions.
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