Noob question, how do I make a wolfgang loerchner style knife?

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Dasnitch582

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May 3, 2023
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Hi bladeforums, this is my first post here. I am new to bladesmithing and my inspiration is wolfgang loerchner. He makes really intricate knives using just hand tools, but what I'm interested in making knives like him. From what I've read, it's only when he makes daggers (he usually makes folders), does he use a belt grinder (he said bench grinder... but I think he meant belt? I'm not sure...), for removing a lot of the bulk, and the rest is just files, sandpaper and whetstones. If I wanted to make knives like him, could I start off with lets say 80 grit on the belt grinder, right before heat treat, and then proceed to diamond plates and japanese whetstones? What is the lowest grit belt I can end on before proceeding with a lets say, 400 grit diamond? Also any tips to make his style of knives is appreciated!
 
I find the belt grinder leaves coarser scratches than when hand sanding, so if I was leaving an 80 grit belt I would be wanting a very coarse stone. 80/100 grit range. If i was going to start with a 400 grit stone I would want a 400 grit belt first, on a grinder that leaves a fairly flat surface (though not surface grinder flat).
My usual work flow is to go to a 100/120 grit belt and then start hand polishing.
 
I'd go to a finer grit before heat treatment, my minimum is typically 120 grit or 100 micron.
I don't have any experience finishing with diamond plates but I've used cubic boron nitride plates, and I think you'd have a much easier time with a smaller step in grit progression, like 120 to 220 grit, then 400 grit diamond.
If you're a beginner and you want to end up making blades of his style and quality I'd start out making at least a couple dozen simple utilitarian knives before progressing to more decorated and stylised blades, and spend a few years studying design and jewelry.
 
You can find him on Instagram and maybe ask him for some advice.

@wolfgangloerchner
 
Welcome. If you're looking to get into becoming a maker I would suggest starting with a basic fixed blade knife (perhaps many). To get an understanding of what goes into making one. Every knife you make is a learning experience because you're going to make mistakes regardless of how many knives you make. A fixed blade full tang would be the best place to start imo. The first knife I ever made which is in my profile picture was all done by hand, cut the shape with a hacksaw, used nothing but files, sandpaper, and A LOT of elbow grease. Only power tool I used was a drill press to drill the holes to out for the pins in. So it can definitely be done with basic tools and material, but like anything else it's best to have basic skills down before you attempt to start making intricate designed knives or folding knives. Before heat treat I prefer to get above 120 grit I generally go to about 400 before heat treat. After heat treat the deeper scratches from coarser grits become a lot harder to get out of hardened steel especially if you're planning on doing it all by hand tools.
 
The idea of trying to reach excellence setting the goal so high is great, but you should walk the path and develop all the skills necesary to reach that point. Aiming to do this on first try will lead to frustration with a 99.9% certainty. Great advise posted above, follow it and enjoy the ride!

Pablo
 
I'll say it this way... If you've got the right personality and some art background, just go for it. Look at Mark Bartlett's work, for example. If you're already the meticulous type with a good eye, get some instruction and dive in.
 
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