The best way to start in knifemaking is usually to make a fixed-blade knife, and this photo-rich guide with carefully detailed instructions offers a full tang knife and a hidden tang knife. Make each of these two projects by following the individual construction principles here, and learn all phases of the knifemaking process. A few simple tools and a suitable workplace are all you need; materials are inexpensive. In their decades of teaching, the authors have often heard “I've never worked with metal before” and offer quick ways to understand the basics. Enjoy clear answers to the questions they often hear from their beginning students, such as “Is the steel hard yet?” or "What kind of wood works best for the handle?" With this complete guide, there is nothing standing in the way of you starting your knifemaking hobby.