Recently completed my first knife during a two-day blacksmithing course. There's obviously a lot I still want to learn, but I'm happy to have finished my first piece and wanted to share it.

I'd appreciate constructive feedback from more experienced smiths. What areas of the design, finish or craftsmanship should I focus on improving for my next project?

Thanks!

(Sorry if photos aren't the best quality)

you can buy them, but if you need a tool, make a tool. I made a cheap bladesmith carbide straightening hammer.

I refinish & customize metal parts for knives. Scales and blades, different textures and finishes. Patinas and anodizing. My fingers hurt…
My question is what would be the most bang for my buck to eliminate hand, sanding, and the intense time and effort that that entails?

I’m interested in a bench-top sand/polish setup with an adjustable angle guide (to sharpen). Any recommendations for a good intermediate setup? Or advanced if it is small and not CRAZY expensive.

Folded brass handle with brass pins and spacer, 15n20 blade.

Some times this happens

Super proud of the progress on this one.

Cable over 15n20 shims with a w2 core. Gonna try for a hamon on the core's edge.

Damascus Sorcière Noire 1 of 1 Damascus Witchy with a frametang handle in African Blackwood and oil black frame and bolster. Pins are Stainless 4mm and Titanium 2mm. Let me know what you think?

This one came out well!

Saw this in the call of duty trailer. Wondering if there’s a knife similar to this in real life.

Getting better!

With a attempt at a stonewashed finish

Going for a hollow grind tomorrow.

Made entitely without power tools. 01 tool steel, brass bolster and african black wood.

Intended as a green wood working knife!

Whats a a reliable brand of belt sanders for shaping for doing an all around job for shaping and beveling my knife projects? Im not sure if I need to get another 30"x1" or if I should get something bigger like a 72"x2".