What are your Skill Ratings all about?

KnifeKits.com identifies different Skill Levels to assist the builder in finding the kit, or kits that are the right difficulty for them.

We are committed to ending the frustration a beginning knife maker might feel toward a project they are not ready for, as well as combating the boredom that a more-experienced builder would feel toward a project that does not challenge them.

From basic to advanced skill, we offer substantial challenges to even the most skilled makers. The ability to customize our kits is limited only to the builder's imagination.

This guide will provide you with an idea of what each Skill Level asks of you, the builder. It is important to read each individual kit's description carefully to understand that kit's requirements.

Skill Level I:

Skill Level I is for the knife enthusiast who wants to bring their hobby to the next level, yet does not presuppose any familiarity with knife making.

Skill Level I kits allow you to get used to working with small parts, seeing how different types of knives work from a builder's perspective. This level encourages you to make a knife that is uniquely yours; without the need for specialized tools or significant investments of time or materials.

Skill Level II:

Skill Level II kits offer many of the same advantages as the Skill level I knives. The knife goes together in a straightforward fashion; however, the Level II builder faces the added challenges of shaping the handles from rough pre-drilled scales (a KnifeKits.com option) or from any handle material the maker desires.

Skill Level III:

Here is where the KnifeKits.com builder enters the "graduate level" of knife building. These kits use the skills you have developed building the earlier kits, while teaching you new ones.

The same quality and dedication to making KnifeKits.com a fun experience remains in the Skill Level III kits, yet the builder faces challenges such as semi finished bevels; or a lock that requires tuning & fitting. Skill Level III kits challenge the advanced builder, yet all of the benefits of a kit remain.

Skill Level IV:

Level IV kits are very similar to Level III, usually requiring a greater investment of time, and an increase in the number of parts necessary to complete the kit. Additionally, Skill Level IV kits may require the builder to drill and tap holes for clip placement, additional bolsters etc.