It’s fun..... always was into fabrication and restoration thus forging was an evolution . All my life knives have been an important tool to never be without. Tell yer son not to get stuck on just knives. Tools, widgets, gifts, belt buckles, etc are where real skills are learned in my experience. Wish him well. Tet68 is the master here .....I’m just a hammer hack rookie compared to his knowledge base.
Stay Safe !!
I sent my son a link to this thread. He has been all over the net researching this topic so I’m guessing he has no problem with info. I’ve also got a brother in law who purchases old butcher knives at yard sales and rebuilds them with bone and antler handles.