How to Draw Knives
Drawing knives may seem like an intimidating task at first, but don’t worry! With some patience, determination, and practice, you’ll be an expert in no time. The key to drawing knives is getting comfortable with the simple steps and practice until you get the shape you want. We’re here to walk you through these easy steps and watch your artistic skills grow.
Before You Begin Drawing
Before you even put pen to paper, it’s important to pick a style of knife that you feel comfortable drawing. It could be a pocket knife, kitchen knife, dropping knife or a switchblade – the choice is yours! Once you have the knife type in mind, take a moment to research its shape and features, to get a better sense of how to draw it. You may even want to cut out a stencil and trace your knife for guidance. Just remember, the more time and care you put into researching your knife, the better the outcome.
Start Drawing the Basic Outline
Once you have the shape down, start by sketching a basic outline onto the paper. This outline doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be accurate enough to get the overall shape of the knife. The handle and blade should be distinct and separate, with a separate blade guard drawn as well. Be sure to take note of where the blade begins and ends, it’s very important in the next step.
Now, Time to Add Detail
Now that you have the basic shape down, it’s time to draw in additional details. This will require more patience and accuracy than before, as any mistake at this point can really throw off the knife’s shape. Start by drawing in the handle, detailing its unique features and shape. Then, draw in the blade guard. Namely, think about where the blade stops and the guard begins. Additionally, remember to draw the line of the blade perpendicular to the handle to get its distinct shape.
Finishing Touches
At this point, you have the basic shape and features of the knife down, now it’s time to add extra features for a unique look. Here you have a lot of creative freedom – add more detail to the handle such as studs, two-tone colors, a lanyard port etc. Be sure to take your time when inking the blade, following the outline you made when sketching to get the perfect shape. Finally, add shading and play with contrast to make the knife look even more realistic.
Tips and Tricks For Success
Drawing a knife is all about learning the techniques, but here are some tips for increasing your success rate:
- Start with simple shapes, like a straight line for the handle and curved line for the blade so it’s easier to get the right proportions right
- Make sure your lines are very light at first, as you don’t want to waste too much time fixing mistakes
- Add details in layers, such as shading and highlights, with each layer adding more detail and realism
- Let your artistic style shine through – you can use neat and detailed lines or rough, freehand sketching to make the design your own
Bringing It All Together
Drawing knives requires a little patience and practice to get the shape and features just right. You’ll want to start by researching the knife type and shape, so you know exactly what you’re drawing. Then, draw a basic outline and add detail like the handle and blade guard. From there, you can really get creative with shading and small details to give the knife a unique and realistic look. Most importantly, don’t rush yourself and have fun – with enough practice and dedication, you’ll be a knife-drawing master in no time!
