The knife making process typically involves several steps:

1. Design: The first step is to create a design for the knife, including the shape of the blade, handle, and any other embellishments.

2. Stock preparation: The next step is to prepare the steel for forging. This often involves cutting and shaping the steel to the desired size and shape.

3. Forging: The steel is then heated to a high temperature and shaped using a hammer and anvil. This process is repeated several times until the desired shape is achieved.

4. Grinding: The blade is then ground to refine its shape and edge.

5. Heat treatment: The blade is then heated to a specific temperature and quenched in oil or water to harden the steel. This process is critical to the knife's strength and durability.

6. Tempering: The knife is then tempered, which involves heating it to a lower temperature to reduce brittleness and improve toughness.

7. Handle: The handle is then made, which can be made of a variety of materials such as wood, bone, or synthetic materials.

8. Finishing: The knife is then polished and finished, which can involve etching or engraving designs, applying a patina, or adding other embellishments.

These steps may vary depending on the maker's preferences and the desired outcome, but the basic process remains the same.