There are other schemes for knives and players are able to use them. You just don't have any. Just buy a knife from another player. You will eventually scavenge a knife scheme or learn one

While I don't necessarily think we need a new scheme for a simple knife, I do think maybe revisiting which is the 'default' or first learned by most new players could help. The warped branch knife is difficult to make for many because of the materials required. But, there are other knife schemes that do have material requirements that are attainable by everyone....even those that can't hunt. Maybe making one of them the 'default' would be a better idea.

Fire is a much more important factor to survival in Xsyon now and not having a knife does affect your ability to survive (and ultimately enjoy the game) so once your starter knife breaks, it can be a rough ride if you can't make another.

Currently, the Warped Branch, Bear Claw and Degu Design Blade are lvl 5 combat knives. All the rest are lvl 25 and take scavenged knife blades except for the Razor Saw Scalper. I agree that a scheme that requires a scavenged knife blade should be the default scheme now. That said, most knives require a small wooden handle or round bone which might be difficult to obtain if the crafter doesn't have a saw or can't kill a dog or big game.

That said, the OP could trade for a knife or scheme. Also, since the remainder of knife schemes can be inspired at lvl 25 the OP could continue grind weaponcrafting.

Its still possible to trade for requirements or a knife.
In WC all recipe have lvl 5 or 25. you miss just 1 lvl to be able to unlock new recipes. most of them use scavenged stuff and a medium wood handle.
a campfire could be changed to use 2 flint instead of a flint and a knife.

I have rethought this and perhaps I am just wanting too much too soon. I got spoiled in the beginning with the knife I had. I can almost always find a campfire burning somewhere when out exploring. And I could just ask for a knife and chances are someone would just give me one for free. I do have a scheme for a level 25 knife. I am right there at 24. Just need to enjoy eating weeds a bit longer to get there.

Weapons will undergo a revision in the near future similar to what was done with tools and armor sets. I'll revisit this issue at that point.

I agree that this needs to be simpler now that starting a fire has more importance.

Thanks!