I make knives too. I make them from kits that come with a manufactured sharp blade and other metal parts. I have no problem with "make" in that context, either. I am the one who chooses the wood, shapes it, assembles the parts, etc. It takes time, skill, and effort. Whether the wood was bought from ready-to-use blanks (scales) or the blade was already formed or not, I "made" that knife. Some people shape their own blades from metal, like garage springs, and some people make their own steel from raw ore. I admire their work and praise them for going beyond what I can do, but I still "make" pens and knives.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make
Selected from the first and second definitions, from the above link:
* to bring into being by forming, shaping, or altering material : make a dress
(My comment: Mirriam-Webster didn't say, "spun the thread and wove the fabric.")
* to put together from components : houses made of stone
To hell with the pedants and purists who look down on others, solely to puff up their own egos. I truly admire the work of those who go far beyond my meager abilities with pens and knives. They can stand up straight and let their works speak for themselves. At the same time, they should be offering positive feedback and encouragement for those of us with fewer resources, time, and skill, not tearing down others with petty bullying.
-> The reason you felt embarrassed was that you accepted that bystander's judgement. I would have viewed the incident as:
A total stranger jumped into a private conversation to wave a big red flag, saying, "I am petty bully who likes to tear down others' accomplishments!" You don't even know if he has ever made anything close to your own achievements. Maybe all he has known is failures, and your knives are the sour grapes.
I might have responded:
"EXCUSE ME!, but I invested a lot of time and effort into this beautiful knife. I chose the kit and a complementary wood, matched up the grain, shaped it, chose the finish, and applied it perfectly. It took several hours of work and many earlier failures to learn my skills and attain my level of experience. It cuts well and will serve its owner for many years. You have every right to your own opinion, but I am going to say that I MADE this knife, and say it with PRIDE!" Let's agree to disagree on that."
If it is how you feel, I suggest you drop "build" and rely on "make." Nobody can take away your sense of accomplishment unless you let them.