BRad704

This was "technically" the fourth knife I ever completed, but the first time for forging and the first that I would consider a usable knife. I have been experimenting lately with patinas and right now the knife is looking like it was buried for a few decades... I'll take some pics of that tonite if I can remember...

Going good for me... I like to look around here at all the things I want to be able to do one day. This is a GREAT forum for all types of forging and blacksmithing, not just knives.

People here are gonna eat your stuff up!

Hey Bubba... good to see you again.. Great work as always!

Hi Ian

Well in that case

Give me a shout on 073 422 8490 and we can make arrangements to collect or drop off or whatever.

Jeff

I could sit and watch that forge run all day long... :)

That link has WAY more information than I ever needed... I don't intend on "making" an anvil out of this piece, but instead just using it as is. I have a few people telling me to use it upright, and others saying on end... I guess I'll just try both ways and see what I like better...

I'm the opposite of Phil I guess.. I like more subtle Damascus so that last 2 pics look great!

So you are the Jr to the HHH over on Knifedogs? You do some amazing work!!!

So which side should I be hitting? I have heard people mount them upright, upside down and even on end... I think I'll keep it upright and bolt it to a solid 4x4 base or a stump if I can get one from my dad...

Thoughts?

My aunt has a friend that works for the local railroad. She got him to cut this 13.5" piece for me, and she got an 8" piece for herself to use in jewelry making.

The hammer is just for size comparison overall... Next is to get a couple of firebricks and build my small knife forge...

How did you do the twist on those? I have never done a twist... Is it as easy as heating the entire section and twisting it around with tongs/pliers?

Those are great! If they don't jump up with joy, take the knives back... I'll take one and PM you my address if this all goes down... ;)

Thank you for taking the time to really look at this one closely... I have several (actually about a half dozen) people already talking about buying a knife from me, and I will surely let you know once I am ready to start taking on commissions...


These next 3 were not forged, so I don't want to give them a new thread here. Hopefully I'm not out of line by showing off some of my other work...

A fighter and a bowie, each 9" from tip to plunge, and a 6" wharncliffe. All are 1/4" 5160 stock.

Thanks guys! Once I get past Christmas, I'll start gathering more materials and get to it!

I forgot I hadnt finished my profile here... I'm in Memphis, TN...

Thanks for the ideas guys. I'm reasonably sure I can dig through the scrap at the spring shop anytime I want and there's GOT to be some decent stuff in there too. I was just walking through HD today at lunch and started thinking.... Btw, I'm VERY dangerous when I get to thinkin'... ;)

For practice and based on proximity to me, I don't think $1 per stick is bad at all. Even if it is slightly questionable material. I am just learning. And I'm not trying to sell these... Plus, I have a custom spring shop that gives me 5160 for free, but its 1.75" x 1/4" x 16" and I am looking for something roundish.

I was looking at Home Depot (big box hardware store for anyone that doesn't know) and they sell 12" long x 1/2" round rebar for under $1 each. Is it considered acceptable to use them for small projects like stocking hooks, towel holders, coat hooks, etc?

I am Very very new to all this, but am excited to get started, provided I can find affordable materials close to me...

I have thought about the vinyl myself, but instead of doing the felt and SS rod, I have used a cotton ball, soaked in supersaturated salt water, and one of my leads just stuck into the wet cotton ball.

I love how clean your etch-marks are and think I may have to visit the local vinyl shop very soon.

This is my new compact portable brake drum forge. I built it this week and LOVE it so far!

A Jeep in the background and a hairdryer duct taped for a fan... YOU SIR are a man after my own heart!

And I would like to personally thank all of you for the great pictures and the inspiration to go out and build my own brake drum forge, I would also like to thank you all for the nights I will spend on the couch, after ignoring my wife for too long at the forge. :D

That's a really great idea (the hook and the plating removal)... Makes me want to take the day off from work and get everything together to try it myself... :)

Cherrywood 3-finger handle, copper wire wrap. I'll make a sheath for it once I get some more leather... and no finish yet.. just polished the unfinished wood

Very married and 4 kids between us... I've got the handle pretty much done, and the copper wrap, but I'm not 100% sold on it yet. I'll probably do a superglue finish on it since I have several tubes already. I'll take some good pics soon.

Hey, good to see a familiar name around here! I'll definitely keep this updated with my progress. I have learned SO much already and am really enjoying seeing what else there is to this besides bladesmithing.

-Brad-

This is my first attempt at some pretty crude forging. My tools included (and were limited to) a 4lb straight peen hammer, an ocy-acetylene torch with rosebud tip, and a full sized frame machine at our body shop as my anvil.

Material started as a piece of 5160, 6"x1"x1/4". I know I have a LONG way to go and SO SO much to learn, but for getting started and hammering out a blade, I am very proud of myself.

I already know I made major divots in the steel and I need to walk my edge over a little toward the bottom, but my goal was to make a very rudimentary blade anyway.

Handle will be cherry and curved to mirror the blade, with a rounded end sorta like a ram's horn. I also plan on wrapping the top of the handle in brass wire to cover the joint between the handle and blade.





After clean up and heat treat/tempering.