Iron Striker

That's kind of what I had in mind. Fillet I mean. I think once I get a good belt grinder I can put an edge on it. I made the knife by the stock removal method. The steel from the saw blade is very durable. I'm going to have to do some experimenting before I make another that way. Thanks for the reply. Jamie

Very good! Looks like it could have been at the Alamo!

Thanks! The horn was an old piece. That discoloration was there when I started. It seemed as if it was weatherd more than the other side. Thanks Again.

I started making this "knife" on the spur of the moment. My thoughts were that I would make a small knife just to practice on and that is what it has turned out to be. It was a lot of fun and I did learn a great deal in the process. The blade is from a 14" concrete saw blade, the handel is made from Texas Mesquite and Deer Horn (because the wood was to short), the guard is made from a piece of brass I had on hand. The blade looks like it does because I couldn't sharpen the edge after I put it all together (yes another beginner mistake) and I scratched it up while trying. I call it a "dremel tool" finish. I have since bought a gas forge and I am in the process of getting things set up in my shop. I've seen a lot of great stuff come through this forum and I look forward to learning more. Oh it does make a dandy letter opener! Any comments are appreciated. Thanks, Jamie Herring

Very Nice! I have been seaching for a place to buy a tomahawk drift. Where did you get yours?

Nathan, Thanks for the information. I'm going to a blacksmithing association meeting and demonstration tomorrow. I hope to glean alot from the meeting. I'll check out the gas forges as well. Thanks Again, Jamie

Thanks Joe. I was concerned that pic three would not be deep enough. I am going to drop it into a pan like you suggested. Thanks Again, Jamie

Mark, In the first pic, the top diameter is 10" down at the bottom plate it is 6 1/2". It is 4 1/2" from the top to the plate. In the third pic, the diameter is 8" and 2 1/2" deep. The pipe assembly is 2" diameter to the TEE and then it reduces down to an 1 1/4" pipe to the side and bottom. I'm thinking about using the one in the first picture just because of the size. I'm resolved that this first forge won't be my last so trial and error may be the way to go. Jamie

Looks great to me! Your way ahead of me. I haven't built my forge yet. Just gathering all the pieces. Haven't made a thing yet. Hope to soon! Jamie

No problem! Thank you guys so much for taking the time to look it up. Thanks Again! Jamie

The third pic which is blurred does read 3917 and it is on the horn end left side. I can't make out any numbers before the 3 (if there are any). ?? Thank you Thomas.

I was going to say it could be a 1 and not a T. That's pretty cool having a piece this old. I can't wait to get started. Going to take some time though. Thanks for your help. Jamie

David, I just wanted to make one just to play with for awhile. I've made a few knives but never forged one. I don't want to spend a lot of money cutting my teeth. What makes the area "neutral"? Thanks, Jamie

Hello All, I'm another newbie with some questions. What do you think of using these cast iron pieces as my forge. Should I combine them, use one or the other or scrap them both? I also have a break drum that I was thinking about using. Seen lots of videos on youtube about them. I was thinking about stacking them and using the plate to hold the coal. Not sure about the air flow mechanic of this set up. Any thoughts? Thanks, Jamie

Here are a few pics of my anvil. The numbers at the horn end appear to be 3917 (all I can read). At the other end oppisite the horn are what appears to be T46058. I'm still cleaning it up. Any thoughts? Jamie

Thanks Ken. I have pics and am trying to figure out how to down load. Found another set of numbers on the left foot opposite the horn end. Looks to be T46058. Posting soon... I hope. Jamie

Thanks Thomas. I'll do some more investigating. This anvil belonged to my father in law. Reminds me of him in a lot of ways. I never asked him where he got it from. Thanks Again, Jamie

I have a Hay Budden 190# anvil. The serial # appears to be J or S 3917. It has the number 15 stamped on the opposite side from the name. Any ideas on the date made or on the number 15? Thanks.

That sounds great. Bryan is only about sixty miles from here. I'll check out the web site. Thanks again, Jamie

Thanks Mark. I'm still trying to get set up, find tools and the like. Can't wait to get started. Found lots of good advice here. Thanks for sharing. Jamie

Hello All, I was so glad to find this site. I'm still wading through it all. Is there anyone out there near Waco, Texas?