Robert Yates

Satin brushed is normally achieved by sessile, steel wool, or the synthetic belts like the colored scrubber pads used in washing dishes . Sorry I am drawing a blank today as to what is the proper name for them . tis a bad day for me my mind is not working . Sam

When it comes to any type of Grade of bolt YES use the same washers and nut to match the Grade bolt ! the reason why is a softer washer,or nut will mash,distort and/or fail when torqued to the specifications of the grade of the bolt . as for forging them they a grade 8 or 10 bolt that is specked out for outside use (***normally has a zink or galvanized coating on them and is bad for your health***) if burnt off out side or very well ventilated area will yield a good punch or other tools as desired . Sam

Hey Scott, I would Grind the weld enough to plate a Diamond on each side of the rails this will strengthen the joint for the weld you have made and prevent it from a fracture next to the weld . when I cut one I always cut the frame to look like a lap joint and still install a Diamond plat over the frame to give it a stress releaver point . Them log tailors/trucks take a beating and could split right beside the weld ripping the frame in half . IMHO By the way Dagum good looking weld and no undercut . Sam

Thank you Brother Mac , I hope to make it some day was my last trip back in the early 90's And I miss it . Sam

I love the Mini's and have for many a years . Well done . Sam

Well Done Fine looking Knife lets see it finished . Sam

If I ever Make it to Colorado I want to come visit you and do a bit of Fishing with you both . Yes I tie my own flies and have my poles too man what fun it would truly be . Sam PS Happy Mothers Day to all the fellow Smithing Ladies and Mommas ! ( any one can be a Mother, it takes a Very Special Lady to be a Mom / Momma )

I have to admit I have meet many a smith that works with metals that have said that many metals would NOT work together and yet have forged them in many layers to form a 100% welded billets from them . However you must understand as I did learn it you do not explain your abilities first you will get an adverse reaction to anything you post that is Not the Normal Forgings just like the MBSA they like and want traditional knives and frown upon any type that is different . Yes ! it Blows ! yet if you want the stamp of a Master Blade Smith you need to do every thing perfect to get the MBS Stamp . many a book and DR. Level Smiths (Metallurgist) have written and done work on working with metal that should Never work together yet it did and does ! traditional Smiths Do Not work with them and will discourage you from doing this type of work . I say drive on do it and prove your ability as processable. yet be kind to the rest of the folks here as well that is the best I can offer you Brother . Sam

My machinist loves a challenge Sam and can do work in 100th I may have to have him work my one up . i have a few Japanese swords in the works . Sam

Tig, the forge looks very good I hope to see some of your work soon , Best Regards Sam

Brother Danny , My family sends Prayers and we have went to the Church offering you and your family up with prayers . I can only Pray that the Good Lord will smile down upon you and your Family and heal you as he did me and my Daughter that is now 16 yrs old . She was Not suppose to make it past 2 yrs old she had a very rare type of Cancer found at 18 months old , mine was last year in my colon. both of of us are in remission for her it is 7 years for me it is only a few months . We hope and pray the Good Lord will Spare a good Friend that I have made and I love you as a Brother in Christ ! Blessings, prayers , and love sent your way Brother Danny . Sam & Family -_-

Very good work nice to see folks still have pride in their work . Sam

Welcome Lone Wolf , I look forward to seeing your work . Sam

I remember him Now what a wonderful Man he was a true Blessing and joy to the Black smithing community as well as a great lose . Sam

Thank you for the invitation Wayne I follow your work closely and read your site quite often to see what you have been up too . Not a stalker LOL just love your work . Many Blessings and Prayers Brother I hope to visit some time soon as Tennessee warms up . Sam

Kathy , good to hear you are having it replaced and with out danger to you . God Bless you for sticking to your Guns on this situation. and I did forget Welcome to the Family of IFI please post some of your Fine work we would love to see some of it . Sam

Looks good man that shop needs a good cleaning . Sam

Not really as an offended Member We folks here in the IFI site try to help folks out and provide the Best information to the question asked and do not advise things that could get another member Killed . we like to protect all of our members if we can with any advise we give . as it is always sad to lose someone by an accident that could have been prevented . Please be very careful by transporting your tanks as we do not want to read about you in the obituaries . Best Regards and Prayers sent your way Sam

for epoxy bonding the rougher the better . Sam

Solano you would fit right in here in Tennessee. sweet set up . we may have to exchange some recipes for cooking in Cast Iron . Sam

Very cool rides showing up . Sam

Well Here is Mine .

Wow Man that looks awesome .

Yes Glenn , I have seen many a tank explode like that in cars and many Welding supply stores have photos of cars with a tank gone bad . Sam

Looks like a sod Buster , Good Knife . Sam