markb

Love the design on both, especially the hawk. I'm having trouble with the finishing also, seems to be more excitement in forging, watching the shape grow out of an ordinary piece of steel, (ugly in the case of spikes) is addictive, everything else is boring in comparison.
Did you notice a big difference between o1 and the spike as far as forging?

Boom D Anvil www.ncollier.com/anvilshot.jpg

Thanks Phil, yesterday was very discouraging, but I think I found out one of my problems.
What I thought was hammer divots, are slag pockets that have been pounded in. I do need to refine my hammering. Also I've been forging at yellow heat which I read was bad, but goes faster, I don't know how bad. I 'm afraid I may be developing bad habits.
I ruined yesterdays forging at the grinder, might be able to salvage it( small version) with a file.
When I saw the twist (Pringle) i ignored it to concentrate on the blade. Blade first then handles etc.
I have some handle ideas but haven't made a blade worthy of one yet.
Thanks for your encouragement, the feedback really helps.
Mark

I cut the head off. I'm just going to use the spike steel without the head to practice. I tried another one to day, spent all day forging and grinding, screwed up on the grind, so I think it's scrap, can't seem to get the shape I want,forge to thin or leave too deep of hammer marks, don't get flat etc. the list goes on, this last one looked like a potato chip,.
Sure have a lot of respect for the guys that can do this.

I did this one this afternoon, did better on the grind with the 6" X48", it's slower and I put a new 80 grit belt on, any grinding suggestions.

You guys got some wicked pets. LOL

Thats enough for me, I'll not be trying that.
Looks very good though.

First knife, Outstanding!
There's nothing I don't like about it, the damascus looks great and the leather work is impressive.

What was the bone processing, and what was your objection?

Col. Clink...........er

Great looking pair of knives. I like your use of pins as decoration, very nice design in all your work.
What type of steel in your damascus?

ant hill.........?

Can you describe how you do that? I looked in blue prints but didn't see it. Looks really cool but I'm puzzled.

home alone

Good job Nitro, I like that pommel also and the handle looks like it fits your hand, a mistake I made was making mine to small really bugs me that it doesn't fit my hand.
Keep at it.

Phil
The grind lines are OK but getting the bevels flat is very difficult, needless to say mine aren't. the part near the handle isn't easy either, I need lots of practice.
Thanks for your responce it helps to get feed back, as for "seasoned gnarly old" I'm only 57 LOL.

Nitro
Thanks
I first hot chiseled a groove in the middle of one side with a dulled cold chisel as a guide then used a hot chisel and started cutting through. Alternated each side till I cut through from all sides, then twisted a little and twisted back to open it up. I'm not sure "hot chisel" is the right name, looks like a hatchet I'll take a pic and post it.

I completed one.
Heat treated as Jimmy suggested. Beat the blade a little to enthusiastically, blade marks not intended, and had trouble with the grind, dull belt for one. Went to files and discovered a warp, tried to straighten but didn't get it all out.
Had fun and feel pretty good about the outcome, so I'm going to go beat up another spike.

Thanks Jimmy, I've been holding off on heat treat just because I haven't done it before.
I'll try your suggestion and finish that thing.

I see a big improvement in the pics you posted, keep practicing, it's a lot like grinding blades but I like welding more, not that I'm any better at it.

road rage...........

Happy pessimist

Have him start signing his work.

Judge Judy

Nice hook for any age.
The value of your activities can't be overstated.

Great hook Mikey. Hit it while it's HOT!

I got the grinder on sale a couple of years ago for $105.00, very handy but their asking price is way too much for what it is, IMHO.

grinding ugh.....I started a Bowie and ended up with a letter opener.

Another thing I learned, don't work the steel cold. I bent the butt end up to hammer between the 2 tails and did it when it wasn't hot enough, take a look if you click on the pic after it is up you get a close up, also tried to drive a drift thru that hole to make it larger and it cooled the steel very quickly, and cracked it. I guess that little bit of carbon makes a big difference, seems mild steel is much more forgiving.

Mark