civilwarblacksmith

When we teach classes at our guild, we teach not using any gloves at all. We feel gloves can give a false sense of security. You get used to wearing gloves for protection and tend to handle metal warmer than you would if you weren't wearing them. Can lead to handling metal too hot with bare hands. We also explain that if you choose to wear gloves, which kind to wear.

Great looking knives. I never thought of using leather to fill in the gaps that might be seen. Reb

If you believe the coil spring is too hard. Heat it to non-magnetic and stick it in either a bucket of wood ash, Lye, vermiculite, or pearlite to soften it.

Craigslist is a good place and it doesn't cost to list.

I work at a plant that uses CNC, Cincinatti, and Accushear/press equipment. We call ourselves sheet metal workers.

Check with local sheetmetal shops. I get mine from work after panel s have run through the CNC punch machine.

Number1, (before you go crying it looks like crap) Did you go through the complete process of making it? Did you learn something from making this knife? Personaaly I think the knife looks fine. With the exception of the aluminum, it makes for a nice primitve looking piece. As you said it is your first one. As you make more they will get better. Many smith with 30 years of experience will still make more than one in order get it the way they want it.

Great job, beatiful knife. I like the natural antler in that color. It works great when trying to do a primitive piece.

I hope she sees God's love in this also. Very nice Job.

The burning of houses for nails are true for the families that were on a westward movement. It is my understanding that Virginia put a stop to this by offering those moving an amount of money for not burning the house. It has been sometime since I have the actual information and references to it.

Very nice. What type of tooling did you have to make?

That's a really beautiful knife. Neat pattern.

I think they would be neat to see and make.

I had a fellow contact me ,who lives near Tampa Florida, that needs something made. I don't have the means to box and ship it. Told him I told him I would find someone closer to him. I checked the blacksmith locator here but not everyone is listed on the map and the list by member doesn't make it easy to locate by state and city. The item is basically a shepherds staff. On the front it will have a large ring to hold a wash basin and a mirror will hang from the hook. If you are close to the Tampa Florida area, get in touch with and I will give you contact info.

Most of your tent canvas is cotton. One way they would waterproof it was to coat it with a thinned layer tar. They do it now with a thin layer of black latex paint. I know I'm talking waterproof, but it is also airtight, which is capable of being used on bellows.

Hey that's a Great find!

Here is a few items that I have made. A steamed crab cracker/knife; door knocker; coat and hat hanger I have in my shop; and a plant hook. I also have 2 ladels made from spikes.

Great idea for a hold down.

What do ya mean it came out alright? It looks Great. Wish I could get mine to turn out that way. Could be the fact I'm using stainless and trying to weld it to mild using a flux core that won't hold to stainless very well. Those tables are incredible, great job.

Wonderful piece. You do great work there.

There is something that I have learned when creating items for others. We as the creator/artist, what ever we wish to call ourselves; not just smiths, are our own worst critics. Beside being a blacksmith, I am an artist in oil painting. Very few paintings have hit me right off as being very good. Some took a few day for me to stand back and see the beauty from a different perspective. It works the same when we forge and create works of art. Step back and look at it. Ask this question, Would I want this item in my house or what ever its use is for. If you can say yes, you can be happy with your work. I think you did a really great job with it. Take pride in what you make and everyone will see it. I'm working on a set for my daughter in florida. Will take pictures and post tomorrow.

That's what I thought. Works the same way if you are pouring a butt cap onto the knife. Cool. Is it done first before the wood is put on or leave a space when adding the wood in order to keep the bolster flat against the wood?

Yes a very beautiful knife. I also would like to know how you did the bolster. Have an idea how to, but would like to here from someone more experienced in making them.

What did one run a year ago?