adambieber

Welcome I'm a newbie as well. If you read my post (right below yours) at the bottom there are a couple links to help us.

It's beautiful! I like the wrap on it!

Tell that to the highlanders! Or some of the Germans! Some of the swords reached 6 (182.88cm) -7 (213.36cm) feet in length.

Beautiful!

That's impressive. And I do agree.

Thank you for the welcome Dan. As for searching ABANA I actually have checked. It seems to be everywhere I'm not. And to be honest I have a flood of questions lol I'm trying to find the answers before I post and get replies like "I found it here: LINK"

Thank you, Sam for both your service (I'm guessing that by your picture) and your welcoming.

No way to pull those suckers out. Absolutely beautiful. Not to sound like a jerk or to make you sound incompetent (if I do please forgive me). How well balanced are they? Again beautiful craftsmanship!

I am not one to critique as I am not even a novice. It doesn't look too bad as far as aesthetics. As an idea should you decide to make another: Hammer out the spike end and keep the peg end. See where your artistry takes you then. Maybe heating the peg end and twisting it for looks? I don't know I'm merely just giving my opinion. As I said before I have never forged in my life and only giving my opinion.

Very nice. If you wanna see similar blades look up bolos. That's a generalized term. Those are the weapons Filipinos are famous for using.

I'm nowhere near a smith though I'd love to be. I need to get my own place and gear as well. In the mean time I'm tryin' to learn as much as possible. I found a blacksmith about an hour away but he won't take apprentices unfortunately. So i hope to learn from everyone here as well as books and videos. But I know experience is the best teacher. I'm not even sure what kind of forge to make or use. All things I hope to answer soon enough. As for my service I'd happily serve if the US ever needs me again.

Not too worried about the heat! In iraq daily temps were anywhere between 130-160F with our gear on. I'm dyin to get started..

Hey all, As my name screen name says I'm Adam. I live in Ames, IA and recently left the military. and was active duty for 4 years. I've always had a fascination for using the elements and taming metal. My particular interest is weaponry (knives etc). I don't know much about this but I know I'd love to be called an ironmonger like you folks!