So, I'm waiting for the epoxy to cure on my first ever knife. The two-day class started us off with 1084 flat bar and showed us how to forge a basic kitchen knife.
Overall, the class is fantastic, and I've already signed up for the six-session class for Intro to Blacksmithing, later this fall.
Class size is usually six people or less (only four in mine) so the instructor has plenty of time to wander around, check progress, give advice etc.
Quick notes on things I've learned: untill you really get close to it, no amount of youtube or forged in fire can prepare you for how xxxxx hot the forge really is.
Your first projects will not be perfect. Its a ton of fun, but not a perfect finished product.
I've seen the advice of "Dont try to make a sword first" and now I completely understand and agree. A 7 inch kitchen knife is a xxxxxx lot of work for an absolute beginner, a three foot blade, no...just, no.
Foul language removed