tantofolder

I think it looks nice just the way it is.....great job!

Thanks lab! Much appreciated Mike!! Yes after welding I did get it up to temp for a while and then let it cool in the forge.Then it was onto grinding and finally HT .I will definitely think about rivets for a future project.I always want to try new methods.I am currently working on a coal forge,so hopefully I will have forge welding capability in the near future.Thanks again! Thank you PE, glad to give some "food for thought" back as I am always looking for some myself. sanch,thank you I have seen a lot of RR spikes mangled too....lol.I have made 3 so far,and I try to do something a little different with each one.I haven't been to knife chat yet.I have tried to read past ones before,but I don't know what is going on.Seems to be a lot of info to sift through.Maybe I need to try a live one. If you see an idea you like,I say take it and run,and make it your own,Be sure to share some photos with us when you are done.

Mucho likey......nice job!!

Thanks Rich! Steve, my forge consists of a brick pile and a homemade(modified Ron Reil type I think) burner that my father-in-law made/gave me.I think I need something that reflects heat a little more than the firebrick,but yes.....I do need to do something about it. :) Doc, I think I hastily named this cleaver.Chances are that I will not make any companion pieces for this one( Ward and Beav ),,,and lets face it,June really was much more refined than this cleaver. BC89,Aesthetically I would have rather forge welded......one day. Thanks homeshow!!.....my welding isn't the greatest so "sealed all the gaps" might be strectching it a bit. I did get some good penetration though. Thank you LB!! I am very open to info for better results gearhartironwerks .

Here is my latest piece (crossing fingers that the photo works). I guess I sort of named it June.Made from a rail spike and a piece if leaf spring.My propane forge doesn't get hot enough to forge weld(I wanted to attach the two that way),so I stick welded them together.Quenched in veggie oil and tempered in my kitchen oven.I only sanded down to 400 grit.....the blade had some ugly hammer marks from me using my 5lb hammer to work the blade.I won't be using that anymore for anything that needs control.Anyway,let me know what you think....assuming my photo shows.

Wellsaw Model 58BD.....found on Craigslist a few years back when I was looking for a horizontal/vertical bandsaw. This thing is old and has seen some abuse,but is still kicking.For the price I couldn't beat the capacity or the diversity.The table is missing for the vertical operation,but I have the technical plans for building one.......someday.Oh,and the company still has parts availible!!

It looks as though you have a very nice setup.Looking forward to seeing your work.

hmmm.....not sure,but that sounds more like a disease. :D

A trident is a three pronged spear....not sure about a multiple pronged one though.Cool!!

I agree with Aden,it looks like a stylized gladius.Nevertheless,I love it!

While I do not have any experience with coloring SS I have done a few patinas on it.As mentioned SS does resist adhesion,so surface preparation is key.Mine were accomplished with a definite texture to the steel( a lower section for the darker areas to nestle).Then the upper surface was sanded or polished to contrast.One of these was just firescale(also previously mentioned),and is tough but I can't speak of it's exterior durability.The other is a hitch cover I made for my truck.The texture on this one was done with punch work to create the recesses.After punching,I cleaned the metal well with denatured alcohol,and then heated the surface and applied linseed oil.Once the linseed oil was burned onto the steel,the surface was polished.This has been outside in VA weather for a few years and shows no signs of coming off.If I were to attempt a color and patina I would probably approach it with a similar texturing method,but then try to achieve an extra tooth(either with sandblasting or etching),to help the color adhere.

I love it!!.....and if the chains/padlocks weren't enough, the spikes say:"back off".

Stunning and beautiful all!!!!

That is quite pretty.....and has a lot of great design work.I especially like the detailing on the guard.Very nice!!

I like it.....the materials,finish,blade design.If it were me though,I would not have left a space between the blade and the guard.I just think it would look cleaner with the blade flush with the guard.Thanks for the photos!

Well done!!!!

Here are some recently discussed in the tool section: http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/30860-spring-loaded-hold-down-a-project-for-the-kids/ http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/31578-spring-hold-down/

Inspiring, thanks for sharing Bentiron.

Beautiful craftsmanship!

Welcome to the addiction!!If you haven't already,check out the Central Virginia Blacksmith's Guild.We host meeting every month in and around Richmond.

A beautiful workhorse of a knife!!

Here is mine.Made from a leaf spring,and wood that I was told is teak.I lost a bit more than 1/2 inch of the original length due to the learning curve of the belt sander.That changed the profile,which had a bigger belly.Now on my 5th knife I only use an angle grinder. Oh well,live and learn. http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j476/tantofolder/bowie%20knife/

Cool video Dave,thanks for posting!!

I missed this one before.Great little knife!

Maybe try a rasp.....you just want to give it a little "tooth" for better adhesion.