Will W.

That sounds about right, yeah.

A quick google search revealed this coming up soon: http://www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/bladesmithing/index.php?page=beginner-bladesmithing-chopper-dec-11-14 It is up in Auburn, Maine, but its a several day course offered by a reputable school.

Thomas, im afraid youll have to contact Mr. Hughes about that one. Then wait for a Red October.

Ding! A new term has been coined, i like it lol.

Very true, Ernest. Its a strange world we live in. Giving sudden incorrect information is valued more than accurate, fact checked info.

Unfortunately, Thomas, those words are synonymous to a lot of people. And when credible news sources such as the BBC confuse the two terms, it muddies the water that much more.

Although, to be fair, even though they are rare, you should beware of the werebears there.

Awful civilized lot, Thomas' pack. So what happens when you violate said contract? Lycanthropic lawsuit?

Almost definitely.

But what about static electricity from your clothing? It inhibits welds, you know. The only way to forge weld while clothed is to align your natural charge with the ambient electromagnetic field of the Earth, in relation to the Sun, of course. This is basic metallurgy, guys! Thomas, try mud. Keeps my fur from experiencing thermogenesis every time.

Very nice work, Theo. I love the medallion. Very well executed on the sheath also.

Look up draw filing and file jigs. Very simple things can make knives look way better, and increase functionality.

The short answer? Oil.

It sounds like you are describing what is known as fish lips. Where the tip doesnt actually form a point, but both ends fold around where the tip should be. If this is what you are describing, there are many fixes to it, the simplest of which being to forge the taper *from* the tip not towards the tip. I hope this makes sense and is helpful. P.S. be discerning when it comes to getting information from youtube videos. If the video is here on IFI (like the one JHCC very kindly uploaded) then it is likely credible. Folk around here dont care much for misinformation. Good luck.

I agree with C-1, definitely an improvement over your last two. The blade shapes are much better. I would recommend working on your ricassos and plunge lines though, those two features over all others really make a blade look crisp and sharp (no pun intended.)

Very nice pattern.

Wow, that was really interesting to watch. And i agree, the hammers were intriguing. Thank you for posting, Doc.

Definitely no thumb on the back of the hammer. Just a few swings of that will make your hand hurt. Its similar to weightlifting, you damage muscles, and they repair themselves and are stronger then before (ideally.) Those forearm muscles will strengthen over time, but also like weightlifting, giving the muscles time to heal is critical. You have to let that repair happen before you restress it. Perhaps that healing window is just a little longer for you, or maybe you stressed it a lot. In any case, i hope it heals up so you can get back to the forge!

Nice blades, olfart. Your friend does good work. They match each other very well. Love the handles.

You mean length, i assume? 44 1/2 inches in diameter would be... 260 times 3... carry the 1... really blasted heavy! Lol. Or do you mean the ID of the wheel? No way thats stock diameter.

Three? Wow. I guess i need to go anvil shopping, im falling behind.

Naturally, i checked YouTube to see if anybody had a video of quenching in gasoline, and i actually didnt find anything. It seems even the misinformation and bad idea capital of the internet is not quite that stupid.

Well if you get an order to make 150 pitchforks commisioned by one of your neighbors... I would think twice about accepting that.

In my opinion the opening of the show should have a disclaimer stating: Warning! These Bladesmiths work with extremely hot fire and metal, and are supervised by experts and a team of safety personnel. The activities shown are dangerous, and should not be attempted without proper equipment and safety gear. Or something to that effect. But no such disclaimer is ever shown. And from a reputable (as far as television goes) company like the History Channel nontheless. Maybe then people would think twice about just picking up the craft with no knowledge, or teachers, or safety gear, or properly assembled equipment, etc. Now, this is in no way saying that this accident is the History Channel or FIF's fault, that is solely on the man who started the fire. I hope you are wrong, but fear that you are correct. Well at least i know that i (probably) wont be affected by any new regulations. All of my nearest neighbors are bovine in nature, and they dont seem to mind my smithing.

Im afraid you have that backwards. Thinner cross sections need a slower quench, so you use oil.