MastaStan

Really great work! The pattern on the blade is lovely. The guard really makes it for me. You're right, the side view of the skull is amazing! The only one thing I have to say is; the handle (as great as it is) doesn't stand out as being spalted. Well done.

As Johnny mentioned quality bits, for example... Cobalt bits are good for the harder side of things. Also drilling a small pilot hole before finishing with your chosen bit can be a massive help. Using coolant or oil to keep the bit cool and taking your time is also worth noting!

Nice set of knives Johnny, I particularly like the handle on the third picture. is it zebra wood? Nice work!

Very nice looking knife. Your solar storm pattern is amazing. I also like the handle.... the studs remind me of a castle door, really rugged looking. Well done!

Welcome Patrick, all the best getting set up.

Thanks Will, my wife and I do strongly believe in Brandon seeing the world around him 'hand's on'. We do a lot of walking and exploring. Brandon is constantly wanting to help in the workshop/garden and I try to accommodate him as much as possible. He does obviously do all the digital things, but we try to limit and spread that out. I was rather worried about him trying out blacksmithing....but he nailed it with the practical and the thinking/listening side! I'm very proud of him. He's back to school this week, so once he is settled we are going to hit the anvils again. Thank you all, again, for all your encouraging and kind comments. We are quite overwhelmed.

Al, SmoothBore and Mr Powers Thank you for your comments and advice. Much appreciated and taken onboard. Thank you very kindly.

I will do. He did use a lot of different hammers as he went along. But I'll definitely take your advice and make him some of his own. Hes going to be having the 'train track anvil' on the left. He preferred it yesterday. Thanks Charles.

Don't bother trying to harden mild steel. Lanternnate was referring to hardenable steel....if its hardenable, once quenched, it can be snapped instead of bent. It will be brittle like plate glass.

Big up to you and the BOA!

A friend of mine from the UK, who's a big betting man, went to Las Vegas not so long ago. He loved it for what it was but wouldn't go again. Big difference from any city over here. His opinion was that you have to be careful. Don't think he'll ever forget it, and he did have a wonderful time!

Beauty

We'll see, tomorrow he might be into UFC lol you know what kids are like, I was!...If he wants to carry on (strong possibility!) then he will be kitted out 100%. Good idea on the leather spats

Plasticy flip flops..... I said go and get dressed. You need ....at very least trousers, jumper, socks and shoes. Oh and don't forget the specs!

I know what you mean Slag, I would have had him much more dressed for the occasion but it was completely off the cuff. They are leather shoes but he needs some little leather work boots and some overalls that come over the boots. He wanted to start work in flip-flops and shorts so I did my best lol. Thank you.

We both bounced off each other it was so much fun. Much to his mothers dismay... Argghh what are you doing?!? Big learning curve for both of us... Him in what he can achieve ...and me in how much I can trust him! He gives me a reason for pretty much everything I do! He has been donated my much shorter anvil/stand. And on your advice we will be making some smaller hammers! Thank Lionel. He did so well.

Thanks Charles, all taken onboard. Brandon had the choice of about 18 different hanmers and two anvils (other one just out of view, and slightly lower. Although still too high, he had to make do) He thoroughly enjoyed it so it's just going to get better and better. He's feeling like a man tonight!!!

Finally got my new anvil fixed to it's base today. (Huge ash stump) I received a huge amount of attention from my 6year old son Brandon Cai. What better to do than to let him use his initiative and make something. I let him loose on a railway spike and he decided he wanted to make a snake coat hook. I didn't touch the piece, apart from holding it with tongs, holding a punch for eyes and a screw hole and also I was guided to put a bit of detail on the snakes head. Start them young (safely), I wish I could go back in time, I'd be a pro lol.

Thanks Gareth.

We used an old wooden saw horse frame. Then we beefed it up with a nice thick piece of timber I had laying around plus strengthened it up with struts and the metal tread shelf. I cut up some stainless angle iron for some brackets to attach the saw on top. Added the wheels as its a bit of a lump to move around.

What do you do to dispose of the hydrochloric acid/zinc mixture?

Same.. This one was kind of put aside as not working when my bro in law had it. I cleaned 15+ years of detritus off it. With some help from my father ....we greased the bearings, new blade, got it running smooth and built a stand for it (from recycled materials of course) Now it works like new.....plus was given a large table for it to use it upright. Even got the auto shut off to work Bargain!

I live in Wales. Originally from Liverpool. I also have experience in lathe, milling, bench work etc. I started making knives just over a year ago and collecting tools, anvils, forges. Its a great hobby for me ATM and is only getting better and better. I'm sure with your background that you'll find it easy to get into. My advice, for knife making at least, is to start off with stock removal. Practice shaping and finishing knives into a final 'product' and see if you like it. Then go from there. You're going to have a ball. I have really got the bug now. All the best. Mat.

Hi Gareth. What sort of things are you wanting to forge/make?