danishhammer

I tried to make the knife yesterday. Moderately success, as anticipated. Here are my new questions: Let's say that I want to keep the back edge perfectly flat and lined up with the handle. During the initial hammering/flattening process, both edges will flow out somewhat. Once that back edge starts running, how do I return it to straight? If I flip the knife up and try to straighten it, I'm hammering on the cutting edge. That doesn't sound right. Also, do you recommend twisting the handle first, or forming the blade first?

Maybe I should change gears. Anvilfire.com listed RR spike tomohawk head as a beginning project, whereas the RR knife was considered more advanced. Would it be wise to change over to the hawk instead? Also, I lack a splitter and drift for the hawk. Can I use a hand held cold chisel to split the spike, or will I damage the chisel? BTW, how do you secure the hot metal while splitting? If it's compressed in a vice, will the splitter/punch be able to do its work? And could I use a large round punch instead of a proper drift once the split is made? Rudimentary questions, but that's why I'm here!

Maybe I'll just form a couple of the knives, then get back to you on the tempering. I know these won't have much of an edge to them. My interest is in the process, not so much with having a super sharp knife in the end. OTOH, what's a good project that doesn't need much for equipment? I don't have a lot of jigs, etc. yet, so I'm keeping things simple. That's one of the reasons I am starting with RRs. heat + hammer + spike = good practice

Thomas, At least for now, I would have to say I'm using modern equip, but will definitely be playing around with the more archaic forms when I have time. I am keeping an eye open for what might make a good stone anvil, etc. For now, a bench grinder is about as high tech as I'm getting.

I just joined the forum today, and am open to lots of advice. I am a beginning smith, and am making a RR spike knife as my first real project. I have read the first few chapters of New Edge of the Anvil, those regarding forging processes. I feel confident that I can manage to form the knife itself, but know nothing of the metallurgical aspects. So I'm looking for feedback. What do I need to do in the following areas: 1.) Selecting material. I have a number of RR spikes, but have no idea of their carbon content. Is there a way to determine if I have good ones or not? 2.) Quenching. I would assume it to be necessary on a knife, right? I have heard of smiths using water, oil (of some sort), tranny fluid, etc. and don't know which one to use and when, and for what purpose. 3.) Tempering and annealing. I would assume that I need to temper the blade. One smith on YouTube mentioned tempering the blade and hammer pommel only, and leaving the grip somewhat softer. Why would one do that, and how? Those are probably my three biggest questions. I want to knock out a half dozen knives before Christmas as presents for family, so I'm getting started early in case I bungle my first few. I welcome all advice. If it's easier for you to talk than type out a book, feel free to call me at my cell 712.830.8787. Thanks in advance for the help! -Ronin, the Danish Hammer

My name is Ronin and I am from small town central Iowa. I am a historical enthusiast, namely from the Viking period and older. I have wanted to be a smith since I was a kid, but never thought it possible. Recently I found an old, hand cranked rivet forge and fell in love. I now have the basic supplies (bench grinder, hammers, anvil, vice) and am looking for a few projects to work on. I am limited by the fact that I have: 1.) extremely limited knowledge of metals and metallurgy 2.) zero experience in or equipment for welding I have done some basic hammering, made some scrolls, etc. and am planning on jumping right into making a RR spike knife. I'm sure that I can accomplish the formative part, but have no knowledge of the tempering/annealing/etc. that will be involved. Anyone who wants to help me out, visit my "Smithing Freshman Makes a RR Spike Knife" thread in the Knifemaking folder. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.