I have been at this only a few months, surprised I lasted this long before trying a bowie. Since i started with a bar the blade was as much stock removal as forging. i was pleased how close my forging was to the pattern I did not try to forge the bevel on this as I am having a hard time keeping the bevel straight. It's easier to grind to a scribed center line.

Fantastic start Momatt! Many folks start out with stock removal and then move more into forging as their skills improve.Your work so far seems well planned and methodical.Looking forward to seeing your finished knife. 

Thanks tanto. I am having fun.

After my wife used the word swashbuckler I had to trim the guard. Was looking for the Alamo not pirate

I was thinking the guard was a little big on my second look also. I always prefer to make something large myself,as I can always trim it down.  Nice job!

That looks great. I especially like the guard. Now that I've found a practically endless supply of rr spikes that are free and safe to get I'm always looking for creative ideas for them.

I have about 400 RR spikes and the MSDS profile on the it appears that they do have .30 carbon in them as well as some other good qualities like 97% iron I need to get the sheet out and post the make up of them .

 

Sam

Finished it with some denser than water reddish wood I took off a pallet. This is a wall hanger so I tried to patina the blade with hot vinegar. The cross piece I need to figure out how to blacken where I ground it. Maybe cold blue

Very nice for some of your first work! Looks like you put some thought and planning into it, some people just start smashing, thinking they will end up with a knife.

Thx Dan.  I have put a little gas through the forge since we met, starting to understand how metal moves little by little.  

Looks like it! Im glad the forge is working well for you.