Frank B Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Hi, I have been reading on this site for some time now and I thought it's about time I say hello and make my first post. I have been a self employed locksmith in the Sacramento Ca area for the last 27 years and a part-time knife maker for 20 years. The knife making got me interested in forging and I joined the C B A back in the mid 90's and went to a few classes and did a little on the side yard of my shop at that time. Many years ago I forged out a short sword out of 5160 and did the rough grind, but never finished it as I didn't think I had the skill to grind a long taper without destroying it. So it hung on the wall in my shop, unfinished for the last 10 years. With locksmithing being slow a year ago I decided to finish grinding the sword, even if it meant messing it up. With the blade 80 percent ground I started forging the guard out of mild steel and quickly realized I didn't have the blacksmith skill to get it done quickly or easily. Shortly after finishing the sword I figured it was time to rejoin the CBA after a 17 year absence and pick up where I left off and try to learn some better Blacksmith practices. It has been a year and while I don't go to class much, I have been doing a lot more forging at home and I do read a lot on this site and I really appreciate all the info everyone shares. This is a great site and all the info the members post really do help a beginning smith like myself. Here is a photo of the short sword I finished. 5160 blade, blued mild steel guard and pommel, nickel silver wire wrapped handle. Thanks Again, Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Welcome aboard Frank, glad to have you. Nice looking sword, you have pretty decent grinder technique in spite of your fears. all in all it's a good looking blade. Well done. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank B Posted June 11, 2013 Author Share Posted June 11, 2013 HI Frosty, Thanks on the blade. I know a Pete in the CBA ( dont know his last name) who lives in the hills outside of Sacramento, is in his 70's and built a air hammer recently. Sound like the same guy.? Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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