TheoRockNazz Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Hi guys, I need a hand figuring out what to say to this fella who I feel is moving too fast. He's been a machinist for 20+ years, so he knows steel really well, and recently started forging and knifemaking. Occasionally he and I use the same workshop, and the last time I saw him he was working on his very first knife (kitchen knife) in 5160. He did a good job from what I saw, wish I got to see it finished. From there he tried forge-welding some mild steel, layered it a couple times and made a necker. Seemed to be a little advanced, but the end result was decent with a wicked point, only a couple inclusions/cold shuts that didn't detract from the integrity. And now he is attempting four viking style patternwelded swords with a twisted core and damscus edge. He showed me the first twisted core (16 pieces of 1/4" mild steel square stock in a grid 4x4 grid), and I told him right off the bat the way the strands are pulling apart means the piece isn't properly forge welded. He said he expected cold shuts, and wanted them because they are historically accurate... and according to modern science they act as shock absorbers. This didn't sound right to me, but it's not my place to pry, after all I've only been making damascus since last summer. I feel like if he keeps moving forward he's going to waste these pounds of steel he bought... but that's part of the process right? Please advise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 You'll find reference to the cold shuts in a book on knifemaking. I'm too lazy to go get it, the guys name is a little different. As far as moving too fast, the only too fast is when one gets discouraged because it's too hard. Otherwise we all learn from our failures. Without pushing the envelope one can never realize thier potential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 Refer him here? I don't know how often folk here tell people wanting to make a sword for a first go at smithing to learn the craft before going into advanced projects. I'm sure there are many tens of pages if not hundreds saying the same basic thing. Frankly I get tired of trying to help folk who already know it all. Guys are always telling me they want to learn so they can make swords but know how many ever come over? Two so far and not a one made a second visit. I guess I'm just too stingy to tell them THE secret. My enthusiasm for teaching blacksmithing is now largely contingent on seeing some effort on their part before we get together. I mean really, is it too much to expect someone who really wants to learn the craft to at least pick up a book. Or give it a lash with charcoal briquettes an ASO and a ball pein hammer. I'll drive to HIS/ER place and pick him/er up! You'll get my WHOLE attention. I've had a student like that Lindsay, she sought me out, paid careful attention, worked hard and researched on her own time. she designed exercises to strengthen her arms, practiced my hammer holding technique and with probably less than 40 hrs. total time with me forged and finished a darned nice utility sheath knife. After she moved on somewhere in Virginia I believe she talked to the head blacksmith of a living history mill and was put in charge of the smithy so the old smith could get out of it with a bad shoulder. She's a treasure I envy anyone who employs her or otherwise associate. I've had may good students but Lindsay is a crown jewel. It's kids like her make me want to give other kids a shot. My advice? Let him give it a go, maybe suggest a good bladesmithing book or two and let him have at it. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 I am aware of many period viking blades with cold shunts,. historiclly accurate? Yes, intended? Not always, I do not agree all made them poorly by intent. There were many very good blades made then that did not have these faults in the welding, so I do not believe it was preferred. There were good smiths and poor ones back then also, just like today. Some times they were called upon to make blades, so they did. Many people were ignorant as to what make a good blade back then, just like today believing what they were told is true, so they copy that bad information. So some may have done it intentionally. Is it a better blade that way? Of course not.They didnt have anyone else to get their blades from, but even so, many of them are beautiful works and better than many of the other cultures work of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 His work his rules...If he keeps at it he will sort out wot he wants and how well they will be done....And may even find out the value of mild steel in a blade... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheoRockNazz Posted June 20, 2013 Author Share Posted June 20, 2013 Thanks everyone. I have a feeling he will be just fine now, especially if I can convince him to spend more time on IFI. He has Jim Hrisoulas' book, so that's certainly a step in the right direction already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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