First thing you ever made for YOURSELF

[SpankySmith]

So I've just passed my first anniversary in blacksmithing, still a total Newb, but I just now finally got around to making something for myself.  Everything else I've made up to this point has either been to sell, to give away, or simply to learn on.  But I needed a gate handle so this weekend I finally stopped everything and made myself one. 

So.... what's the first thing you ever made for YOURSELF that was NOT a blacksmith tool or accessory (ie tongs, hardy tools, etc) and NOT a bottle opener ('cause c'mon, it's one of the first things most folks make)?    Do you even remember?   Pictures?   

[tdaleh]

Throwing knife from a sod cutter blade.

[Frosty]

Too long ago to remember, I think dirt was still being perfected. Probably just steel mashed around with a hammer to no planned results when I was 8 or so.

Frosty The Lucky.

[norrin_radd]

Throwing knife from a sod cutter blade.

Too funny mine was a throwing knife from a hay mower blade, about a year ago maybe.

Sprayed it with self etching auto primer. Made the lame sheath too.

Edited March 26, 2015 by norrin_radd

[SpankySmith]

Too long ago to remember, I think dirt was still being perfected. Probably just steel mashed around with a hammer to no planned results when I was 8 or so.

Frosty The Lucky.

​Frosty, then it was probably one of those new inventions, the wheel?        

[Frosty]

I was working on the steel belted cart tire but the mastadon haunches kept rolling off the log anyway. <sigh>

Frosty The Lucky.

Edited March 27, 2015 by Frosty

[j.w.s.]

Wait, we're allowed to make things for personal use?! I'm gonna go dig out my handbooks..

J

[SpankySmith]

JWS, EXACTLY!  It was a mind blowing concept to me, which is why I asked the question.  I was actually keys in hand on the way to Home Depot to purchase a new gate handle and some brackets and I had one of those stop in your tracks, "Wait a minute!  I have a forge, I have steel, what am I thinking?!" moments.  Yes...yes you can make something for yourself.  I know....mind officially blown.

[j.w.s.]

lol, normally when I need stuff like that, I do the head shake and then continue to home depot. most of my steel in the shop is high carbon and while I could make a lovely w2 gate hinge I think its better used in my knives..  that being said, it only took me 19 years to make a knife for myself. lol

J

[tdaleh]

That throwing knife is the one of two knives I made for my self in thirty four years of knifemaking.

[yves]

I started forging precisely to make things for us. Then I got a first small commission, and then another. But I still forge for ourselves. What I forge looks and especialy feels better than what we are offered at the Home Depots of the world.

[seldom (dick renker)]

after the front bracket for the fuel tank on my truck rotted away i made a new one from 2 inch by 1//4 flat stock. works real good has a nice snug fit and will out last the rest of the truck and me too maybe.