Rond Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I lucked out and found a cast iron forge with a champion blower. After a lot of wire brushing and cleaning-finally got it so I think clinker breaker moves properly and though a little hard to turn the blower moves a lot of air. I would like to learn how to make knives. First question-can you recommend video or book good to start with. What kind of steel do you use? What could I use for an anvil since I used what little money I had to buy the forge. Thank you for your help. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkknife Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I use a piece of I-beam that I found in my garage when I moved in. Rings like all get out but gets the job done. Just about anything heavy, solid, flat, and preferably metal will pass for a first anvil. From what I've heard Japanese sword makers still use a block of steel sitting on the ground as their anvil, viking smiths used a big flat rock. There are several very good books on how to start making knives I've read the $50 Knife Shop there is one that many of the other folks here recommend, but for the life of me I can't remember the name of it. As to steel I use anything that was made of tool or spring steel. Lawn mower blades, plow tines, leaf-springs, coil springs, and if you have energy to burn solid axle shafts(usually better to save those for hammers later on.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucegodlesky Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Wayne Goddard's $50 knife Shop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Jim Hrisoulas currently has several books available. He also frequents the IForgeIron chat so you can ask him questions if you wish. The Master Bladesmith: Advanced Studies in Steel The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way to Perfection The Pattern-welded Blade: Artistry in Iron Don't forget the IForgeIron Friday Night LIVE Knife Chat. We had 33 in attendance the last time. All questions are welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt993fod Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 I am waiting for "The complete bladesmith", but can also recommend "Step by step blademaking" by David Boye, which although doesnt have any info on forging, does have some great chapters on metallurgy, heat treatment, grinding and finishing blades. Also check the blueprints section of this website, which I am suprised Glenn hasnt mentioned. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cross cut30 Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 A pice of rail road track makes agood anvil. An the video ( knife makeing unpluged) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angus Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 I use railroad spikes for good knife steel leaf springs from older rigs works too, axles are good also. you will find you can get a lot of good iron for free if you jst look around go to a trucking companies shop and ask you can always get good scrap from them. Have fun.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Angus Go to the top of the forum page and click on user cp click on edit profile go to the bottom of the page, enter your location, and save. We would like to know where in the world your are located. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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