February 24, 20188 yr My goal is to craft Damascus drop point blades suitable for game dressing/skinning. Something I've been wanting to do for decades. Nearing retirement, I'm gathering information and equipment to be able to implement my plan. Working as a piping/mechanical designer in the offshore platform industry (aka "designing navigational hazards") I've served my time in fab yards and machine shops. Always fascinated with the artisans and craftsmen who often took time to explain and demonstrate their "tricks". Over a summer in high school, I worked for a farrier, which I think, sparked the blacksmith fascination some 45 years ago Call me a "late bloomer" if you like. Even when I retire (though I'll be doing things I feel are really important) I know that I will still want to create things. Iron is my preference. Cheers!
February 24, 20188 yr Do you plan to weld up your own billets or buy them premade? Will you be forging them or stock removal?
February 24, 20188 yr Author I may start with billets to get acquainted with installing and dressing bone slabs prior to the forging side of the issue. That I can begin now relatively easy prior to investing in a forge and anvil of some sort. Ultimately, I will be forging my own though. Thanks for the response. Cheers!
February 24, 20188 yr You do know that you can build a forge and get an anvil for about the cost of filling the gas tank on a small imported pickup truck; but if that is an investment to you...
February 24, 20188 yr Author Yes sir. I have been hanging around IFI as a visitor for a while. Was impressed with the knowledge base. Decided to join. Plan on making a striking anvil and small forge. Will continue to keep an eye out for a "proper" anvil. Refuse to feed the buying frenzy of $6+/lb current climate. Would love to get my hands on a 125ish lb HB, eventually. Cheers!
February 24, 20188 yr I had a cousin living at the lakes at Katy once; now back in Bartlesville OK... Read up on the TPAAAT as it's a good way to find anvils at a decent price.
February 24, 20188 yr Author Small world, no? Will take a look. There is a few between here and Austin that seem to have not gone nuts with their pricing in the interest of prompting the craft. I see honor in such individuals! Cheers!
February 24, 20188 yr Welcome aboard Thresher, glad to have you. TPAAAT isn't only for anvils, it works for virtually anything you're hunting. It's amazing how many people have a pile of mystery tools in a shed left by great uncle Dudley and would be happy to have the space instead. Frosty The Lucky.
February 28, 20188 yr I think buying tools at really low prices is great when you can but maybe $6 per pound is not that bad, when you are producing nice Damascus I would like to get some I will pay up to $8.00 per pound. Just a random thought, don't delay too much waiting for a tool at 1960 prices. Your time is really what is valuable.
February 28, 20188 yr Of course to forgeweld billets a drop or even a piece of new bought 4"/4" square stock will work just as well as a US$6 a pound anvil and I buy mine at the scrapyard for 20 cents a pound. A fancy anvil will NOT make your billets better. Getting out there and making a bunch of them is what gets them better! I go past the scrapyard every time I dump the trash...
February 28, 20188 yr Thomas's Idea to use a drop while you wait for that really low priced anvil sounds really good.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.