Bookie & Tim Forging a Khuk or Two.

[Bookie]

After laying about for a few weeks feeling sorry for myself, it was time to get off me duff and do something. I was really bored. Tim Crowe was down to Corn Patch from Wisconsin checking up on me and we decided to go play knives in the blacksmith shop. Forging khukuri is not exactly something we're familiar with, but decided, what the hey...let's do it!

Not knowing exactly the correct process, it was improv time. It wasn't all success. The first had a cold shut and bit the dust. The second, and I think you'll agree, was somewhat of an improvement. By this time Bookie was really feeling worn out and had to take a break pretty often. Later, we closed up the shop and were feeling good about the results. The tang will be the next step on Tim's next visit to the shop.

Pic 1: Green fire smoking.
Pic 2: Tim tries his hand.
Pic 3: Using the flatter.
Pic 4: Where do I hit this thing next?
Pic 5: Heat to increase curve.
Pic 6: Tim checks the curve.

 

[Bawanna]

Looks like your pushing it pretty hard there for what you been through lately Bookie.
Getting up and doing is a damn good sign and a good thing but don't be over doing it.
I'm surprised the floor of that place don't catch on fire now and then, maybe it does and you just put it out? Use the bucket you keep the hammers in to keep the handles swelled up?

 

[Bookie]

The farm bucket is the current slack tub. The whisky barrel half finally rotted out. The bucket does swell the handles and since it sets higher than the old tub on the floor, it's actually handier for quenching smaller parts. The floor catching on fire and I just put it out? No, sir. We just let it burn. Just gotta be careful since we ain't exactly got fire insurance on our body. That little 85 pounder anvil is an American. I bought it off the Amish years ago. Think it was made in Brooklyn at the turn of the last century. Know American went out of business in 1911. This little anvil just doesn't ring. It sings! You can just make out the 265 pounder behind the slack tub.

 

[EricTheRedBeard]

Very cool. I look forward to seeing how it turns out. How are you planning on heat treating it?

 

[Bookie]

Yes, Eric. I never make wall hangers or decorations. Will work on it again late October, when I feel more gooder.

 

[ndoghouse]

Hope thats some of that ultra low sulfur coal you got there! Id be hackin my lungs out after that session. Great looking Khuk in the works. Looks like its going to be something like a Sirupati! I like it already! Glad your up and workin again! Dont over do it tho! Keep us updated. Looks like its going to be a very fine Khukri! Cant wait to see the results of this one!