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Suprtek

Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
21
Hello all. I've been interested in blades for a long time but this is my first attempt at forging. I'd appreciate some opinions from folks obviously more knowledgeable than myself. I'm a fifty-something year old guy that's always been pretty good with my hands and this is something I wanted to learn. I wanted to start with something basic so I went with a spike knife. I know its far from quality steel but I figured it was a good start. I did a fair amount of reading and watching videos (yes, I love "Forged in Fire"). It took me about 6 or 7 hours over a couple days to get it done. I quickly realized my arm is not what it used to be. I'm posting a link to a folder where the photos can be viewed. If I don't post it properly I will try again shortly.

https://icedrive.net/1/c6nEqrm95t
 
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Well that didn't work.https://icedrive.net/0/ff6VopIr1z
 
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Your off to a good start. My first 3 were RR spike knives. It may not be a great knife steel but spike knives give you a great medium to hone forging skills.
What size hammer are you using, most will start out with something too heavy? Also keep the steel hot, you only have a short window between heats to get something done, as soon as you begin to loose your heat get it back in the forge.
Keep it up.
 
3fifty7 said:
Your off to a good start. My first 3 were RR spike knives. It may not be a great knife steel but spike knives give you a great medium to hone forging skills.
What size hammer are you using, most will start out with something too heavy? Also keep the steel hot, you only have a short window between heats to get something done, as soon as you begin to loose your heat get it back in the forge.
Keep it up.
Click to expand...
I only have a very basic selection of tools at this point. I believe my hammer is around 2 or 2.5 pounds. My forge is just the cheapest single burner from Amazon. I'm grinding with a 4x36 from harbor freight. I forged myself a basic set of tongs from rebar. I have a very long way to go before I'm any good but I'm enjoying it as a hobby. Thanks for the input!
 
Well its been almost a year since I started this so I thought I would revive this thread instead of starting a new one. I've tried to gain some experience and I've made a few blades including a couple for friends that liked what I was doing. I've upgraded some of my tools. Like most of us, I'd love to have a 2x72 but for now I've settled on a 2x42. It's not what a pro would use but it's a huge upgrade to the basic 4x36. Although I must say there is still a place in my shop for the 4x36. Here's some links to some pics of my latest knife and grinder. I'm still a rookie but I think I'm learning a few things. I'm very interested in feedback from some of you more experienced smiths...

new grinder with a few mods

My latest knife

with sheath
 
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