Fred.Rowe
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- May 2, 2004
- Messages
- 6,848
Jeff has been hanging around my shop for years but had never forged or ground a blade until I recently talked him into giving it a try.
There are usually a collection of blade smiths at the smithy and the day Jeff started on this knife, there were four of us.
He got a lot of input from us, but did all the work himself. Forging, grinding, heat treat and finish. I took the picture.
I think he did a very respectable job for his first knife.
I use many different aids in my smithy. I have two blown gas forges a power hammer and a 25 ton press. I have moved on from the coke fire and three pound hammer I started with. I also have three belt grinders and a 3 axis cnc machine. I also designed, patented and build my own flat grinding jig. Jeff used it to grind his blade.
We are all individuals and have different skill sets. Each of us learns in his or her own way. Some smiths I know are still in their teen years; others are older than dirt; such as myself.
We all have different abilities and have no choice but to work with what God gave us. Do the best with what you have but don't be afraid to try something different or go against the accepted norm.
You might surprise yourself; as my friend Jeff did with his first knife.
"Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible"
I have this posted in my shop. I hope it inspires all the people who make knives here.
Happy grinding, Fred
There are usually a collection of blade smiths at the smithy and the day Jeff started on this knife, there were four of us.
He got a lot of input from us, but did all the work himself. Forging, grinding, heat treat and finish. I took the picture.
I think he did a very respectable job for his first knife.
I use many different aids in my smithy. I have two blown gas forges a power hammer and a 25 ton press. I have moved on from the coke fire and three pound hammer I started with. I also have three belt grinders and a 3 axis cnc machine. I also designed, patented and build my own flat grinding jig. Jeff used it to grind his blade.
We are all individuals and have different skill sets. Each of us learns in his or her own way. Some smiths I know are still in their teen years; others are older than dirt; such as myself.
We all have different abilities and have no choice but to work with what God gave us. Do the best with what you have but don't be afraid to try something different or go against the accepted norm.
You might surprise yourself; as my friend Jeff did with his first knife.
"Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible"
I have this posted in my shop. I hope it inspires all the people who make knives here.
Happy grinding, Fred
