FNG In the Proximity.

C

C.M

Joined
Dec 22, 2016
Messages
10
Hey folks - My name is Cottar, (yeah sounds like the TV show for those of you old enough to remember)...

Just jumped into knifemaking about 6 mos ago. I work for the railroad, and I was looking at potential metal projects involving railroad debris....you know one of the typical 5 hour YouTube rabbit hole detours. Anyway I think it was video by a guy who made a ram's head knife from a railroad spike that got me completely fascinated. Obsessed in fact. I made my first knife of O1 flat stock with files, and then built a filing jig for the next few. And quickly understood the beauty of the belt grinder.

I have no prior experience smithing in any capacity but I have always been an amateur mechanic and gearhead and worked in the trades for several years. So I know how to swing a hammer and understand geometry and use a file. I'm starting with a modestly-stocked (and uninsulated:mad:) little garage shop and I've been lurking around these forums for several months now. I have learned a great deal already just by studying WIPs and searching the forums for various info and also from a coworker who is involved in the craft as well. Binge watched Walter Sorrell/Adam Balkovic/Nick Wheeler and others on Youtube, and I try to be a sponge.

Invested in a 3 spd KMG and am doing HT in a one brick forge with MAPP gas and peanut oil and tempering in a wildly innaccurate toaster oven. Very rudimentary. I actually really enjoy working with files and handwork; after my honeymoon phase with the grinder I find myself more and more at the bench with sanding blocks and thumb cramps. I would like to start forging and have been researching that. I have a big stump and a 18 in section of track I snagged from the right of way while my train was stopped at a red signal. Don't tell Union Pacific.

Idk what else. I'm a novice. I hardly even know what I don't even know. I've made about 30 knives, not ready to give away or sell anything yet, right now just enjoying the process of learning. Thank you in advance for all I've learned from everybody here. Here are a couple of the most recent ones in 1084, let's call these #29 and #30.
z8mUPjZNgYbw9kPlcNcRzvfqRmabqzatH30gZYGbUPXeUEknOgvFY87qYUetjnu52MJ67LpFZHONhA-wrS--X8pmK6XK5qW4Y4U6Ki8ytNFlDz-71Mj4D8cgfnec5dRLdFrt8zZvyCZk6VVXRiAOsKolHHNyn3xz58SbJ_f3V5aHSza_7vedb8haU9ne3KAmCD0z_bWMtMf25RSLuanw4wl5ysFjrud99790ny-IdLUTrL6g9U092lyb8Bq9aKQAfZySgr07w9r5rafCATDIyUFkoggLMDWSZZthUUz4eyrAOmX5LjaTRmRWgaKmiGu4Mn2q1exgPdVowc57u-rc84j11GdTsJEaFnCmHnnoHTW0c0g7KZPq4_QSJiyf0K36oA6CjVbZs7G20ciX4qzXXLMVkFPjzEsbS5m-SJkyn5ynv6dToWkghbdBh0w57iUnkSh1RfnYM4ycpuDNGeofXf9O4BJCNth0L2XRXuySfFsl8qAM4ECHP174MDSFVmI7JQflJzi1AgPVk5H0waq74tmWechkq7uVXT-k1EvVxQ25h-6Jj0ntBMGHtkkq_lc2wKEVyXcn_bNpBkdL7cEOiU1j2bDr2SwKcd6uWmuWxOJyeFpyD0V3=s901-no


And the first 3. I made with files. UGLYUGLYUGLY:barf:
IMSuFmYrJvnxNYetndOJoWq9k6d9ryhQzvNj6QLai4D5sybmmWwmIWM3masmFu6rlYwI_S-V3bmnPURmQxFBjfTzAe0k7myjcUAj9S8VPI-2517BMGYnmLT-xMd2Fj8meBiRUWdJLht-795b5Geiv5stV7twa14hsKLrK7pytN_VBzZlVfRs3TPTeXp7Eawr-fYo04yB7XZrnv4tEaKwd49nSI9MnGvdRlKC_CKzEwXNK4GIQrGDrLXQalMRGjlKHQF5kNjSQWs1CyqgYmzAKOVJ1Lg7Bo9XF3FA8fH8HJwKxy_wRnUfSgZOaRZTqjtv6wZjeNvfOFUG8se9o6zjjWUdRBZi3eSN-Ovl2J7lBV2OQg19zyqbyXHTdxNsg4F2LlQuMq1mZPxoko5mJIMjemRGlA_DKRQgdTfI7Plw8d88LGvu4wp5UhqBOC9-5388ki5k7PfDNP8blDmlL4km23ztS2kCdgHCIdDYKi8_Svlil2h-4rySMwTL7RlSI55gKzp7bnktQDle2kOzKeehn9UZWqdQNsgOgeuyD-gFJUnxi4Fvk0WKf8dM17EcfUzXoDh2EoqwuhKIw-uhfZ5zeDhxoQvks-k7XkEnbDtwIA96pi3w9bwx=w1602-h901-no


Anyway. Nice to meet you all!
-Cottar
 
Welcome to shop talk. The pics aren't showing up for me. Load them on a host site like photobucket and copy and paste the img link.
 
Ok sorry. They were showing up in my preview, probably because it was my computer? Anyway here's a few from Flickr.
29b9Uh

GHf441

K4Gh87

05311T

There's been some other weird expirements since I've started but here are the first ones, done by hand filing.
1592Hb
 
Hello My name is Adrian I literally just got into blade making myself. Unfortunately I don't have the actual forging capacity available to me just yet. I did however start with a kit knife and used what they called bog oak as a handle. I only had access to mainly me powered saws and a hand sander to shape and finish. I did get an early Christmas gift from my folks in the shape of a Dremel Multi tool which helped tremendously. I am going to have to wait until Uncle Sam gives back some of my taxes then its on to a bench top band saw and belt sander/grinder. My question is there a recommended style or can I get a little further along with a sub $300 dollar combo disc and belt? Are they going to be able to handle pre made billets to work on my grinding technique. while I still practice with some kits on different styles? I have always wanted to do this now that I have my own place free and clear and room and I completed the first I've got a huge itch to do more. :glee:
 
AdrianMatthews said:
Hello My name is Adrian I literally just got into blade making myself. Unfortunately I don't have the actual forging capacity available to me just yet. I did however start with a kit knife and used what they called bog oak as a handle. I only had access to mainly me powered saws and a hand sander to shape and finish. I did get an early Christmas gift from my folks in the shape of a Dremel Multi tool which helped tremendously. I am going to have to wait until Uncle Sam gives back some of my taxes then its on to a bench top band saw and belt sander/grinder. My question is there a recommended style or can I get a little further along with a sub $300 dollar combo disc and belt? Are they going to be able to handle pre made billets to work on my grinding technique. while I still practice with some kits on different styles? I have always wanted to do this now that I have my own place free and clear and room and I completed the first I've got a huge itch to do more. :glee:
Click to expand...
Welcome to shoptalk. Check out the search engine in the stickies on the main shop talk page. Belt grinders are one of most talked about topics here and you should be able to find what your looking for. If you have any other specific questions start another thread and folks will be glad to answer your questions.
 
Welcome CM. Your knifes don't look bad at all. They seem to reek of artistic style. It will be interesting to see where you take them. :)
 
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