Forging a point

[strahd71]

i've actually started to do some forging. nothing major just trying to learn how to get the metal to move where i want it. i've been struggling with making a point with flat stock. the point ends up too long and pointy.

what do you guys do? do you cut a point partially in? or just forge it.

thanks

jake

 

[69_knives]

Beat the corner back into itself (upsetting) at about a 45° angle then flatten it out by working the upset material back into the body of the blade. Hold the end of the bar up slightly so that you make your drop angle at the same time on the spine. After the first beating you should be able to final shape. Keep it a bit stubbier so that when you taper it out it doesn't get too pointy. Some of my point shaping hammer swings are almost horizontal.

 

[Mace]

Sounds like your hammering to far back. Hold your bar at an angle and just "push" the corners in a little then lay flat and bring the bar back to the original thickness. Get another heat and do it again until you get to a point.
Just work the corners and don't forge to far back. Once you get a point on the end of the bar you can start to make it longer.
Hope that helps some.
Mace

 

[strahd71]

69 thanks for the response.

so if I am understanding you correctly. i'm hammering too up and down? and need to come more straight back into the stock? ( i hope what i just wrote makes sense)

jake

 

[strahd71]

ok Mace, i think i got that. i need to stay right on the end of the stock.

thanks

jake

 

[69_knives]

69 thanks for the response.

so if I am understanding you correctly. i'm hammering too up and down? and need to come more straight back into the stock? ( i hope what i just wrote makes sense)

jake

Yes, you have to make that material that makes the corner disappear by pushing it back into the space that will be your blade.

Get it nice and hot and it will move like clay.

 

[strahd71]

thanks again guys

jake

 

[69_knives]

I forgot about the fish lips, keep them in check with the more horizontal blows as soon as you notice them.

 

[Andreotti]

In this video, Francisco Ferrari, a Brazilian knifemaker shows how to forge a knife point.

regards.

Andreotti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFNQMptSTOw

 

[Raymond Richard]

It always helps to have a grinder close to the forge for fast corrections. If all else fails grind it off.

 

[Chris Meyer]

I have been using the forging method that Kevin Cashen shows on his website. It has worked well for me. He even has pictures...

 

[Evan Martin]

I have been using the forging method that Kevin Cashen shows on his website. It has worked well for me. He even has pictures...

that link is what I was going to suggest:thumbup: greatly improved what I was doing

 

[strahd71]

again guys i want to thank you for the info...... its great to have a place to ask questions

jake