Forging a railroad spike knife.

Skimo

Skimo

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Mar 28, 2009
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I've heard that most rail spikes are 1030 or better.

I started the project today at a backyard forge made of a wheel rim some concrete and an old induction fan. and a section of rail tie as the anvil.

I just have one question, and all I ask is your opinion.

Should I try for a stick tang, or should twist the spike for the handle?

First time forging.

Jon
 
Don't expect much in the way of edge holding. The RR spike knives are made as curios, novelties, or letter openers.
 
Skimo said:
Should I try for a stick tang, or should twist the spike for the handle? First time forging.
Click to expand...

Hey Jon,

How's your project coming along? Twisted spike knives are lots of fun and likely a bit easier than trying to draw out a stick tang. Do you have a hefty well anchored vise? You'll need that to do the twisting, along with something like a good sized crescent wrench. If you have an extra big old monkey or adjustable wrench you can cut grooves down the center of the length of each jaw. Then the wrench can fit and hold around the spike's head rather than the shaft. A set of V bolt tongs for holding 3/4" stock comes in real handy as well.

Here are a couple threads with a few pix of some high schoolers and their spike knives....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640076
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=567895

These projects are lots of fun and provide ample exercise in fire management, heating, tong handling coordination and various hammering methods and practicing...lots and lots of practice...and then some more practice.... Ask me I know, because I've had hardly any.

Keep us posted (with pics).

All the best, Phil
 
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