- Joined
- Nov 3, 2006
- Messages
- 2
Hello everyone. This is my first post here at blade forums, huzzah.
I have always been very interested in general weaponsmithing, and particularly bladesmithing. However, it is only recently that I have actually taken steps to learn the art and trade. In doing some research, I managed to find this site and the ABS homepage. I don't think I can describe how excited I was when I found that there is a master smith, Sava Damlovac, that lives about 10 miles from my house.
Mr. Damlovac was gracious enough to spend a couple hours showing me equipment, works in progress, and discussing the trade. Seeing as I am still in college and not able to dedicate either enough time or money to proper training at the moment, he suggested that I begin by learning to grind out a blade with stock removal. I believe this may be the most cost effective starting point that will fit with my lack of spare time.
My question is, what kind of equipment will I need to start learning. A grinder is obvious, but do you have any suggestions about brand/style/etc. I know that I'll also need some files and sandpaper, but am curious about what kind of files I should use. Also, and probably just as important, how do I go about buying stocks of steel? My only knifemaking experience is with grinding out old lawnmower blades, but I would want my first real knife to at least use respectable steel. Thanks for all the help.
I have always been very interested in general weaponsmithing, and particularly bladesmithing. However, it is only recently that I have actually taken steps to learn the art and trade. In doing some research, I managed to find this site and the ABS homepage. I don't think I can describe how excited I was when I found that there is a master smith, Sava Damlovac, that lives about 10 miles from my house.
Mr. Damlovac was gracious enough to spend a couple hours showing me equipment, works in progress, and discussing the trade. Seeing as I am still in college and not able to dedicate either enough time or money to proper training at the moment, he suggested that I begin by learning to grind out a blade with stock removal. I believe this may be the most cost effective starting point that will fit with my lack of spare time.
My question is, what kind of equipment will I need to start learning. A grinder is obvious, but do you have any suggestions about brand/style/etc. I know that I'll also need some files and sandpaper, but am curious about what kind of files I should use. Also, and probably just as important, how do I go about buying stocks of steel? My only knifemaking experience is with grinding out old lawnmower blades, but I would want my first real knife to at least use respectable steel. Thanks for all the help.
