"Hot Forging Basic's"

I ordered mine and had it within a couple of days. I couldn't help but watch it the same day and I really did enjoy the DVD. This is a DVD that instructs the essential "basics". This part is well done, the atmosphere is classic Tai relaxed and the music is fun.

I really hope for another DVD that would include the making of an integral or maybe a collaboration knife from Tai, Chuck.

Nothing beats taking lessons with Tai though. Tai can't help but be an enjoyable character of knowledge and humor.

Dean
 
Just got this from Tai...

Date: Monday, July 27, 2009, 7:50 PM

Hi Mike,
Glad you enjoyed it. The filming was a lot of fun.

I do plan to make a series of videos, and have lots of ideas. At best, I'm hoping to do 1-2 a year, or as many as time permits.

Tai
-------------------------------------------

Mike
 
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Ray, it's pretty inspiring, but you've never seen what a klutz I am around an anvil. Really. But it's enough to make me want to fire up my forge again, get my little HF softie anvil out and see what I can do. I have plenty of steel you guys have sent me over the years for just such a time. Could happen man. Could happen. If it does I'll sure show you - privately, no way would I let my sophomoric efforts be seen here! But you laughing at me in good humor would be nothing unusual. :D


Mike Krall said:
Just got this from Tai...

Date: Monday, July 27, 2009, 7:50 PM

Hi Mike,
Glad you enjoyed it. The filming was a lot of fun.

I do plan to make a series of videos, and have lots of ideas. At best, I'm hoping to do 1-2 a year, or as many as time permits.

Tai
-------------------------------------------

Mike
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's something to look forward to! For those of us who only know how to grind, just getting to watch forging is a fantastic experience. I'm gonna have to try it. Really. In secret. :D

A while back I think it was Karl Anderson who showed his beautiful feather damascus; that just tripped every trigger I have and sent me to the garage for a couple of vacation days. No, I didn't seriously try to make damascus, just a KSO.

Didn't work. I went back into my basement with my tail between my legs. I suck - bad. :D
 
Tai, I got my DVD, watched it and it is great! I'm glad that you went over the basics for us newbies. Very well done. Thanks so much. I look forward to a full blown start to finish forged knife video hint hint.:D
 
Thanks guys!

The filming was a lot of fun!

My hope was to lay a foundation for future "bladesmithing/knifemaking" videos. I plan to forge some blades to finish, and eventually cover all major aspects of the overall process... one video at a time. However, there is so much information to cover, I doubt I could ever get it on just one or two discs.

What other videos would you like to see, and what information do you consider the most vital to this craft, or would like to see next?
 
Tai Goo said:
What other videos would you like to see, and what information do you consider the most vital to this craft, or would like to see next?
Click to expand...

  1. Bladesmithing, specifically as many of the aspects of forging blade shapes, points, tangs, shoulders and bevels as possible.
  2. Blade refinement, specifically scale management, cleanup, finishing and heat treating.
  3. Ideas and methods for making and attaching handles and guards
  4. Presentation and packaging ideas, such as knife cases and sheaths
 
I'll say; that kind of covered it, didn't it? :D

Personally I'm interested in methods for error remediation. (;)) For example alternatives for fitting a guard slot that's just a bit too large. Or drilling deep holes for hidden tang knives.

Finishes. Tai did a finish on a cholla cactus handle that's just stunning; how'd he do that?

And the whole thing around integral bolsters - tricks for getting the inside corners square, etc. I really dig integral bolsters, that's my primary interest in forging, one thing that doesn't lend itself to stock removal very well (without sacrificing a lot of steel I mean). But getting the fit up right seems a bit daunting to me. There must be secrets involved, more than just skill. I think I'd use safe-sided files but perhaps there's more to it - some kind of setup similar to filing tang shoulders or something. But I don't have a good idea how to approach it and it'd sure be sad to screw a nice blade up at that stage.

Obviously I could go on. Attaching the halves of wood sheaths for example. I really want to make the edge of the sheath as close to the blade as possible; what's the best way to attach the pieces? Okay I'll shut up. But these are things I'd like to see being done.
 
Integrals, yes of course.

Forging to shape and finish, which you are one of the masters at.

Design. I don't know if you can teach this in a video though.
 
I plan to show several different types of blade styles like, integrals, socket handles, stick tangs etc. Much of it will just be application of the basics, but will also get into more advanced things like scale control, beveling, hammer finishing, adjusting and correcting the profile, straightening the edge etc… I also would like to do things like sharpening, cutting demos and testing, forge building, muffle furnace heat treating, various handle constructions, fittings etc., to name a few. It may take a dozen videos or so.

If and when it ever gets to that, I’ll probably put together some package deals on the whole set and for several different DVDs at a time.

I guess I better get busy!
 
I just got done talking with Jeff Sanders who plays the role of “apprentice” on T.G.P. video #1. and the Hoods Woods video on “primitive” knifemaking with Tim Lively and I. We pretty much decided that we’re going to show forging either a socket handled bush knife skeleton or an integral bolster blade and tang,… start to finish. It will be a harder video to do, but since we’ve learned a lot from the first one, it should go pretty smooth. I plan to include "applications" of some of the “basics” from #1., and also get into some more advanced technique specifically of interest to more advanced bladesmiths and specialized designs.

We may even get started this summer in spite of the heat, and do our filming early in the morning.

I am very pleased with how video #1. is being received by the bladesmithing/knifemaking community.

Thanks to all!
 
Thanks Mike.

I'm also thinking about doing one on using salvaged and recycled steels. :)
 
Tai, Great DVD! Man, you're a sniper with those hammer blows.
I'm surprised that you two "long-haired hippies" have any hair on your heads! :D
Thanks again,
Mitch
 
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