Im a newbie and would like some pointers

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Im a kid 12 actually and would like to learn blacksmithing /bladesmithing :D
My dad says i was born in the 1400's. I always wanted to learn to do this but everything is so complicated i know you guys probably dont have time to answer my stupid questions but could someone help me out and teach me the ways of blacksmithin (i dont mean physically i mean on this forum) it would be nice to have a friend that can help me become a blacksmith your help will be thanked very much please email me or reply to this post if you can help


Thank you,
Colton :D
Colton, come back in a few months and you will be more than welcome here.
 
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If you ask a specific question about knifemaking or smithing you will likely get some useful answers. Otherwise you are essentially asking for someone to write you a book:confused:
There are a number of books on the subject already which you should look into if you intend to pursue this, they will give you some food for thought as far as equipment, techniques, etc. You could easily spend a few years just absorbing information before you ever pick up a hammer. I did.
 
Hi Colton
Have you Dad take you to a local "Hammer in"
Fill out some of your profile tell us what State you live in.
Read Read Read all you can.
 
Colton,
Welcome aboard..... Its good to see young people interested in the craft. You can start learning by reading all the sticky's at the top of the forum. The best way to learn is working with a bladesmith. Read the forums and if possible attend a hammer-in, or check out a local guild. If we knew where in the country you are at would help.
 
Im a kid 12 actually and would like to learn blacksmithing /bladesmithing :D
My dad says i was born in the 1400's. I always wanted to learn to do this but everything is so complicated i know you guys probably dont have time to answer my stupid questions but could someone help me out and teach me the ways of blacksmithin (i dont mean physically i mean on this forum) it would be nice to have a friend that can help me become a blacksmith your help will be thanked very much please email me or reply to this post if you can help


Thank you,
Colton :D

Is there an actual question in there? lol

I agree with King. Read some books, ask questions, watch some vids before you ever pick up a hammer. And while you're doing that, you can build your forge, and I do recomend an actual forge over a blowtorch. They're more efficient and fun.:D They can come in a variety of types, styles and designs, from cheap and portable to huge and complex. If all you're doing is knives, keep it small. The fire spot should only be about the size of a basketball at most. Also, you need to consider fuel sources. I burn both coal and wood in mine, but there are some who prefer propane and natural gas. Both have their pros and cons. Again, you just need to read some books and ask questions. And since you are only 12 (bonus points for being honest) get your dad or someone older to help you. Who knows, you might find a local blacksmith to teach you. Anyways, if you're creative, you won't have to spend much on a forge. I only spent about $30 on mine.

Oh, and tell you're dad that blacksmiths were common up until the 20th century.

Hope this helps. Can't wait to see you're first knife.:thumbup:
There is just so much, but if you have questions, don't be afraid to ask.

PS. some good places to find books, besides the library, is a local farm store, esspecially Tractor Supply.
 
If you scroll the page down to the very bottom, you will see that you are not old enough to be on this forum.

The above advise is good, but you will have to wait a year for joining the Bladeforums.
Stacy
 
Only 4 more months and he can join. I never read that before. I bet he just missed it. Heck, I missed it for years.
 
It is regularly brought up when an under age person asks for advise. The federal statutes that regulate forums and the internet require such things. This forum could end up being held responsible for a problem that arises, and could be shut down if reported. I know you all don't want that.

It is not wise ,or safe, to give advise to a 12 year old about knife making ( and may not even be legal in some places). I totally encourage every young person to follow his or her dreams, but that includes the involvement of parents until the child is old enough .

I mentor and have trained lads 12 and even younger, but it was with their parents full knowledge and physical participation.
Stacy
 
Well until you are old enough to be on the forum, you have time to read these books.

The links have previews to some of the recommended or popular books on the subject.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603203

-see the knife supply dealers - study and read the catalogues for the supplies and what and why they are used
they should also list videos for sale which may be a nice way for you to learn.

If you are familiar with torrents,
this link is to a free video in the public domain by "Green Pete" on making a knife fully by hand.
https://thepiratebay.org/torrent/4995247/Greenpete_s__Knifemaking_Basics_-_Make_a_Mora_Bushcraft_Knife
 
Perhaps you should consider having your father join the forum and ask if there is some one near your area that might tutor the both of you for an afternoon. Lots of generous people around here....
Good luck:thumbup:
Matt
 
As per BFC registration rules:

If you are under the age of 13, the administrator may require that a parent or guardian provide consent before allowing you to complete the registration process. More information about this is available during the registration process.

We hate to discourage our young members but we need to enforce the rules here.
 
Also, look at Barnes and Noble or Borders - they often have a book or two on knifemaking.
 
Welcome, you got plenty of good advise so far. See if you can get a paid membership so you can use the search function. Lots of great info available.
 
His ban will expire in a few months and then he will have full access again.
 
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