Introduction, and one question.

[ron_m80]

I am newly orange and thought I would introduce myself to the forum. Hi, my name is Ron.

I am getting my feet wet with knifemaking with the intent of doing it seriously. I have many blanks in my thought process left to fill in. I hope that I can join in the forum discussion, and I look forward to learning more from the wealth of knowledge that is represented here.

I know to move forward from where I am at, I need to finish my machinery installation. I need to buy more steel, a makers stamp, and hammer and anvil lessons are a must I think.

What exactly is a hammer in?

Thank you gents,
Ron

 

[Fred.Rowe]

A gathering of like minded individuals who think buying a forging hammer is the most exciting thing going

 

[Darrin Sanders]

Welcome Ron!

 

[jll346]

If you have any around you get to one if you want to learn. Nothing like seeing things up front with skilled people around.

 

[ron_m80]

A gathering of like minded individuals who think buying a forging hammer is the most exciting thing going

It can't possibly compare to buying your first anvil, how can you love the hammer before the anvil?

 

[Brian Ayres]

A hammer in is a grownup, bladesmith play date.

They can range from informal fooling around to a demo/class on a particular theme, technique etc.

I wish there was one monthly by me.

A few things as a new knifemaker myself.

Be safe. Don't end your knifemaking career due to injury.

Yes to lessons. I have taken a couple, and it was a huge help.

The best thing for learning hands down are knifemaking friends. You must get some! Credit for my success and none for my failures goes largely to my friends like, Greg Haile, Chuck Richards, Brett Matthews, Nick Wheeler(we're friends, right Nick?), Bruce Bump(the restraining order expired), and several others.

Welcome! Your collection of nice old tools will help you too. I think they impart something special into the knives.

 

[Will Leavitt]

Look up ABNA, and find the nearest forge council near you. The groups in Alabama meet monthly to learn techniques, while it's not blacksmithing specific its a great way to learn and they'll probably be a few knifemakers or they'll know a smith nearby.