Just starting out (first knife ever)

M

M/S Blacksmithing

Joined
Jul 21, 2016
Messages
49
Hello all,


My name is Martin and I am a first time Bladesmith. Although I have the basic tools (angle grinder, files,I'm in the process
of making a file jig for making different styles of grinds. I am asking for help in acquiring anything to help me get started like
(tools,metal,stock,pins,handle material, ect.) As a donation to helping me make this dream possible.

I realize that stock is not costly and lots of the other stuff is available at the Home Depot or hardware. However unfortunately money at this time is very tight. I have to say that I am a very proud man who doesn't ask for anything. I honestly do not expect any hand outs. Any assistance in this matter will not go unnoticed. The donations will be used in a manner that anyone who helps will be proud.of.

While we are at it let me tell you a little about myself. I am retired at 40 (not by choice ). I have been a recovering addict from medication addiction for 6 years, and extremely proud of that. My wonderful wife suggested that I take up a hobby. So I started oil painting (abstracts preferably ). Now with much thought and dreaming I have decided to try something I have been interested in since I was a young boy ( KNIVES, BLADES, STOCK REMOVAL Blacksmithing ).

I currently use a RR track as an anvil and hate it, but you have to start somewhere. I forged my first blade the other day
using a RR spike. Man it is ugly. I didn't expect excellence from the go. I now it takes time or even more if you are doing this on your own, But I have drive. Llike my wife says when I become interested in something I take it to the extreme. Except smithing is a healthy addiction.

With this said, I am increasingly infatuated with this dream and am willing to do whatever it takes to become a good smith someday. I am using a wheel for a forge with the plans to diy a permanent one in my future. I have years of experience with refractory material and installation. So I am fermilur with molten iron and steel.The heat and safety involved is not an issue for me. Just the process of making my dreams and reality.

With some reluctance I am giving this posting a go to see if anyones interested in assisting me in this indevour. To add to the list of anything really means anything to help me, from ( Books about HT ,types of steel good for blades, materials (any that won't put you out,Blanks that are flawed that you can't use or sell , templates,handle material, pins,books,magazines, articles or anything you see fit. Or anything for that matter you would like to donate to me.


Thanks for taking your time to read this and your assisting me in this matter, If you have any interest in helping me. Please contact me via email at shandazzle78@gmail.com for further mailing information.


Sincerely, Martin soon to be (M/S Blacksmithing)
 
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If it is privacy you like the address you can send your donations to is

M/S Blacksmithing

37500 S.Huron rd

New Boston, MI

48164

Thank you all for everything. ........
 
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Sadly I can't give out anything but advise. Steel and handle material are what's going to cost the most so for now, go to a junk yard and pick out all the car leaf springs you can find. Old files also make great knives. For handles, look for any hard woods you can find around you for free or cheap. I used blue pine when I started. It doesn't have to be the most high end materials just work on getting your skills in tune. Then you can start to sell them and buy better materials. I wish you the best of luck
 
Jack Henry
I appreciate your response and I will indeed pick up stuff from the junk yard I already have leaf spring and I am thinking of using brass screws for pins handles probably oak or whatever I can find. Although it sounds like I am trying to get something for nothing but to be frank I am not expecting anything. The advice is enough ,I was just suggesting maybe you makers may have some stuff you may not use anymore and would like to find a good home knowing it will be used with the upmost respect and utilized to get somebody else into the world of Bladesmithing /Blacksmithing. It was not my intention of a pity party but misunderstanding is the problem with text,email, post ect. I am in no way trying to take advantage nor solicit anything from anyone and am greatful for the wisdom, knowledge and experience if that is all I receive.and if you took the time that I am sertain you did,you read that not only was I accepting equipment but also knowledge, book,magazines,paperwork, and of course tools,steel, pins and what ever else that person may have laying around collecting dust so I thank you for the inspiring words that I can create using scrap the only problem I have with this is HT and the research and I've done in regards to using scrap is that it is mystery steel so alot of makers try to detour one from using such a steel said it was almost a waste of time .I don't look at it like that however because as you said it is a great way to hone my skills. So again I say thanks for your reply.

Sincerely, Martin
 
Jack Henry said:
Sadly I can't give out anything but advise. Steel and handle material are what's going to cost the most so for now, go to a junk yard and pick out all the car leaf springs you can find. Old files also make great knives. For handles, look for any hard woods you can find around you for free or cheap. I used blue pine when I started. It doesn't have to be the most high end materials just work on getting your skills in tune. Then you can start to sell them and buy better materials. I wish you the best of luck
Click to expand...

Thanks for you time and input, you advise is greatly appreciated.
 
Martin,
When typing a post, go back and look it over and proof read it before the final posting. After posting, read it again and edit if needed.

Break up separate things with a double enter, and break up long run-on sentences into smaller bites.

I suspect a good part of this is due to posting from a cell phone.

For example - I have no idea what ".... If it anaminit you like the address ...." means in post #2?

I am putting together a kit for you that should help you get started.

Stacy
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Martin,
When typing a post, go back and look it over and proof read it before the final posting. After posting, read it again and edit if needed.

... I am putting together a kit for you that should help you get started.
Click to expand...
That's funny... ;p



(I fixed it - Stacy ;) )
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Martin,
When typing a post, go back and look it over and proof read it before the final posting. After posting, read it again and edit if needed.

Break up separate things with a double enter, and break up long run-on sentences into smaller bites.

I suspect a good part of this is due to posting from a cell phone.

For example - I have no idea what ".... If it anaminit you like the address ...." means in post #2?

I am putting together a kit for you that should help yo get started.

Stacy
Click to expand...

Thanks I think I fixed it .
 
Yeah that's funny , I am using the tablet for this and the typing looks fine on here. I had to go on the computer to get a good

look at it. Holy shat that was tight. But I think I fixed it.

Thanks for the postings pointer lol.
 
Well, i think it isn't fixed by putting a line between the sentences. More like seperating parts of different topics in your text. I'll give an example.

"My name is Martin and I am a first time Bladesmith. Although I have the basic tools (angle grinder, files,I'm in the process
of making a file jig for making different styles of grinds. I am asking for help in acquiring anything to help me get started like
(tools,metal,stock,pins,handle material, ect.) As a donation to helping me make this dream possible.

I realize that stock is not costly and lots of the other stuff is available at the Home Depot or hardware. However unfortunately money at this time
is very tight.

I have to say that I am a very proud man who doesn't ask for anything. I honestly do not expect any hand outs
but any assistance in this matter will not go unnoticed. The donations will be used in a manner that anyone who helps will be
proud.of.

While we are at it let me tell you a little about myself. I am retired at 40 (not by choice ). I have been a recovering
addict from medication addiction for 6 years, and extremely proud of that. My wonderful wife suggested that I take up a
hobby. So I started oil painting (abstracts preferably )...."

Kind regards,

Tolga
 
Well, I didn't realize not only was this a blade forum but also a gramer/English /typing forum as well. Which of none am I a graduate. But thanks for the study session Tolga it is appreciated.

So I will recognize my post and take in account that my punctuation needs to be proof read prior to posting.
Again, Thanks

I think it is fixed this time. Third times a charm I guess.
 
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Sorry if we seem hung up on grammar and punctuation. Sure does make it easier to read tho. Most wont read on if its a wall of text. Don't even need to spel right or have perfect grammar. Just use capitals when needed an break up the wall a bit.

See? I purposefully made all kinds of mistakes but still kept the flow.

Anyway, I think he gets it, boys... lets not dwell on it and scare him off... lol.
 
You can't scare off someone who is so intent on making this happen. I appreciate the correction tho and will use this as a learning experience thank for the support Rick it is welcome even if I get corrected. Sometimes a kick in the ass puts you on the rite path anyway. Lol
Thank you for your help and the time all of you take to read this even if the grammar isn't right. I will however take a bit more time before I post. Again thanks.
Rick I have to ask does this look better after the fix? (The grammar and such) lol,lol,lol

Sincerely, Martin at M/S Blacksmithing
 
I would love to donate; however because I am just starting in this side venture I am unfamiliar if the steels I have inherited are suitable for knife making. If you have a need for mild steel in a bar stock I could cut a length. As far as handles go, I could pair it with a lathe rounded piece; I believe MN and MI have similar woods. I am relying on others' experience here for ideas.
 
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