Made the switch from stock removal to forging

Pete84 · Oct 4, 2011

After messing around making some knife-like objects and then finally some that qualified as "knives" via stock removal, I decided I'd like to make the switch to forging. I read and read and then read some more and couldn't help but think... there's something alluring about beating hot steel into submission and bending it to your will. So, I took the plunge. I picked up a 200 lb Vulcan and an NC Tool Whisper Momma two-burner forge, along with a few basic hammers and some tongs. I also enrolled in classes taking place every other week to improve my forging skills (read: develop anything resembling skills).

I've been hammering on some pieces of 1084 I had left over from my last steel order for the past couple of days. There was a ton of hammering, which I'm sure the neighbors loved, but sadly there was very little "bending steel to my will." The steel bent and moved, but I think a caveman could have done better with a couple of rocks. Oddly enough, I had a hell of a good time for the minimal results I produced. That aside, I'm pretty well enamored with the idea of taking a piece of barstock and shaping in whatever direction I choose without chopping and grinding it up first. Seems like it makes more designs and styles possible with less waste. This of course is not to knock stock removal.

I've bought a number of books relating to technique and forging blades to shape and am going through them, trying everything I've read or seen demonstrated. I'm sure my forging will get better with practice. I'll consider myself lucky if my forging skills can hold a candle to some of the amazing work I've seen on this forum at some point in the distant future -- seeing what's possible is unbelievably motivating!

All this rambling is to say, my passion for making fine blades has been renewed and perhaps taken to a new level. Thank you all very much for the information, advice, and techniques you share so freely with new folks like myself. It is truly appreciated and I hope that soon I'll be producing knives of sufficient quality to call myself a bladesmith. Until then I remain... a grateful newbie.

Mark Knapp · Oct 4, 2011

Well, Hi there newbie, I would say if you ever get a chance to attend an ABS Hammer-In or bladesmithing class, do it. I have been making knives for twelve years and recently attended the bladesmithing class in Texarkana. The experience was great, the people are great and the facility is great. I learned a ton of stuff I didn't know, I didn't know.

I don't think that stock removal and forging should be exclusive, we can use the best method to reach the desired end product. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. To choose one exclusively over the other would limit our possibilities.

For instance, if a customer wants a high quality, high tech. stainless for use on the coast, forging is out. On the other hand if he wants a high performance, differentially heat treated blade with a great hamon, that's best done at the forge.

Enjoy the adventure, Mark

A C Richards · Oct 4, 2011

Congratulations on coming over to the dark side. I had zero desire to forge, that was until I blacksmith invited me over to try my hand at welding up a piece of cable damascus. Well by the time he let me forge a piece of cable i had about 40 hours of hammer time. It only took about 20 minutes for me to realize forging would be my new passion/obsession. Now, almost 20 years later I am stil enamored with the forged blade.

Just a comment on your set-up, if the anvil is pictured from the front, unless you are left handed it is backwards to the standard forging method. The horn should go to the left for a right handed blacksmith. However, if you really like it that way then by all means leave it. It just makes drawing on the horn a bit easier. Definitely try to get to a hammer in and see what it is all about.

Pete84 · Oct 4, 2011

Mr. Richards, thank you! I'm enjoying my journey toward the dark side. haha. And yes, I am left handed but I can hammer ambidextrously. After I get some basic blacksmithing courses under my belt, I'm going to try to get to a hammer in. I figure the blacksmithing courses will help me understand basic forging principles a bit better and begin to develop my skill set, then a hammer in with knifemakers will help me refine the process and learn to apply those principles and other tricks of the trade to forging blades.

crex · Oct 5, 2011

How can you call it the dark side when you look into the forge and see the "Sun"?
It's an addiction for some of us. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Every boy's dream - playing with fire, banging on things, big tools, sharp pointy things, lots of dirt and noise! What's not to like?
Best advice has been given - get connected, make associations, and let the fun begin.

A C Richards · Oct 5, 2011

Because we tend to work in a dark cave illuminated only by the glow of the forge. If your working with coal it takes on a whole new dimension. Them black boogers tell another story too. But I would not give up beating hot steel for anything. I avoid coal like the plague though.

Salem Straub · Oct 5, 2011

Welcome to bladesmithing! It's fascinating, you will love it and I can see that you already know that. Hammer on!

NickWheeler · Oct 5, 2011

+1 to everybody's posts.

Honestly, I figured when I was younger I'd get into forging a little at some point, just because I like trying to understand as many aspects of my hobbies/interests as I can. But I was in no hurry. I thought it was mostly southern guys with dirt floor shops and coal forges. Even when I first got a forge about 12 years ago, I was telling everyone things like, "Well I have no interest in forging straight steel, I just want to be able to forge damascus."

HAHAHA!!! Boy how that all changed!!! My old thoughts on dirt floor shops in the south was so far off the mark... Some of the most incredible knife makers in the world, forge.... and do so in well equipped, clean, organized shops.

Hammering on hot steel is in my blood. It is a privilege, and I am very proud to be a tiny part of the folks around the world that are carrying on an "old tradition."

I have never been on the boat of condescension that if you do strictly stock removal your work is somehow inferior. The other group of the best knife makers in the world are stock removal guys... And afterall, WE ALL DO at least some stock removal (well, maybe not some folks like Tim Lively). But I absolutely do believe that forging is a freedom and enjoyment that can never be fully realized without trying it.

Welcome to the heat and beat club