Mid Morning Special

Raymond Richard

Raymond Richard

Joined
Jun 17, 2001
Messages
5,705
While I'm waiting for the sun to burn the dew off the hay that I plan to put in the barn I had time to take a few pictures of a fighter I just finished up. I used more of that Bruno 1084 for the blade. The blade is 9 3/4" with some of the finest iron available for the fittings and a chunk of ebony for the handle. Overall its 15 1/2" and weighs 15 oz. Balance point is 3/8" in front of the guard.

IMG_0529.JPG


IMG_0530.JPG


IMG_0531.JPG
 
wow...that is just too sleek.....ray,what makes iron good to work with....is all wrought iron created equally....how do u know u got some good stuff on your hands...is it easier to forge wrought iron generally than steel used for blades....ryan
 
I need to do this fast. polish avenger said it first.
When I grow up, I wanna forge like Ray

wow



vern
 
Last edited:
ryan9977 said:
wow...that is just too sleek.....ray,what makes iron good to work with....is all wrought iron created equally....how do u know u got some good stuff on your hands...is it easier to forge wrought iron generally than steel used for blades....ryan
Click to expand...

Ryan, Wrought iron comes in several grades. Gene Chapman gave me a piece last year that was part of a real wrought iron rail. By far the worst grade of wrought iron I have seen. I've thought about using it but then change my mind. I need to cut it and get a better look but visibly it just looks bad and thats coming from a wrought iron junky. Its tricker to forge than steel cause it will tend to fall apart. Drilling and slotting it is pretty easy compared to brass, copper, or nickel silver which tend to be sticky. The S guard on this knife was once a small iron buggy wheel. I'm guessing its a little newer than most the wrought iron I have been using. I actually like working plain iron over wrought iron mainly because it doesn't want to fall apart when forged.

You fellows that want to grow up and forge like Ray. You don't need to grow up to forge. Don't get old........ :D

BTW the hay is in the barn.
 
most beautiful looking knife. 2nd most beautiful thing in the post is this line:

"While I'm waiting for the sun to burn the dew off the hay that I plan to put in the barn ..."
 
Well Ray, I'm glad you were delayed in getting the hay put up! Man that is just an absolutely beautiful knife. And at 15 1/2", imposing in person too I bet! Thanks for sharing, it's always a special day when I get to see another of your magical pieces.
 
Ooooooh man...... now thats pure, unadulterated Ray Richard blade there :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Beautiful !!


We're just finishing up our hay here Ray. We started to cut a couple days before the 4th. Best hay we've had in many, many years :thumbup:
 
howiesatwork said:
Sweet looking blade, Ray!
That hay barn isn't close to the grinder, I'm thinkin...
Click to expand...

Howie, My wife wanted me to build two structures. One for the shop and one for hay storage. Got both in the same building but I do have a solid double wall running floor to ceiling plus I never did replace the arc welder which I'm pretty sure started the fire.

David, If I could have got my hay cut closer to the 4th it would have been much better but there's very few guys around that will custom bail. I still got some pretty good hay out of my field. I always feel a lot better after that job is done.
 
ray...for all us city folks that have never seen or touched hay....what do u do with it all....do u sell it...feed animals....do u have a farm or ranch...sorry for the dumb city folk question:D....ryan
 
ryan9977 said:
ray...for all us city folks that have never seen or touched hay....what do u do with it all....do u sell it...feed animals....do u have a farm or ranch...sorry for the dumb city folk question:D....ryan
Click to expand...

Ryan, In my other life I'm called Rancher Ray. If you would have asked me 20 years ago if I'd be raising cattle and harvesting hay I would have told you no. Life has away of throwing us curves. The place I have is zoned agricultural so I was pretty much forced into one form or agricultural activity or another. I chose beef cows. I just have a small heard, one bull, 3 cows and there pups. Right now there the only company I have. My wife is over in Uganda on a mission trip so I'm left in charge. Bill my bull is next in charge. Also have one 3 legged cat and a domestic rabbit that just showed up. The cat just showed up to.
 
cool ray.....it always amazes me to learn what people do...everyone has such an interesting story.....ryan
 
Ray, as always your work is impeccable, I really like those large knives.
Thanks for showing.

polish avenger said:
When I grow up, I wanna forge like Ray.
-Mark
Click to expand...

Remember Mark, growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional :D Heck I'm 56, haven't grown up yet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top