My first forged blade

[Disco Stu]

Here's a fuzzy pic of the first thing that came out of my forge that I'm not ashamed to show. It's sort of an armor-piercing, misericorde-type thing. Goes through tin cans well. I forged it from a half inch bar of O-1. 6 1/2 in. handle 10 in. blade. The 'blade' is rectangular. I ran a torch along most of it until it turned blue. I left the last half inch or so as hard as I could without being brittle. Managed to balance it right between the blade and handle without trying. I plan on wrapping the handle with round leather cord. Without a guard, it definately needs something to improve grip. Devil of a time getting it perfectly straight. The only thing that bothers me is a short hairline crack on one side of the blade. At least I think that's what it is. Doesn't surprise me much since I'm sure I forged too cold and quenched too hot. I've learned two things from this experience: One, buying three feet of steel at once means you can hold it with your bare hand while forging, and two, with round stock you can forge to shape and still leave it thick enough to grind away the scale and pitting. Soooo, whatcha think?

 

[Dementia]

i think it looks great,
my #2 blade was something very similar to this and i ended up giving it to my wife.. so i still look at it every now and again, (to my embarassment)

but this looks clean and nice.
tis a pity about the crack that you speak of... but if nothing else it will make for a great learning curve for the future.


keep up the great work.

D.

 

[ddavelarsen]

Disco Stu! That freakin rocks! ...er, ah, I mean... "Man, save yourself some embarrassment, get rid of that thing... In fact, I'll take care of it for you, just send it on over and you'll never have to see it again..."



That's really cool, man, fine job, I like it a Whole Lot.

Dave

 

[richard rosvall]

Very cool!! That is one wicked-looking blade! It sure is fun to watch the progress of all of us that started out as newbies here. Congrat's and I can't wait to see what's next! And don't forget to post the pic when you get the handle on this one.

 

[NickWheeler]

All right!

I like how you wrote, "that I'm not ashamed to show." I know how that can be!

It looks cool and I too hope you post more as you go.

Congratulations and have fun!
Nick

 

[Disco Stu]

Glad you guys like it. I'd love to find out how well it would actually penetrate a...um...body. I guess next time my cousin gets a deer I'll have to talk him into letting me take a few stabs. I'll post another pic when I get the handle wrapped. Any ideas on how best to do that? I was thinking it would be best if I drill holes and tie the leather cord through it. Can't really think of another way it would be safe enough for a good grip.