My first forged thru tang blade....

scottickes · Apr 25, 2007

The pictures are of two blades. Ray Richards forged the little one out of one of the small 52100 ball bearings that I took to him, while I was at his shop. Ray is graciously allowing me to finish that little utility knife out. All I've done so far is clean it up and begin to square up the area where the guard will fit. I need to round the corner to eliminate a weak spot on both knives at this area next.

After watching Ray, I came home and after waiting for the opportunity (and dry weather, since I forge outside) I was able to take a piece of my 1084/15N20 ladder pattern damascus that I had made last fall and forged a larger version. Except that I'm making it for someone that wanted a drop point hunter, so I changed the design to fit the knifes purpose.

Rays little utility knife is 2-1/4" blade length.
My drop point hunter is 3-1/2" blade length.

How did I do on my first solo attempt?

Scott (Ickie) Ickes

indian george · Apr 25, 2007

Doing good Bubba.:thumbup: :thumbup:

scottickes · Apr 25, 2007

By the way, I'm welding all thread onto these. That's why I stated that they're thru tang construction.

scottickes · Apr 25, 2007

indian george said:
Doing good Bubba.:thumbup: :thumbup:

You have no idea how much those three little words meant to me sir. Thank you.

indian george · Apr 26, 2007

I looking forward to seeing them completed.:thumbup:

deker · Apr 26, 2007

Looking good Scott! I can't wait to see these finished out. The little bit of that damascus pattern I see looks good.

:thumbup:

-d

scottickes · Apr 26, 2007

deker said:
Looking good Scott! I can't wait to see these finished out. The little bit of that damascus pattern I see looks good.

:thumbup:

-d

This made me chuckle. I assume I'm not the only one that can't help myself and after getting it cleaned up wants to do a light etch to see how the pattern looks.

I've even had it change my mind about handle materials sometimes. I find myself laying out dozens of different handle materials and combinations of handle materials and bolster/guard materials against the blade to determine which materials the knife is crying out to for it's partner.

deker · Apr 26, 2007

scottickes said:
This made me chuckle. I assume I'm not the only one that can't help myself and after getting it cleaned up wants to do a light etch to see how the pattern looks.

I've even had it change my mind about handle materials sometimes. I find myself laying out dozens of different handle materials and combinations of handle materials and bolster/guard materials against the blade to determine which materials the knife is crying out to for it's partner.

I pretty much grind and lightly etch a spot or two after every forging session on a billet. It helps me keep up with what I'm doing and allows me to make mental notes of where I want to go next. How anybody could decide on handle material BEFORE etching is beyond me...

-d