Pen Maker/Knife maker wanabe.

[Seafoxskipper]

Hello all, I am a new member who is here to learn if Knife making is where and what I want to to next. I am currently a pen maker and do most of my work on a lathe. drill press and other assorted tools. I saw a pen made from Damascus steel not to long ago and I really thought that is probably the nicest looking pen I have seen to date. I contacted a Damascus steel maker and inquired if I might be able to buy a blank to attempt a pen. He directed me to this forum. I am considering (and I know this sounds nuts!!) making my own Damascus steel. First I guess I would like to see if I can even make a pen from this media. I need a small piece of bar stock as well as a small piece of flat stock to attempt what I am trying to do. If any of you can help me I would be so grateful.

Thanks,
Bob Bruchsaler (Seafoxskipper)

 

[Mark Williams]

Welcome to the forum Bob,

Sean Couch I believe has made some pens from damascus. matbe he will see this and chime in. Lots of guys make their own damascus and would probable sell you some. Good luck

 

[Seafoxskipper]

Talk to Sean and he is the one who turned me on to this group, however, he said he dosen't sell blanks anymore, bummer. I hope someone does see this and help me out. Like him I am considering jumping feet first into damascus forging. I will have to do some research and find out the equipment I will need, I understand that there might be a guy in Mid Missouri who forges Damascus. Any Idea who that might be?

Thanks, Bob Bruchsaler

 

[wtf123]

I contacted a Damascus steel maker and inquired if I might be able to buy a blank to attempt a pen.

if you can find someone.. you can get damascus in round bar/rod stock (of different sizes). I know of a local canadian source (he's had people make pens from it before).. I'm not sure who is supplier is (probably in the US).. but it can be found.. the trick is finding out where. The Gentlemens name is Jeff Doitte, from La Salle (519) 978-2764.

 

[Laredo7mm]

Do it, just jump in and make some. I can walk you though the equipment and the steps needed to make it, I just don't sell it.

Really it isn't that hard to do. I learned from the internet, books, and this forum.

Let me know what help you need if you decide to try to make some of your own. I don't have any secrets.

 

[Darren Ellis]

Hi Bob, good to see another fellow pen turner getting interested in knifemaking! I've got a couple wood lathes and my wife and I both enjoy turning wood and antler pens. Sean's the man when it comes to making Damascus and Mokume pens, so I'd listen carefully to anything he says regarding making them.

There are guys on here that sell damascus, so if you wanted to buy some you might start another thread with the subject indicating that you are looking for some, I'm sure someone will jump in then for sure. also, like Sean mentioned, there's nothing like just jumping in feet first and making it yourself! There are some tools that simplify the process such as power hammers and hydraulic presses, but it can all be done by hand too with just a little more blood sweat and tears.

-Darren