Pok'em short sword in progress

Raymond Richard

Raymond Richard

Joined
Jun 17, 2001
Messages
5,705
For the past year or so I've been focusing more on learning how to forge double bevel blades by hand. Its been an interesting adventure and also worth while if your interested in that sort of thing. Back when Aldo first started selling steel he'd purchased several tons of 1" X 1/4" 1084 and then offered it to use steel addicts. I ended up buying several bars and for the most part it had just been setting in my shop collecting dust. Anyway I decided to see what I could do with that steel and here's what I have so far.

I took this photo after first forging session. Normally when I forge I bring the work up in steps.
IMG_2180.JPG


This is after the second session. Its pretty much what I'm after but still had straightening to do.
IMG_2181.JPG


This photo was taken after heat treat. I added a couple more smaller blades to keep the long one company. All were forged out of the 1" X 1/4" 1084.
IMG_2184.JPG
 
looks good - what are the dimensions? Looks like about 18-22" of blade, depending on how long the tang is.
 
I always found it tough to hammer a straight double bevel- I have an unfinished full length tai chi sword in my shop to prove it. Maybe someday I'll finish it. Your hammering is looking good. I do see what looks like a little scale pitting- maybe it's just me. Those are a bugger to grind out if you have taken the trouble to forge so close to shape. Do you ever wet forge to finish? Like in Stephen Fowler's recent video?
 
Looks good Ray! I'll admit, I'm a bit confused though. I see a foot in the third picture, but that's a boot on it isn't it? What gives? :D

-d
 
deker said:
Looks good Ray! I'll admit, I'm a bit confused though. I see a foot in the third picture, but that's a boot on it isn't it? What gives? :D

-d
Click to expand...

It's still pretty chilly, not quite warm enough for the sandals. I bet the shoe is untied.......

SS, I don't think wet forging would stop the pitting. Probably just got the 1084 to hot. I'm not going to worry about it on this piece.

Blade length is 16 1/2", maybe its a short short sword. :D
 
Alot of gladius were that long or thereabouts, that's what it looks like to me! Awesome work Ray, you should try a bent up bowtie guard that would fit real well, especially in wrought.
 
looking good, I started trying to forge my bevels in and have had more luck grinding. I just need more practice though. and a bigger anvil.
 
Sam Salvati said:
Alot of gladius were that long or thereabouts, that's what it looks like to me! Awesome work Ray, you should try a bent up bowtie guard that would fit real well, especially in wrought.
Click to expand...

Sam, This is one I finished up a week or two ago. I plan to finish this shorty up similar to the one in the picture.

IMG_2161.JPG


hathegkla, Funny how things get better with lots of practice. I've been practicing for 16 years now. Actually forging double bevels is a lot easier than you think it is. It just takes a long time to convince yourself it is. :D
 
Ray,

When you use that all up let me know. I'll have the 1084 in 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 in any width you want.

Aldo

PS- Damn good looking blades!
 
Aldo Bruno said:
Ray,

When you use that all up let me know. I'll have the 1084 in 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 in any width you want.

Aldo

PS- Damn good looking blades!
Click to expand...

Aldo, I'm surprised you didn't try and sell me a used Toyota. :D The way my old body is feeling now I'm pretty sure I won't be running out of steel. I may end up selling some back to you. Glad to hear you've got more sizes available. :D
 
Awesome work there Ray! :thumbup:I have a forge and a real nice anvil, but nowhere to set it up that I won't have nosey neighbors or condo associations complain about it.:(:rolleyes: I wish this was 1853 or something...I bet no one would have minded then if I forged knives in my backyard.:D

By the way.... I like your knives with the forge-finish on them. I like them better like that than all polished and shiney.
 
R.C.Reichert said:
Awesome work there Ray! :thumbup:I have a forge and a real nice anvil, but nowhere to set it up that I won't have nosey neighbors or condo associations complain about it.:(:rolleyes: I wish this was 1853 or something...I bet no one would have minded then if I forged knives in my backyard.:D

By the way.... I like your knives with the forge-finish on them. I like them better like that than all polished and shiney.
Click to expand...

It doesn't take to much to make your forging gear portable. That might be an option when the weather gets better. My plan is to do more forged finish work. Glad you like it!
 
Raymond Richard said:
Sam, This is one I finished up a week or two ago. I plan to finish this shorty up similar to the one in the picture.

IMG_2161.JPG


hathegkla, Funny how things get better with lots of practice. I've been practicing for 16 years now. Actually forging double bevels is a lot easier than you think it is. It just takes a long time to convince yourself it is. :D
Click to expand...

I love this one EXACTLY as it is!
The forged, rough blade stands to a marvellous contrast to the polished hardwood grip and brass fittings. I'd just put an edge on it and that's it!
Great work!
 
Sticky said:
awesome! how do you make the grooves on the handle fittings?
Click to expand...

Here's a picture of how I start the grooves. I've got an abrasive wheel chucked up in the drill press. If you attempt this make sure you work on the left side of the wheel so if the fitting gets hung up it throws it away from you. I get the grooves established using this method. Then I use the belt grinder and finish them off with a pine tree carbide burr in a rotary tool.

Just be aware while using the abrasive wheel that when the fittings get hung up and tossed they sometimes vanish.

IMG_2191.JPG
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top