Results from forging demo at Blade West......

Raymond Richard

Raymond Richard

Joined
Jun 17, 2001
Messages
5,705
For the third straight year I've had the privilege of doing the forging demo at Blade West. I didn't think of taking a photo of the blade after it was forged so this photo will have to do. I did the largest blade I could using my little stove pipe forge. The blade is 1084, 10 1/4" long. Used an elk tapper for the handle that I also dyed. The guard was one that I already had so I just had to do a little file work to make it fit. Its also has a wrought iron butt cap. 15" overall and weighs 16oz.

PDRM0396.JPG

PDRM0398.JPG
 
Bruce Bump said:
Thats another one to be proud of Ray. Nice work. BTW how was the show for you?
Click to expand...

Bruce, I made expenses with a slight profit. I hear next year it will be at a better location so hopefully that will help. That road construction sure didn't help any. How'd you end up doing?
 
This picture makes me think of those "you can draw <some famous cartoon character>" things they used to put in kids' magazines. You know, where in panel three it's still a bunch of circles and straight lines and then -- BOOM -- in panel four it's a fully formed Yogi Bear or something. Five days ago I watched you take a flat chunk of steel and turn it into a scaly, semi-pointy, piece of steel and I'm thinking "yeah, maybe I could learn to do that." And then today -- BOOM -- it's this fully formed knockout thing and I'm thinking "no way in hell I could ever do that." Very nice work Ray. Oh, and congrats on your 35th.

rmd
 
Its was a fun show but non-profitable until the last half hour and then BOOM I sold the Vigilante Bowie and took an order for another one in damascus and ivory.

Next year should yield more show goers because of the new location. I heard it will be in Clackamus at the Monarch. There is way more people driving around that area. We shall see.
 
Bruce Bump said:
Its was a fun show but non-profitable until the last half hour and then BOOM I sold the Vigilante Bowie and took an order for another one in damascus and ivory.

Next year should yield more show goers because of the new location. I heard it will be in Clackamus at the Monarch. There is way more people driving around that area. We shall see.
Click to expand...

Bruce, I was wondering what was going on when I say you chasing Kay around your table. I've had several shows where the last few minutes make a huge difference in your favor. Always have to fight the urge to leave early.

I think the wisdom of having the show at the Airport Holiday Inn actually back fired. The thought was collectors would shuttle from the airport to the show. Buy there knives and then shuttle back with there new found treasures. The new location is in a high growth area. Lots of traffic and I think all the road work is done for a time. Its about the same distance from my place and I actually know the area better. Lets start a rumor that the table prices will be cheaper.

rmd, Got a kick out of your explanation! Actually I saw a thing about how to forge and make millions in the knife business in a book of matches several years ago. Glad you were able to attend the demo. If things go as planned I hope to do it again next year.
 
Cool Blade Ray....Wish I was there to see the demo,I need learn more.....

I have got to figure out how to get their next year if it is in Clackamas,How far from Dad's old house is the Monarch? Were was the show this year?

Again,another Great Knife,
Bruce
 
Bruce Evans said:
Cool Blade Ray....Wish I was there to see the demo,I need learn more.....

I have got to figure out how to get their next year if it is in Clackamas,How far from Dad's old house is the Monarch? Were was the show this year?

Again,another Great Knife,
Bruce
Click to expand...

Bruce, The show was at the Airport Holiday Inn for the third straight year. I'm not exactly sure where the Monarch is but I believe its real close to Clackamas Town Center. From your dad's old place I'd say 3 or 4 miles.
 
Check the 2008 Blade West app...tables are cheaper....$325.00

I believe a custom knife show is a destination event that people plan for..or not. Community traffic on the way to Albertson's to buy milk is a bit unpredictable for finding a $$ knife buyer with impulse.

Ray, that was the cutest forge I've ever seen :)
 
Larry D. Davis said:
Check the 2008 Blade West app...tables are cheaper....$325.00

I believe a custom knife show is a destination event that people plan for..or not. Community traffic on the way to Albertson's to buy milk is a bit unpredictable for finding a $$ knife buyer with impulse.

Ray, that was the cutest forge I've ever seen :)
Click to expand...

Hey Larry D., To tell you the truth I could never figure out why they charged so much for this show. Maybe this might get a few more tables sold for next years show. I do think this new location will surely help.

Gotta have a cute forge to go along with the cute old fart thats using it. Been trying to make a point that you don't need a huge forge just to forge knives in.
 
A friend of mine sent me a CD from the show. Here's a few photo's from the demo......

BWKS-RayRichardExhibit-14.jpg

Very beginning, just starting to feed Godzilla.

BWKS-RayRichardExhibit-25.jpg

This is probably about 40 minutes later. I had just finished up hammering with the cross peen and starting to true the profile up before hammering with the face of the hammer.

BWKS-RayRichardExhibit-26.jpg

Just about finished now. Truing things up and about out of time for my 1 hour demo.
 
Nice work, and good pics showing the process. I love how it turned out, and realy love that gaurd. Did you forge it by hand or did you use a die to get the acorns?:thumbup:
 
Will52100 said:
Nice work, and good pics showing the process. I love how it turned out, and realy love that gaurd. Did you forge it by hand or did you use a die to get the acorns?:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Will, The guard is actually 3 pieces. The main piece is 1018. That part was ground to shape. Threaded the two ends. After that I heated up the ends and formed the S. The balls are taped and were made from wrought iron. Actually turned the balls on my drill press. After threading them on I gas welded them to lock them on.
 
Ray,Is Godzilla a fullering tool ?do you use it to lengthen the bar?
Great pic's...

Donna said if I raise the money I can do the show next year,hope I can get a table and get a flight.

Bruce
 
Bruce Evans said:
Ray,Is Godzilla a fullering tool ?do you use it to lengthen the bar?
Great pic's...

Donna said if I raise the money I can do the show next year,hope I can get a table and get a flight.

Bruce
Click to expand...

Bruce, I don't think there should be a problem to get a table. Try making the flight ahead of time and maybe you can save a few bucks.

When I'm working on a knife I'll use Godzilla to start the tang. Makes it a lot easier than using the edge of the anvil. I call it a fullering tool. If I'm working on round stock or a hawk it sees a good deal of action. My friend that took the pictures had never been to a knife show or seen someone forge. I thought he did a good job with the camera.
 
Thanks Ray....I was just wondering...I use a hand held fullering tool for that but I like your idea better and I bet it is easier.
Bruce
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top