should i bother forging thin stock?

[bronyblacksmith]

I was given a piece 1/16X1.25X6.5 1095 I usually forge all of my knives but should I bother when it is so thin? also would it be unwise to try to taper the tang?

 

[LRB]

There would be very few practical reasons to forge with stock that thin, or taper the tang. However, no good reason not to if you want. You could probably grind the blade in the time it would take to get your forge up to heat, but you may get more inner satisfaction from forging it. Yours is a question only you yourself can answer. In either case, the end result will be the same. Grinding, I believe, would be faster and cheaper, and you will be grinding for clean up anyway, but it just comes down to your preferred method.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would not forge 1/16" stock. The ripple, decarb, and other concerns could end up with a 1/32" blade. As a matter of fact, it would be best to only profile the blade and do the bare minimum needed.....and grind the bevels after HT.

 

[bronyblacksmith]

ok thanks bladsmth.

 

[Rick Marchand]

I agree with both LRB and bladsmth. Not necessary, could be detrimental if done improperly but okay if you want to give it a shot and are careful enough.