- Joined
- Mar 21, 2011
- Messages
- 4
Gentlemen and Ladies,
I am a novice to the forum as well as to the actual bladesmithing process. However, I do have extensive experience and knowledge in the realm of cold weapon (particularly edged weapon) evolution, historical role, varied cultural examples, materials, design, utilization (functioning as a tool and as a weapon), and blade geometry, in addition to a basic working knowledge of metallurgy as it applies to the distinction between hardness and toughness. During my upcoming deployment, I am very much looking forward to a project or two to help me retain what remains of my sanity, as well as get a bit of experience in a field that is a great interest of mine, one which I intend to pursue full time as a Master upon my retirement from the Army.
Previously I had intended to construct a full-size, custom-fitted hauberk from titanium wire, then attempt to anodize it to brilliant onyx-black. However, research into the matter revealed that it is almost impossible to reliably anodize titanium black. Worse still, precisely welding thousands of individual titanium links would require a laser welder operating in an atmosphere completely devoid of the many elements found in atmospheric gases. Thus, regardless of the work and dedication put into the project it would still be extremely expensive due to the mass of skilled labor required, as well as the cost of the laser welder and a containment unit that will permit the fine manipulation of the links without contamination from exposure to atmospheric gases.
Thus, I am back at something that has interested me for fifteen years: Bladesmithing. Due to being deployed and moving around a great deal, I will not have any access to the heavier tools and facilities such an anvil, power hammer, forge, or large belt grinder. What I will have is an extensive Dremel set, 18v DEWALT hammer-drill, basic hand tools, possibly an acetylene torch and belt grinder, any additional portable tools and materials I can reasonably have shipped from the states, and finally substantial dedication, willpower, and motivation.
Can anyone recommend a few suitable projects to help me practically familiarize myself with at least some of the processes and concepts involved in bladesmithing, whether they apply to constructing and assembling a small, automatic pocketknife, a versatile utility knife, a respectable combat knife, or a large, live-edged sword? I have the motivation and the dedication, just not access to all the tools and resources. Once more, I am interested in field for the long term.
Finally, can anyone recommend resources (freeware/reasonably priced drafting software, design databases, etc.) suitable for planning blade geometry as well as blade composition and treatments?
I offer advance appreciation to any assistance that can be provided.
I am a novice to the forum as well as to the actual bladesmithing process. However, I do have extensive experience and knowledge in the realm of cold weapon (particularly edged weapon) evolution, historical role, varied cultural examples, materials, design, utilization (functioning as a tool and as a weapon), and blade geometry, in addition to a basic working knowledge of metallurgy as it applies to the distinction between hardness and toughness. During my upcoming deployment, I am very much looking forward to a project or two to help me retain what remains of my sanity, as well as get a bit of experience in a field that is a great interest of mine, one which I intend to pursue full time as a Master upon my retirement from the Army.
Previously I had intended to construct a full-size, custom-fitted hauberk from titanium wire, then attempt to anodize it to brilliant onyx-black. However, research into the matter revealed that it is almost impossible to reliably anodize titanium black. Worse still, precisely welding thousands of individual titanium links would require a laser welder operating in an atmosphere completely devoid of the many elements found in atmospheric gases. Thus, regardless of the work and dedication put into the project it would still be extremely expensive due to the mass of skilled labor required, as well as the cost of the laser welder and a containment unit that will permit the fine manipulation of the links without contamination from exposure to atmospheric gases.
Thus, I am back at something that has interested me for fifteen years: Bladesmithing. Due to being deployed and moving around a great deal, I will not have any access to the heavier tools and facilities such an anvil, power hammer, forge, or large belt grinder. What I will have is an extensive Dremel set, 18v DEWALT hammer-drill, basic hand tools, possibly an acetylene torch and belt grinder, any additional portable tools and materials I can reasonably have shipped from the states, and finally substantial dedication, willpower, and motivation.
Can anyone recommend a few suitable projects to help me practically familiarize myself with at least some of the processes and concepts involved in bladesmithing, whether they apply to constructing and assembling a small, automatic pocketknife, a versatile utility knife, a respectable combat knife, or a large, live-edged sword? I have the motivation and the dedication, just not access to all the tools and resources. Once more, I am interested in field for the long term.
Finally, can anyone recommend resources (freeware/reasonably priced drafting software, design databases, etc.) suitable for planning blade geometry as well as blade composition and treatments?
I offer advance appreciation to any assistance that can be provided.
