Warning: FNG post to follow.

[Jay DeVore]

Channel locks don't work well as tongs. For getting started, try the long handled pliers set from HF and other low cost tool places ( or have them mailed).

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-pc-...rce=bing&utm_medium=cpc&mkwid=KE0GgBvZ|pcrid|{creative}|pkw||pmt|be|pdv|c|slid||product|64082|pgrid||ptaid||&pgrid=1170980177767647&ptaid=pla-4576785874942154&pcid=368003297&msclkid=d932e6b68f34146b5d4ebb9ad9e0be2d

Never thought of Harbor Freight we just had one open up the road.

 

[Jay DeVore]

Possibly. But the handles may be too short, and you'll probably find that the jaws are not oriented right. One way to find out is to try. If I were you, I'd grab a stick or piece of metal with them and see if you can hold the stock on the anvil to hammer.

Here's another good source for tongs:
https://quickanddirtytools.com/

Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out soon as I get the chance.

 

[Busto]

Ok knife makers, I have an issue. I'm just starting building a forge and trying to get started. I live in BFE Kentucky aka Earlington Kentucky. The only places I have near me for hardware are Lowe's, Rural King, and a small (like about the size of your average 7-11) Ace hardware place. So my question is for those in similar situations where do you get your materials to build a forge? Where do you get your steel? How much am I gonna be into a small forge that can handle an OAL of 16 inches? Will Timmy ever get out of that well? Where was John Hall on the night JR was shot? Wait... Sorry wrong forum ignore those last two.

Seriously though where can I find materials to build a simple coal forge? Where do I find steel? Can I use the metric buttloads of coal we find around old strip pits in a coal forge?

I'm going to chime in here about Purchasing Materials....If you do gunsmith work I'm sure you purchase parts and materials on-line since you won't find them in a "Home Improvement" store like Lowes. I suggest you check out "Knife Supply" dealers who carry all the RIGHT materials like
CUTLERY Steels. They also carry Cheap handle scales Micarta would be the cheapest most forgiving material to learn Handle shaping. Welcome to the forum.

https://www.knifemaking.com/

 

[Jay DeVore]

I'm going to chime in here about Purchasing Materials....If you do gunsmith work I'm sure you purchase parts and materials on-line since you won't find them in a "Home Improvement" store like Lowes. I suggest you check out "Knife Supply" dealers who carry all the RIGHT materials like
CUTLERY Steels. They also carry Cheap handle scales Micarta would be the cheapest most forgiving material to learn Handle shaping. Welcome to the forum.

https://www.knifemaking.com/

That's why I was asking. I know Lowe's and Rural King don't carry cutlery steel. I was going to use them for mostly for hardware (screws, pins, and tools). I'm looking at different suppliers and getting pricing on that kinda stuff.

 

[Busto]

That's why I was asking. I know Lowe's and Rural King don't carry cutlery steel. I was going to use them for mostly for hardware (screws, pins, and tools). I'm looking at different suppliers and getting pricing on that kinda stuff.

Check out the Link I posted and order a catalog they will have everything you need to make a Knife. As a beginner you need to have an idea of what is available for materials and the different suppliers. I only use Home Depot and Lowes for building supplies because I can't buy the proper hardware like screws and "Corby Bolts" at these retailers. A little TIP: Most of the well Known Makers use Knife Supply Dealers for parts since they can TRUST in the quality of the parts.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Harbor freight has lots of stuff to get started. The machinist and blacksmith style hammers are dirt cheap. Yes, they aren't a Hifi, but they work just fine.
Another tool a lot of folks buy is a port-a-band. The one at HF is good for cutting bar stock and profiling blades. The larger 4X6 horizontal/vertical bandsaw from HF is the go-to saw for about %70 of makers. There are dozens of threads on these if you use the custom search engine.

 

[Jay DeVore]

Check out the Link I posted and order a catalog they will have everything you need to make a Knife. As a beginner you need to have an idea of what is available for materials and the different suppliers. I only use Home Depot and Lowes for building supplies because I can't buy the proper hardware like screws and "Corby Bolts" at these retailers. A little TIP: Most of the well Known Makers use Knife Supply Dealers for parts since they can TRUST in the quality of the parts.

Already downloaded the catalog.