Something to think about...
"Implements that take their shape directly from their working contact with the substance they are made to deal with often express their purpose in simple and beautiful terms. In the strong hands of a blacksmith, iron is given a vitality that often transcends its use." C. Williams
Sunday, November 08, 2009
little knob thing
My wife has been wanting me to make some knobs for her. I punched out this one for starters. Lots of room for variation and creativity with these things.
discouragement and the final little bushy
Sometimes plans run amuck. I was working on the little bushy and having some trouble straightening the edge. I kept hammering lightly on it after it had turned to a black heat and ended up cracking it. I know I'm out of practice; haven't made a knife in months. I should have been easier on myself, but I got quite discouraged. And this happens to me every so often. Handling discouragement well is important to the smith and any craftsman. In the past I have often wallowed in it and allowed it to come between me and the craft, leading to a period of unproductivity. But I'm trying to look at setbacks differently. When I cracked this blade recently. I just threw the knife on the scrap pile and went in the house. My wife had rented a movie called "Gifted Hands" ironically enough and she said it was great. I ate some lunch, sat down and watched it. It was inspiring, and took my mind right off my discouragement. After the movie I went back outside. I picked up the knife and realized it was still quite salvageable. I shortened it, finished it, as well as another little project and started on another knife. It was a good lesson for me, and one I hope I remember the next time I botch something. Anyway, here is the little guy.


And with my other bush for comparison.
And with my other bush for comparison.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
camera broke
Monday, November 02, 2009
a little forging fever
My desire to forge became irresistible, so on Saturday I grabbed a piece of old file, a hammer, and started swinging.
The beginning piece...

Peen out the end, flipping the piece over and forging on each side to keep things even.

Alternate peen and flat face to keep a clear idea of how much flare you have.

Finish hammer the surface and clean up the profile with files or bench grinder.

Curve it in the swage.

Use the horn to flatten everything out to the same plane.


Forge the blade end and precurve to compensate for the forging of the bevels.

Finished knife to come soon.
The beginning piece...
Peen out the end, flipping the piece over and forging on each side to keep things even.
Alternate peen and flat face to keep a clear idea of how much flare you have.
Finish hammer the surface and clean up the profile with files or bench grinder.
Curve it in the swage.
Use the horn to flatten everything out to the same plane.
Forge the blade end and precurve to compensate for the forging of the bevels.
Finished knife to come soon.
Monday, October 26, 2009
fishin' fun
Thursday, October 08, 2009
cutting goat
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
burnout
I know I've been AWOL lately. I got pretty burned out with the whole smithing thing and have needed a break. Trust you guys are keeping the forge fires burning...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
jungle sharpening
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