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View Full Version : Bladesmith schools?



rebel
07-25-2008, 10:39 PM
I did a google search and found some schools. I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience with one.

Gray Wolf
07-28-2008, 03:36 PM
Wow, let's not give rebel to much help.... I never have, but I've ruined a lot of metal doing it without any teaching, if that helps. :D

Ole WV Coot
07-28-2008, 04:06 PM
http://www.primitiveways.com/pt-knives-1.html This is the simplest way to make a decent knife. If you want to forge and temper steel, forget the magnet test, it ain't that accurate. Go by color, harden and check with a file. If it ain't hard reheat remember the color and regular 10-W30 is fine. Just be safe, don't temper in the wife's oven and forget the big blades. I enjoy it and give it a try. When you get the blade the way you want you may never buy a fixed blade again.

Ole WV Coot
07-28-2008, 11:02 PM
Everybody has gotta start somewhere and an expensive belt grinder isn't necessary to make your own knives. People try to complicate things and it isn't necessary. I like a certain style blade and that's what I make for myself. I don't know much but when you get that first blade just right you will never buy one again. One thing, find plans for a homemade file guide, just a rod, file, vice and time. You will be amazed how much metal you can remove by draw filing.

Rick
03-03-2009, 08:48 AM
Hey Coot, What kind of forge do you use? Any pics?

All - I know some have posted pics of homemade forges but I can't seem to locate any. Probably searching for the wrong key words.

Gray Wolf
03-03-2009, 08:33 PM
Here's a link or 2...

Do It Yourself Mini Forge:
http://www.woodsmonkey.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=233:mini-forge&catid=41:how-to-articles&Itemid=63

Also see Larry Zoeller’s excellent website at www.zoellerforge.com. He provides a lot of information on this mini-forge and larger forges. He also sells most everything you need to construct one of these forges.

Rick
03-03-2009, 10:01 PM
Thanks GW. I found Zoeler's web side earlier today. It's a pretty good site. I have an old lead melter that I might drag out this spring and see if I can convert to a small forge.

crashdive123
03-03-2009, 10:22 PM
As you're driving along...if you se somebody throwing out an old BBQ grill - at least this guy makes a pretty good knife with one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6yiBqgzrJM

Here’s one from an old pot and WOK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53ZeRtF5t44

Gray Wolf
03-03-2009, 10:50 PM
Check this out, a small portable gas forge that heats to 1950 degrees, and will cost around $100 to build.
http://www.zoellerforge.com/miniforge.html

Or

His coffee can forge and it got it up to 2100º F
http://www.zoellerforge.com/coffee.html