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Banjo
Yoda
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As some of you know, I have been exploring the world of blacksmithing this year. I set up a forge in my garage, and have been having a ball making hooks, hangers, bottle openers, spatulas, forks, business card holders, and other odd bits. By the end of summer I had started leaning on an old friend of mine, who is a blacksmith of 30 years, for information. In addition to blacksmithing, he is a Master Bladesmith in the American Bladsmith Society. With that kind of a resource, it is silly not to make the most of someone who is willing to pass on their knowledge, so I have enrolled in the Society myself and am now an Apprentice bladesmith. It will take 3 years before I can apply to test for journeyman's status. So in that time I need to make as many knives as I can to improve my skills. I have a looooong way to go, but I really like the challenge that is now before me.
As of right now I have only made 2 knives. Both utilizing materials I had on hand. The blades is made from pieces of discarded lawn mower blades. The first knife( the single blade) was cut out, and filed/sanded to shape, while the second knife (The dagger) I forged to the rough shape, then filed and sanded it to a finished shape. Both have been heat treated, and measure in the upper 50s on the Rockwell scale. Both the handles are walnut from an old award base, and the daggers finger guard was filed from a block of brass. Both blades are around 5 inches long, and the handles are pinned with brass rod. the finish on the handles is just boiled linseed oil rubbed in.
The pictures are good at hiding minor flaws. These are definitely beginners knives, but I am happy with the way they are turning out, and I am learning tons with each one I make. Someday I hope to be able to show you all a truly beautiful knife I make.
As of right now I have only made 2 knives. Both utilizing materials I had on hand. The blades is made from pieces of discarded lawn mower blades. The first knife( the single blade) was cut out, and filed/sanded to shape, while the second knife (The dagger) I forged to the rough shape, then filed and sanded it to a finished shape. Both have been heat treated, and measure in the upper 50s on the Rockwell scale. Both the handles are walnut from an old award base, and the daggers finger guard was filed from a block of brass. Both blades are around 5 inches long, and the handles are pinned with brass rod. the finish on the handles is just boiled linseed oil rubbed in.
The pictures are good at hiding minor flaws. These are definitely beginners knives, but I am happy with the way they are turning out, and I am learning tons with each one I make. Someday I hope to be able to show you all a truly beautiful knife I make.
