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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Vermilion on September 15, 2008, 09:38:00 AM

Title: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Vermilion on September 15, 2008, 09:38:00 AM

Always loved the way a Blacksmith or Bladesmith forms a piece of steel into a work of art.  I've always wanted to give a try at working metal.  I've been around crude metal working most of my life (welding and cutting with oxy/acetalyne) but, never anything like making functional tools.

Is this something one can just jump into?  I figure its a lot more complicated than that.  Now I might give cutting a knife shape out of an existing piece of steel a bit easier but, I truly would love to learn how to 'smith.  My Great Grandfather was a Blacksmith his entire life just about and I guess you could say it is in my blood.  

Not really sure where to start, I've got a lot of tools, grinders, drill press, torches, and even an old lathe at work that I have access to (Dad owns a Crane/Rigging/Heavy Transport/Fabricating business).

Any help?  Wish I knew of a local smith close by I could go and watch or maybe talk into an apprenticeship   :)

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Bobby Urban on September 15, 2008, 10:00:00 AM

I found it to be not as tough as I had imagined.  Take a look at my recent posts with pics.  These are my first forged knives and although I have tons of room for improvement, I am pleased with my results.  If you have a forge and tools - go for it and post pics of your results.

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Leo L. on September 15, 2008, 03:42:00 PM

Well you've certainly got all the tools you need to get started.  Jump in head first.

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: theunluckyhunter on September 15, 2008, 09:02:00 PM

hell amigo jumping in head first is the only way to do it!

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Lin Rhea on September 15, 2008, 09:03:00 PM

Vermilion,
           Sure, go ahead and get started, but you can learn more by getting in touch with ABANA or one of the Blacksmith groups. They can usually link you to knifemakers.
         This will greatly speed up your learning, although your background will help a lot too.
         I'm sure that any of us here that have made a few will be glad to help in any way we can. Holler anytime.
                            Lin

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Vermilion on September 15, 2008, 09:53:00 PM

Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement.

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Lin Rhea on September 16, 2008, 06:26:00 AM

Vermilion,
             Have you heard of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing? It's a very doable  class that breaks up the classes in one and two week stretches for folks like us. Id be glad to hook you up with the enrollment folks. I went and really enjoyed it.
                            Lin

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Vermilion on September 16, 2008, 08:29:00 AM

That sounds awesome.  What part of the country is it in?

Title: Re: Jump straight into making knives?
Post by: Wampus on September 16, 2008, 09:44:00 AM

It's a little north of Hope, AR.

 http://www.americanbladesmith.com/absschoolschedule.htm