I made a knife

[JonathanRyan]

So after not really doing anything dangerous for a year or more, I went on a knife making course yesterday. If you get the chance, I would highly recommend it. We had 3 separate safety briefings (so it certainly qualifies as "exciting") and spent a happy day heating steel up to glowing red and hitting it with a hammer. After lunch we heated it up again and plunged it into a bucket of oil which predictably caught fire. Then I spent some time learning to use a grinder (don't worry about the sparks - it's the knife that will burn you...).

Most fun day out I've had in a long time. I went to the Bearded Pig Forge in Birchington (because it was recommended by a friend and it's 20 miles away) but you probably have a local forge that does something similar.

And yes, I know there are many flaws in the blade I made but I took a piece if metal and beat it into a knife which is cool enough for me.





BTW there are some spots on the handle that are slightly rough - anybody know how to smooth them down without removing the forge finish?

 

[cambsno]

Thats looks amazing - will be looking into this!

 

[lindsay]

Well done, a rather unusual day out!

 

[Nod]

So after not really doing anything dangerous for a year or more, I went on a knife making course yesterday. If you get the chance, I would highly recommend it. We had 3 separate safety briefings (so it certainly qualifies as "exciting") and spent a happy day heating steel up to glowing red and hitting it with a hammer. After lunch we heated it up again and plunged it into a bucket of oil which predictably caught fire. Then I spent some time learning to use a grinder (don't worry about the sparks - it's the knife that will burn you...).

Most fun day out I've had in a long time. I went to the Bearded Pig Forge in Birchington (because it was recommended by a friend and it's 20 miles away) but you probably have a local forge that does something similar.

And yes, I know there are many flaws in the blade I made but I took a piece if metal and beat it into a knife which is cool enough for me.

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BTW there are some spots on the handle that are slightly rough - anybody know how to smooth them down without removing the forge finish?

Might it be possible to file the rough bits down then reheat the handle and restore the forge finish? Some wet newspaper should keep the blade cool enough so you don't screw up its hardening.

 

[andya700]

That is really impressive, I have watched a lot of the "Forged in Fire" on Youtube, I find it a fascinating art/subject.

 

[Tigger.ufo]

Excellent!

Have you cut yourself with it yet?

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

after not really doing anything dangerous for a year or more

I regularly do something dangerous or stupid ( both is best) It's the only way to remain sane ! It also has the benefit of winding up Mrs Badger. We had an earthquake a number of years back in the middle of the night,( we were right at the epicentre) the house shuck, all the paintings moved and it cracked all the concrete outside plus we lost a few slates, Mrs Badger awoke and shouted to me What the Blo**y Hell are you doing now. See it keeps them on there toes !

 

[JonathanRyan]

Might it be possible to file the rough bits down then reheat the handle and restore the forge finish? Some wet newspaper should keep the blade cool enough so you don't screw up its hardening.

Thanks - if I've done my heat treat right then it should actually be too hard to file I'm wondering if Dremel have an attachment for this.

Excellent!

Have you cut yourself with it yet?

Not yet. But I do keep looking for things that "need" cutting

Thats looks amazing - will be looking into this!

Well worth it. There's quite a useful search page here

Bladesmithing: knife, sword, dagger and axe making courses and handcrafted gifts

Bladesmithing courses and workshops all across the UK. Learn the art of forging metal blades to make your own bushcraft, kitchen or chef's knife, or make an axe, sword or dagger!

www.craftcourses.com

I'd stay away from the commercial experience days and pay your money direct to the forge.

 

[Nod]

I'm wondering if Dremel have an attachment for this.

Their sanding tube thingies will cut through the rough spots but you'll still need to redo the forge treatment somehow (maybe a blow torch and a bucket of old sump oil [in a well ventilated area!!!])