The Beginning of an Adventure

Back in 2018, my father and I decided to take a class on blacksmithing because we were both mildly interested in trying it out and seeing if it was worth putting any extra effort into. I enjoyed the experience but, in the end, was unsatisfied with the amount of time I was able to actually move the steel and I didn’t even get close to using the grinder or finishing the knife.

This knife was the first time I ever put hammer to steel. It was a simple railroad spike knife and was part of a short class. Needless to say, I didn’t learn much but it did kindle my enjoyment of forging.

Fast forward about 7 years, I had the great opportunity to attend an ABS Intro to Bladesmithing class. This class was two weeks long and was by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. I thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum and was able to understand the fundamentals of forging a blade.

This is the first knife I’ve ever taken from start to finish completely on my own. Drop point knife made from 1075 with a maple handle and copper pins.

I forged several blades and was able to grind, albeit very roughly, sharpen, test, and attach handles to two blades. They’re not perfect but I am extremely happy with the work I was able to produce and even more so with all of the things I learned.

Recurve blade made from 1075 with a walnut handle and copper pins

I made many mistakes, learned even more lessons and, even though they are rough and ready, these blades are the beginning of what I hope to be an amazing journey of learning not only bladesmithing, but the amazing art and craft of blacksmithing.

The first three in a long line of knives