Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: 4est Trekker on December 05, 2011, 02:42:17 pm
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Good day, all. (Mods, I wasn't sure where to post this, so I put it in skills and campfire. Delete as necessary!) I recently got myself a decent little anvil and milled a stump for its base. I also got some basic tongs and hammers and have been itching to try my hand at forging (first No. 1). Below is the result. I've been reading and watching quite a few resources, but was humbled when I started actually putting the hammer to the steel! I forged a few steel fire strikers and a small test blade and then decided to jump in with both feet on these two colonial-style friction folders (first No. 2).
I'm not really pleased with the lines or proportions on these knives, but they work as they should, hardened nicely, etched okay in vinegar, and took a keen edge. I do, however, like working with hammered pins (first No. 3). I also like the challenge of moving parts and the way rosewood tools and finishes into a handle (first No. 4).
Thanks for looking, all. As always, critique welcomed :)
(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Knives%20and%20Metalwork/Folder1.jpg)
(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Knives%20and%20Metalwork/Folder6.jpg)
(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Knives%20and%20Metalwork/Folder7.jpg)
(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Knives%20and%20Metalwork/Folder5.jpg)
(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Knives%20and%20Metalwork/Folder8.jpg)
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Very nice, 4est. Not too shabby for a first timer! ;)
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sweet folder 4est! Looks like you've got a gift for making knives. Great job, dpgratz
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As usual, I am ate up with envy and jealousy! Love those knives you make, these are new favorites!
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Nice work 4est
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Yes Sir!
Some fine looking Blades!
-gus
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Very nice! Did you use fiber washers between the blade and the scales?
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Thanks for the kind words, all! I truly appreciate them :)
Jonathan: On these particular ones I did not use washers. The originals I patterned them after did not have them. (I tried to stay true to the originals, as I was reproducing these for two gentlemen that interpreter with me at a living history state historical park.) Over time, the friction will obviously lessen as the blade wears down the wood. According to my resources, however, it was common to pein the brass pins every so often to restore the friction. I have seen a few with hammered copper and brass spacers, and plan to do that on the next one I make.