Jump straight into making knives?

[Vermilion]

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  

[Bobby Urban]

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.

[Leo L.]

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

[theunluckyhunter]

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

[Lin Rhea]

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

[Vermilion]

Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement.

[Lin Rhea]

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

[Vermilion]

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

[Wampus]

It's a little north of Hope, AR.

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