1st try at Damascus

[Lin Rhea]

My forge is homemade and from the same materials. Squirrel cage blower, black pipe, etc.
   A lot of forge welding is technique. True, you have to have a few tools and a forge that will reach welding temps, but by far, most of it is knowing when and how. I have spent whole weekends in my shop and find out it was all for nothing when I find bad spots in my damascus. It's discouraging, but will make you ask questions and try VERY hard next time. Lin

[Auzoutdoor]

Here is a pic of my little forge in operation.I do agree Lin 100% it is more about how and when and I am getting a lot more confidence using the forge and getting it up to welding temp.I now know the differance between the flux bubbling and when it starts to skate so have come a long way in a short time.Thanks for all your help and would love to see some pics of any blades you have finished.
Cheers KIM

[Auzoutdoor]

I made this little piece some time ago but used steel not suitable for a blade but when I cut it in half it had welded perfectly so will now go this way I think.
Cheers KIM
 

[Doug Campbell]

Sweet looking bowie Lin as is everything I've seen of your's.

Looks like a pretty good forge Kim, the best way to figure this stuff out is to just keep working away at it. Unless you've got an experienced knifemaker close trial and error is a pretty good teacher. Since you've built a nice forge I'm guessing you've been forging for a bit but there are several good books and videos out there on the subject also.

I installed a pyrometer in my forge a couple years ago and really like it. No guessing what the temps I'm running at anymore.

I don't have a cool webpage like Lin but you can click on my photo album at the bottom of this post, there are lots of knife pics there.

[Auzoutdoor]

Ok this is the latest pic and it has an edge and seems to sharpen well and is a bit harder od tougher in the feel to sharpen than the L6 I normally use but I will keep this one for myself and give it a longterm test.
I dont think I will do a cable damascus next time prob just a normal pattern welded piece.
 
 
Doug I had a look at your knives lovley work and Lin yours are fantastic too.You have now seen all the forging I have ever done so still a very steep learning curve but lots of fun all the same.Thanks to all the guys that have made this thread so good.
Cheers KIM

[Lin Rhea]

Kim,
      If this is your first, you are way ahead in the game already! Very impressive. I bet it will serve you well.

  Doug, I looked at your knives and really like your carbon steel Hunters. Great design.
                             Lin

[hickstick]

Auz....did you etch that blade?

I like the way you left the tang sticking out beyond the handle slabs..

[Auzoutdoor]

Hick yer mare I did but then when I finished the blade it came up shiney again so I just polished it again as you can still see the lines in the blade even though it is shiney.I left the tang sticking out to make people think about it a bit and to see what the knife was made out of.
Cheers KIM