Re-Forged (2nd Time Around)

[tippit]

I've been having more fun trying to challenge and improve my forging & hammer control rather than producing finished blades.  A few weeks ago I made a camp/chopping blade that worked quite well with a very nice edge.  But the more I looked at it...the more I disliked the shape/proportions of it.  The handle felt short & chunky, the finger guard area wasn't deep enough for any protection, and the blade shape didn't turn any heads.

So I just threw it back into the fire for a face lift.  This was actually great forging/hammer practice because it was much harder than just making a new blade.  Not sure I'll do it again but it was a fun challenge...Doc

Before the Fire

 

2nd Time Around


 

 

[Toecutter]

I liked it either way Jeff, but there's no substitute for personal satisfaction!!  Good on you for getting it just right.

[Scott Roush]

I like the improvement Jeff.  It looks like the twin of the one I just finished! Except yours has nicer lines towards the tip.  I love that design... Looking great.  

I notice you put your hammer marks in after grinding.  I need to start doing that on some blades because I find myself leaving edges too thick to preserve my forged finish on the spine.  But do you warp the heck out of the blade when you hammer in marks with it ground down??? Seems like I spend forever correcting twists and stuff when I do that...

[Steve Nuckels]

I like the re-do better too!

I got a "thing" for recurved blades!

Doc, did you ever get that "Tire" power hammer?

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge

[tippit]

Scott,
I don't wrap the blade at all just pound away.  I keep straightening with hammers and my vise. Re-doing a blade that was already ground out was much more tedious.

Steve,
I do have my Tire hammer.  That's how I got the finger guard pounded in without messing up the back spine.

[hunt it]

Nice Doc! That one has pig sticker written all over it.

[Track]

Hey Jeff, real cool looking blade.
Rog