Forging with a plan

[gables]

I have been forging several days a week and seeing some improvement. I always start with a paper pattern and sometimes make a metal forging pattern.

One technique I like is to forge a blade in two sessions. After the blade is cool, I trace my forged piece over my pattern and then make a step by step list of corrections and refinements for my second forging session.

How have you improved on your own forging?

[Lamey]

I never use drawings or templates, forge whats in my head very, very close.  Just more fun for me that way.  From anvil to finished blade there is no more then 1/16" variation, with rare exception.

[gables]

Matt, how have you become better at forging? Influences?

[Lamey]

For me its been alot of trial and error.  The influences ive had were primarily just looking at work that I liked, ie Bagwell, Fisk, Fikes etc.  

I basically forge whats in my head... just more fun for me that way.

[akaboomer]

I forge whats in my head sometimes but I use an aluminum pattern often. When I have one sketched that I want the exact lineand flow I make and use a pattern. This makes it a predictable and repeatable process. I have been forging axes also. This helps learn where and how to strike the steel for a desired outcome. Practice is great and really the most enjoyable part of the process for me.

Chris