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How To: Forging A Point On A Knife Blade.

HOT CHISEL AND FORGE TECHNIQUE

This technique works well on flat stock, saves time and is fairly easy to do. With flat stock, forging the point entirely can be a bit difficult because the end tends to buckle, fold, upset or mushroom, and you often get “fish lips” at the very point, especially when the stock is thin and wide. With this technique you can avoid and/or minimize most of those problems and still get the desired improved grain flow along the edge up to the point on single edged blades.

#1. Hot chisel the end at an angle and snap it off in a vice.

#2. Deburr and dress the hot cut end.

#3. Lay the back of the blade on the anvil and use a flat faced hammer to move the point down towards the anvil, at a forging heat until it lays flush with the anvil surface.

The "precision hand forged" (bevels included) blade.

More on forging, grain flow and directional strength, CLICK HERE.

How To: Making a Decorative Twist With Silver Wires.

MULTIPLE STRAND TECHNIQUE

Back in August I showed how to make a decorative twist on copper wire using a single strand. The twisting technique I’m using itself is the same, except I’m using sterling silver and multiple strands this time.

#1. In this example I’m starting with four strands, two square, one round and one pre-twisted from two smaller strands.

#2. Use a piece of copper or silver wire to secure the wires in position on the ends.

#3. Silver braze the ends so that the wires don’t slip or shift during the twisting and pickle the piece.

#4. Twist the wires, annealing them as needed and wire brush for luster.

Detail of a twisted silver wire ring applied to a cougar femur knife handle.