All About Pocket Knives

My first attempt at forging. Rough ... too many hammer marks, but ok symmetrically with a tapered spine ... 9 3/8" OAL.
Did the handle twist before forging the blade. Next one I will forge the blade, then twist to keep from messing up the handle.
I started the blade 3 1/2" from the tip of the spike ... amazing how much the metal will stretch out.
Free hand ground flat bevel ... no jig.
Still practicing and learning. May try a coffee etch on it.

Cool!
I'd be hard pressed to put money down on that being a first time forge. Well done!

Great first effort Tony. I was taught that the distressed look from the hammer is the gold and to leave as much of it as possible. I have found that incredibly hard to do when smooth and shiny has been my standard for many moons.

Here’s a picture of my next bladesmithing project, shouldn’t be too difficult

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:19 pm Cool!
I'd be hard pressed to put money down on that being a first time forge. Well done!

Thank you Steve I banged out and finished it in about 5 hours ... learned much about the hammer & anvil during that time.

bestgear wrote: ↑Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:20 pm Great first effort Tony. I was taught that the distressed look from the hammer is the gold and to leave as much of it as possible. I have found that incredibly hard to do when smooth and shiny has been my standard for many moons.

Here’s a picture of my next bladesmithing project, shouldn’t be too difficult

IMG_0556.jpeg

Thanks Tom! Know what you mean about smooth and shiny ... same here.
That fish knife is absolutely beautiful! Looks hollow ground.