Edged weapons photo thread

[denverco]

Are you using a coal or gas forge? I have my coal forge, but it is not set up at the new house yet, and I haven't moved the big bucket of coal for it yet. The forge I am ihaving built now is 4x4x16 inches, so it should do most of the work I am planning. I still have to build a pole barn to put it in, as I don't have a shop or garage to work in at the new house.

I've used both, honestly I like gas better but coal works good too. You just have to learn some fire management. Gas is fast and easy. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Coal is just a bit messy.

[denverco]

I've got a kiln and have always wondered if I could use it to temper a blade.

You don't even need a kiln to temper, a regular oven or toaster oven will work fine. Now normalizing, annealing, austentizing is a different story, you either need a forge or kiln for that, depending on what steel you're using. Anything 1095 and below can be done fairly easily with good results in a forge.

[ray1970]

The kiln is fully programmable. I can bring the temp up or down and hold at different temperatures for whatever times I want. Not sure what type of temps are needed for blade making but I know I can get up to 2000 degrees. It might go higher. I can't remember.

[denverco]

The kiln is fully programmable. I can bring the temp up or down and hold at different temperatures for whatever times I want. Not sure what type of temps are needed for blade making but I know I can get up to 2000 degrees. It might go higher. I can't remember.

Well you can do a whole professional heat treat if you get the right quenchant. How big is the kiln?

[ray1970]

Not real big but big enough for just about any reasonable knife blade. Couldn't do a sword or anything.

[denverco]

Not real big but big enough for just about any reasonable knife blade. Couldn't do a sword or anything.

Give it a try

[henpecked]

Ruana Grand Bowie B9

[ray1970]

Pretty snazzy looking toothpick. The sheath... Not so much. If you really like the knife you might consider having HBARLeatherneck make you a nicer sheath for it.

[Irving]

Picked this up today. Sharpened up very nicely and with little effort on my part.

[theGinsue]

I need to acquire a meat cleaver. Nice find Stu.