Forging the shape of a knife isn't much different than forging leaves. If you learn basic blacksmithing to a good level of proficiency then learning to make blades is just a matter of getting to know a different piece of steel and how it heat treats. The shorter handle and modest weight makes them much easier to control and in the beginning learning hammer control is what it's ALL about. Drill hammer, they're heavy enough to good work and not so heavy they'll tire you out quickly or make your mistakes permanent so fast you don't realize it. and under is better to learn with I highly recommend a 32 oz. No, don't hunt down a BIG heavy one, 2lbs. I'm a BIG fan of broken truck axles mounted flange up.įor hammers, anything with a smooth face will work fine. Same for a piece of steel shafting or broken axle. A piece of RR rail on end if many times more effective than the same piece laid on it's side. What you want is a surface a little larger than your hammer and the deeper under the hammer the better. You don't need to spend a lot of money, a piece of: rail, broken axle, piece of shaft, piece of plate, well, you get the idea virtually ANYTHING you beat hot steel on IS an anvil. Remember it's NOT the anvil, forge, hammers or shop that does the work, it's the blacksmith. I don't know about RR rail down under but in the USA rail is darned high quality steel and makes a fine anvil, certainly better than the Chinese cast iron junk. The Irondragon guy says he has underwear older than you but he didn't say he's been wearing that pair that long. We'll try not to jump on you, you seem a nice fellow. If you'll put your general location in the header you might be surprised how many of the Iforge gang live within visiting distance. By joining you will have many folks who will help you out. If you scroll down to the bottom of the home page, there is a list of many of them.

There are blacksmithing groups all over the world, find one close to you and join up. Not knowing where you are located it will be hard to give advice about where you may find help locating stuff you may need, you might put your general location in your profile. Second welcome to the forum and the world of blacksmithing. OK, first of all you will find that many of us here on IFI have underwear older than you, so it will be hard to dictate how we answer your posts.

is that to small or would that be good? please no one jump on my case and respond like I'm stupid, I would just appreciate any friendly advice and input. so what are my best options? would a section of railroad track work best for me? or I did find one steel anvil I can afford but its only 2o lbs. also I know not to use the cheap cast iron ones. that being said, I cant afford actual nice anvils that are super expensive. I'm also 17 and limited to tools and funds. I'm just getting started in blacksmithing, particularly knife making.

Cheap small anvil