New to forums

[flisk]

Grettings and well met!
I am new to this forum; but I have always had an interest in forging as well as knives, swords, axes, etc. I have forged a few different things, but have never taken any formal classes. My forge consists of an old blower (stamped with a date of 1935); a 70 pound anvil (but it's front tip is gone, you can see some of the anvil in the photos below); some old tongs; and a rather sturdy blacksmith's hammer.

At any rate, below are some things I have done with Railroad spikes.

The beginnings of an axe.



A twisted knife.


An assortment of other "experiments".


I'm sure that I will frequent these forums much more often; and I hope that my skill will grow so that I can become as good as you guys are.

Thanks!

-Brian "flisk" Hardin II

[AwP]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you're off to a great start, and have good starter equipment to boot. I wouldn't worry about the horn being broken on your anvil, it's the least useful part of the anvil to a bladesmith though other blacksmithy tasks make more use of it. Alot of bladesmiths actually use a square block of steel. Looking forward to see more of your work.

[luc]

Hey Brian!
Welcome aboard! This is a great forum, with awesome people.
Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff.

[Lane Ritter]

Looking good Flisk. A lot better than my feeble attempts. I still mostly use files and grinders. Alot of nice people here, always willing to give good advice.

Nice tutorials here also,
http://p222.ezboard.com/fprimalfires...opicID=1.topic
http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/index.shtml

Lane

[JeridJohnson]

Welcome.. you can learn a lot here.. I know I did..

[Crex]

Welcome aboard Brian.
You are starting out with more equipment than a lot of us did. Good place to be.
You don't list where you're located in your profile, but if you are anywhere near the North Georgia, Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina area you are welcome to join us at the Trackrock Hammerin, Nov. 6&7th, in Blairsville, GA. We'd be glad to have you and you'll get to meet and network with several bladesmiths, leather crafters, and like minded.
Family atmosphere and no participation fee.
If interested and you want particulars please contact me via PM. I'll be glad to hook you up.
There are a few threads here and on the "other" forum concerning the event if you want to get a feel for the spirit of the thing.

If you can't make Trackrock be diligent and find a hammerin closer to your local (they go on almost everywhere, all different styles, and sizes). You will learn so much just being around other bladesmiths in this type of setting it'll make your head spin!

If you can't do that find a local bladesmith and spend some time with him. After a while you'll find there's one under nearly every big rock. All that I know and call friends will take time to help you learn the basics. If he dosen't "have the time" he's not someone you want to learn from anyway.
Be diligent in your pursuit. You have a fascinating and challenging trail ahead of you.
Good luck,

[Darren Ellis]

Welcome to the forum Brian!

-Darren