Content Menu
● Understanding the Basics of Knife Forging
>> Video Demonstration: Shaping the Blade
>> Video Demonstration: Quenching Process
● Final Grinding and Sharpening
● Advanced Techniques for Forging Bevels
>> 1. What type of steel is best for forging knives?
>> 2. How do I prevent warping during forging?
>> 3. What safety gear should I wear while forging?
>> 4. Can I forge bevels without a power hammer?
>> 5. How do I know when my steel is at forging temperature?
Forging a knife bevel is an essential skill for any bladesmith, whether you're a beginner or an experienced craftsman. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of forging a knife bevel, covering everything from selecting materials to the techniques involved in creating a sharp and functional edge. Additionally, we will include visual aids and videos to enhance your understanding of the process.
Before diving into the specifics of forging a knife bevel, it is crucial to understand the fundamental concepts of knife making and the tools involved.
- High carbon steel (e.g., 5160, 1095)
- Forge (propane or coal)
- Anvil
- Hammer (cross peen or rounding hammer)
- Tongs
- Quenching oil (for hardening)
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, apron)
- Forge: Heats the steel to a malleable state.
- Anvil: Provides a solid surface for shaping the steel.
- Hammer: Shapes the steel through repeated blows.
- Tongs: Hold and manipulate hot steel safely.
Setting up your workspace is vital for efficient and safe forging. Ensure you have:
- Adequate ventilation if using a gas forge.
- A sturdy anvil at waist height.
- A clear area free from distractions.
The first step in forging a knife bevel is heating the steel to its forging temperature, typically between 1,800°F to 2,200°F (982°C to 1,204°C). At this temperature, the steel becomes malleable.
Once your steel reaches the desired temperature:
1. Start with the Tip: Use your hammer to create a point by tapering one end of the steel.
2. Establish the Blade Profile: Hammer along the length of the blade to create its desired shape.
[Watch this video on shaping a knife blade]
Forging bevels involves removing material from both sides of the blade to create an edge that tapers down from the spine to the cutting edge.
1. Positioning: Place the blade flat on the anvil with one side facing up.
2. Hammer Technique:
- Use overlapping hammer blows along the edge of the blade.
- Focus on maintaining an angle of about 10° to 12° for each bevel.
3. Flipping: After establishing one side, flip the blade over and repeat on the other side.
4. Checking Symmetry: Regularly check that both sides are even and symmetrical.
After forging, it is essential to normalize your blade:
1. Heat it back up to non-magnetic temperatures (around 1,400°F or 760°C).
2. Allow it to cool slowly in still air to relieve internal stresses.
Quenching hardens your blade:
1. Reheat your blade until it glows red.
2. Quickly dip it in quenching oil until it reaches room temperature.
[Watch this video on quenching]
Tempering reduces brittleness:
1. Reheat your blade to around 400°F (204°C).
2. Hold at this temperature for about an hour before allowing it to cool.
Once tempered, refine your bevels using a belt grinder or hand files:
1. Start with coarse grit belts (60 or 80 grit) and progress to finer grits (up to 220 grit).
2. Ensure both sides are even and symmetrical.
As you become more comfortable with basic bevel forging techniques, consider exploring advanced methods that can enhance your skills and improve your results.
Tapered bevels not only enhance aesthetics but also improve performance by reducing weight without compromising strength.
1. Start by establishing a thicker spine.
2. Gradually taper down towards the edge while maintaining consistent hammer strikes.
Hollow grinds can be achieved through specific hammer techniques that allow for concave shapes along the edge:
1. Use a rounding hammer for more control over curvature.
2. Focus on maintaining an even distance from both sides as you work towards creating a hollow ground edge.
Forging a knife bevel is a rewarding process that combines art and craftsmanship. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can develop your skills as a bladesmith and create high-quality knives that are both functional and beautiful.
High carbon steels like 5160 or 1095 are commonly used due to their excellent hardness and edge retention properties.
Maintain even heating and use proper hammer techniques while regularly checking for symmetry as you forge.
Always wear gloves, goggles, and an apron to protect against sparks and hot metal.
Yes, many bladesmiths successfully forge bevels using only hand tools like hammers and anvils.
Steel typically glows bright orange or yellow when it reaches forging temperature; at this point, it's malleable enough for shaping.
[1] https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/forging-techniques/forging-bevels/
[2] https://blademag.com/uncategorized/how-to-forge-beveling-blade-tipping
[3] http://www.knifehelp.net/media/docs/Harold_Hoffman_-_Advanced_Knife_Making.pdf
[4] https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/blade-bending-while-forging-and-general-process-questions.1017379/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/knifemaking/comments/v8hzct/free_hand_bevel_grinding_tips/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP7ce77z4uc
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38loA2GDpU
[8] https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/forging-tips-and-tricks.1090901/
[9] https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/blade-grinding-finishing-and-sharpening/flat-grinding-tips-and-techniques/
[10] https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/forging-techniques/forging-edge-centered/
[11] https://elementknife.com/pages/forging-techniques-and-processes
[12] https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2188820/the-art-of-the-forged-blade/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6qyStAsJ5Q
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnlcZcHvL8Q
[15] https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/30876-how-do-you-forge-a-bevel-on-a-straight-blade/
[16] https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/31195-knife-making-log-advanced-class-201-damascus-patterns/
[17] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0imHWfBUYm4
[18] https://www.reddit.com/r/blacksmithing/comments/mdhsgy/how_do_i_forge_in_bevels/
[19] https://www.reddit.com/r/knifemaking/comments/3k2xbv/knife_making_required_tools_processs/
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