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Home » News » Forged Knife Knowledge » How To Forge A Railroad Spike Knife?

How To Forge A Railroad Spike Knife?

Views: 222     Author: Edvo     Publish Time: 2025-01-25      Origin: Site

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Materials Needed

Step-by-Step Process

>> Step 1: Prepare Your Forge

>> Step 2: Heat the Railroad Spike

>> Step 3: Shape the Blade

>> Step 4: Twist the Handle

>> Step 5: Normalize the Steel

>> Step 6: Quench and Harden

>> Step 7: Tempering

>> Step 8: Finishing Touches

Additional Techniques for Customization

Safety Precautions

Conclusion

FAQ

>> 1. Can I use any railroad spike for this project?

>> 2. What type of forge is best for forging knives?

>> 3. How do I know when my steel is ready to be worked?

>> 4. What is normalization, and why is it important?

>> 5. Can I make other types of knives from railroad spikes?

Citations:

Forging a knife from a railroad spike is an exciting and rewarding project, perfect for both beginners and seasoned blacksmiths. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering materials to finishing your knife. By the end, you will have a unique and functional piece of art that showcases your craftsmanship.

A Railroad Spike Knife_2

Materials Needed

Before you start forging, gather the following materials:

- Railroad Spike: Choose a high-carbon spike (marked "HC") for better edge retention.

- Forge: A gas or coal forge will work; ensure it can reach high temperatures.

- Anvil: A sturdy surface for hammering.

- Hammers: A heavier hammer (around 3 lbs) and a lighter hammer for detail work.

- Tongs: For handling hot metal.

- Safety Gear: Gloves, goggles, and an apron to protect yourself.

- Angle Grinder or Belt Sander: For shaping and sharpening the blade.

- Quenching Oil or Water: For hardening the blade.

- Files: For fine shaping and smoothing of the edges.

- Sandpaper: To polish the handle and blade.

- Wood or Micarta: For making a handle if desired.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Forge

Start by lighting your forge. If using a gas forge, make sure it reaches the appropriate temperature (around 1,500°F to 2,200°F) before placing the railroad spike inside. Ensure proper ventilation in your workspace to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Step 2: Heat the Railroad Spike

Using tongs, place the railroad spike in the forge until it glows bright orange. This indicates that it has reached a workable temperature.

Step 3: Shape the Blade

1. Drawing Out the Blade:

- Remove the spike from the forge and place it on the anvil.

- Start hammering at the tip of the spike to draw out material for the blade. Work evenly on all sides to maintain symmetry. This process is crucial as it determines the overall shape and length of your knife.

2. Forming the Blade Profile:

- Hammer down one side of the spike to create a bevel. Flip it over and repeat on the other side. The angle of your bevel will affect how well your knife cuts; a steeper angle will create a sharper edge but may be less durable.

3. Creating Bevels:

- Use your hammer to create angled cuts along both sides of the blade to form bevels. Aim for an angle between 15 to 20 degrees for optimal cutting performance.

Step 4: Twist the Handle

Once you have shaped your blade, it's time to create a decorative twist in the handle:

1. Heat the handle portion of the spike until it's red hot.

2. Secure the head of the spike in a vise to prevent movement.

3. Using tongs or locking pliers, twist the handle section 360 degrees for a full twist or as desired. This not only adds aesthetic value but also provides a better grip.

Step 5: Normalize the Steel

Normalizing helps relieve stress in the steel:

1. Heat the blade again until it reaches non-magnetic temperature (around 1,400°F).

2. Allow it to cool slowly in air. Repeat this process two more times. Normalizing is essential as it ensures that your knife will not warp during use.

Step 6: Quench and Harden

To harden your knife:

1. Heat it back up until it's bright orange again.

2. Quickly submerge it in quenching oil or water for about 10 seconds to harden it. The rapid cooling causes the steel's structure to change, making it harder.

Step 7: Tempering

Tempering reduces brittleness:

1. Reheat your knife to about 375°F using a torch or oven.

2. Let it cool slowly again in air. This step is crucial because while hardening makes your knife strong, it also makes it brittle if not tempered properly.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

1. Use an angle grinder or belt sander to refine your blade's profile and sharpen its edge.

2. Polish any rough spots and clean up your handle with files and sandpaper.

3. If desired, create a handle using wood or Micarta for added comfort and aesthetics.

A Railroad Spike Knife

Additional Techniques for Customization

Once you have completed your basic knife, consider adding personalized touches:

- Etching Designs: You can use acid etching to create designs on your blade's surface, adding uniqueness to your knife.

- Handle Materials: Experiment with different materials for handles such as stabilized wood, synthetic materials like G10 or Micarta, or even leather wrap for added grip.

- Sheath Making: Create a custom sheath for your knife using leather or Kydex to protect its edge and provide safe storage.

Safety Precautions

While forging can be fun, safety should always be your priority:

- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying sparks.

- Use gloves when handling hot metal but ensure they are not too thick that they impede movement.

- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

Forging a knife from a railroad spike is not only a great way to practice blacksmithing skills but also results in a unique and functional piece of art. Whether you keep it as a personal tool or gift it to someone special, your handmade knife is sure to impress.

 A Knife From Rebar

FAQ

1. Can I use any railroad spike for this project?

Yes, but it's best to use high-carbon spikes (marked "HC") as they provide better edge retention when forged into knives.

2. What type of forge is best for forging knives?

A gas forge is generally more controllable and easier for beginners compared to coal forges.

3. How do I know when my steel is ready to be worked?

The steel should glow bright orange; this indicates that it has reached a workable temperature.

4. What is normalization, and why is it important?

Normalization is heating and then slowly cooling steel to relieve internal stresses, ensuring better performance during use.

5. Can I make other types of knives from railroad spikes?

Absolutely! The techniques used here can be adapted for various knife shapes and styles.

Citations:

[1] https://www.thecrucible.org/guides/bladesmithing/forge-a-knife/

[2] https://www.instructables.com/forged-knife-from-a-railroad-spike/

[3] https://browncountyforge.com/forging-a-twisted-railroad-spike-knife/

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE5qUKS25Ts

[5] https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/forge-a-knife-from-a-railroad-spike/

[6] https://www.worldclassknives.com/tutor/

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU3SVhxaeA0

[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aptxfVFZ-LU

[9] https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/my-first-forging-railroad-spike-content-and-questions.730461/

[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BOVu9BjZuw

[11] https://islandblacksmith.ca/2016/07/tanto-forging-practice-railroad-spike/

[12] https://www.worldclassknives.com/tutor/

[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE5qUKS25Ts

[14] https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a19797/forge-your-own-knife-from-a-railroad-spike/

[15] https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/forge-a-knife-from-a-railroad-spike/

[16] https://www.tiktok.com/@andyalmknives/video/6988997057130319110

[17] https://www.facebook.com/AndyAlmDesigns/videos/railroad-spike-knife-forging/511776627869819/

[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BOVu9BjZuw

[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq10Gc7-SNs

[20] https://stormthecastle.com/blacksmithing/make-a-railroad-spike-knife.htm

[21] https://blademag.com/knifemaking/knifemaking-how-to-build-a-railroad-spike-jig

[22] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DDMaf5ConA

[23] https://www.instagram.com/andyalmknives/reel/DE24iksSdRL/

[24] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_1Jo7NAhl4

[25] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=573557938139864&id=100064569884668&set=a.545438690951789

[26] https://www.instagram.com/andyalmknives/p/Cw8lKl4OH4T/

[27] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L4wnXz_JYI

[28] https://www.facebook.com/100044064012592/videos/forging-a-railroad-spike-knife/1267669407706938/

[29] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=910445641117757&id=100064569884668&set=a.545438690951789

[30] https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/51356-railroad-spikes/

[31] https://knifedogs.com/threads/hello-all-just-some-questions-about-railroad-spikes.22566/

[32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btWdHkmGE-Q

[33] https://www.bladesmithsforum.com/index.php

[34] https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/is-it-possible-to-make-a-good-railroad-spike-knife.1609298/

[35]https://www.reddit.com/r/Bladesmith/comments/15589co/my_first_time_forging_a_knife_i_used_a_railroad/

[36] https://www.dragonforgeexperience.com/faq

[37] https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/22771-tempering-a-railroad-spike/

[38] https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/forging-techniques/railroad-spike-knife/

[39] https://www.newmakeit.com/products/blacksmithing-forged-railroad-spike-knife

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