When new hobbyists get into blacksmithing, one of the first things they’re eager to make is a knife or blade. This could be due to a fascination with fantasy, historical blacksmithing, and even the rising popularity of television shows like Forged In Fire, in which contestants craft blades each episode. Whatever sparks your inspiration for forging a knife at your smithing setup, you first need to know how to go about it properly and safely. Keep reading to learn how to forge a knife with your home forge. These techniques are accessible to home smiths and professionals alike if you have the right tools.
What Equipment You’ll Need
Before you begin firing up the furnace, make sure to do an inventory check on your equipment and tools. There are a few basic materials that you’ll need to forge a knife at home. As a standard for most blacksmithing projects, you’ll need your forge to heat the metal, an anvil to work atop, tongs for handling and transporting hot materials, and a variety of hammers for different shaping techniques. Additionally, here is a short list of the extra materials you will need to craft a knife:
- Vise
- Chisels and punches
- Sandpaper
- Quenching oil and bucket
These materials will help make the forging process easier and more efficient. Some items, like your quenching oil and bucket, are essential to completing your forging project.
Safety Precautions To Remember
Blacksmithing can be a very accessible hobby for those crafting at home, but don’t let the comfort of forging from home cause you to forgo important safety equipment and precautions. If you work in a professional blacksmithing shop or have a kit set up at home, you must use all the required smithing PPE (personal protective equipment). This includes the following:
- Safety glasses/googles and face shield for eye protection.
- Ear plugs or earmuffs for ear protection.
- Respiratory mask or respirator for large-scale projects for lung protection.
- Heat-resistant gloves or welding gloves and cotton clothing for skin/hand protection.
You should also have a bucket of water and fire extinguisher within reach while using your furnace or forge in case of fire. Be aware of those around you, and always use caution while transporting hot materials around your space.
Materials To Start With
You might be wondering about the best materials for crafting a knife. You’ll should start with a sturdy steel material. Many distinct kinds of steel have their own properties. Carbon steel is an example of a more inexpensive steel material, which is great for beginners working through the trial-and-error process. Stainless steel and tool steel are also ideal for knife making and forging. Choose a steel type that is accessible to you and your skill level.
Forging Steps
Now that you have all the proper materials and tools lined up, it’s time to get started on the forging process! We’ll go over the step-by-step procedure that you can use to practice forging a knife at home.
Heat the Metal
First, heat your variety of steel to the point where it becomes malleable. Use tongs to place the steel in your forge and heat it until it becomes a bright yellow color. If you have a thermometer reading, aim for a temperature range of 2,100 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shape the Knife Point
Once your metal is hot enough, remove it from the fire using your tongs and place it flat atop your anvil. This is where the shaping process begins. Start hammering the tip of your metal to form the knife’s point. Grip the other end with your tongs from a safe distance.
Flatten the Metal/Blade
Start to flatten the metal into a bevel, which will form the knife’s edge. Be sure to leave room for the tang, which is the part of the knife that is affixed to the handle. It can be easy to get wrapped up in forming the blade’s edge, but be conscious of space for the handle; otherwise, your finished knife won’t have much utility.
Anneal the Knife
The annealing process will require you to continuously heat and cool the knife. This helps remove any internal stress, and toughens the material so that you can actually use the blade. First, allow the knife to cool from your original heating. Then, place it back in the forge to heat to a red-hot color. Repeat this process three times to complete the annealing process.
Sand the Edges
Now, you should really start to see the blade taking shape. Run sandpaper over the sides of your metal to smooth out the edges and shape the knife.
The Quenching Process
The quenching process helps harden the steel and make it even more durable. Set up your quenching oil and bucket nearby and dip the reheated steel into the oil. The faster you transfer the steel from the forge to the oil, the better. This will ensure the metal hardens into a strong blade.
Reheat
The quenching process can cause a metal to become brittle. To combat this, make sure to reheat your blade in the forge once more. This heating process should be a slow, otherwise known as tempering the blade.
Craft a Handle
As mentioned previously, if you wish to actively use your knife for cutting, you’ll need a handle for easy holding. You can shape a block of wood yourself, or purchase a pre-crafted handle. When cool, drill holes through the tang of the knife and secure the handle with wire or screws. You can further customize your handle by filing or sanding it down to a comfortable grip.
Finish by Sharpening
Finally, sharpen your knife to reveal a clean and crisp blade. Use a whetstone block to file down any imperfections and behold your polished blade.
If you’ve been curious about knifemaking, this is your sign to get started! Follow this guide on making a knife with your at-home forge to start your blade smithing dreams today. If you don’t already have a forge of your own at home, you can find everything you need to get started at Cast Master Elite. We carry everything from propane smelting furnaces to whole forging kits to help you set up your own home forge.
