[TheForge] Newby Kid (knife making)

[Jerry Frost]

You have plenty of time to figure out knives, you have to teach him to forge
first. Bladesmithing is mostly drawing out of several kinds and more
importantly temperature control. You're student needs to at least become
reasonably proficient before he tackles a blade. Mild steel is much more
forgiving than tool steel, especially where temperature is concerned.

Just start him learning basic smithing while you research blades. After he's
reasonably proficient at the anvil have him make a few chisels to learn heat
treating. When the time comes, give him a selection of small basic blades
under 5". Getting a modest blade right is challenge enough; given his
druthers he'll be banging away on a sword right off. <grin>

Not getting to make a blade first thing will strain his patience but control
is paramount; control of the materials and tools is still secondary to
control of self. Richard started out wanting to make a sword but accepted
the explaination of needing to learn the trade first. He still hasn't made
his sword but at 18 has shifted his perspectives.

I love showing newbys the trade, I gain as much or more from the experience.

Frosty
------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin donahoe" <flyinpig@go-concepts.com>
To: "theforge" <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2003 1:47 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Newby Kid (knife making)


>
> Monday's coming on the short schedule, so I'll run this by again.
>
>
> All,
>
> Just came from a clients and his 13 year old son is interested in making a
> knife.  Not being of the knifey persuasion, I've never been inclined to
make
> one.  I told him to check out some websites and/or books and get an idea
> what he wants and I'll try to get some ideas on beginner projects.  I've
> enjoyed the stuff on newbys posted lately, but the knife thing is out of
my
> area of interest.  Any help would be appreciated.  He's fairly typical as
> far as I can tell, three hours of "conversation" and I'm winded and think
I
> got a dozen fairly monosyllabic responses from him.  Do all young teens
work
> for the CIA or something?
>
> I'm plugging for him to make it to the QuadState for a day or so, but who
> knows.
>
> Kevin Donahoe
> Flying Pig Forge
> Morrow, OH