[TheForge] Swage Blocks

[Ries Niemi]

On Tuesday, May 31, 2005, at 08:16 AM, Woolley wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I know this subject has been discussed here before but I'm going to 
> put it out there anyway.   I'm looking for a swage block and I was 
> just curious what everyone is using and what your preferences are.  I 
> checked out Kayne and like their trunnion style block but with 
> shipping is a little pricey for me.  Their small (20lb) block looks 
> good for a starter. Does Saltfork still sell a block?  I'm going to 
> use it for general shaping, not so much for spoons and the like.  Any 
> help appreciated.
>
> Regards,
> Bill Woolley
>

The Kayne swage blocks are designed and made by John Newman, a canadian 
smith, and he really knows his way around patterns and foundries- that 
is what he does for a living. So his blocks are well thought out, and 
well made.  I live in an area where there isnt much older blacksmithing 
stuff, so I have more new tools than many people, and I make a point of 
buying american made, preferably designed and made by actual humans I 
know.
I have a Russel Jacque Nimba anvil, a John Newman swage block, and a 
whole bunch of Grant Sarver tongs and hammer tools.
Somehow, it makes me feel better knowing the guys who make the tools.

I have Johns 60lb block, and it is a good size for me, with a lot of 
useful shapes on it. At $150, plus shipping, it didnt break the bank.


ries