So I kind of lied, this is the second blade I forged but the first one to survive to become a knife. The actual first one is sitting on my desk is 3 pieces as a reminder to heat treat properly. I forged it way back in the summer, but finally I just finished it last week. It's the 3rd knife I've ever made but the first hidden tang I've done. I'm currently working on the sheath. This is my take on the sgian dubh, which I've always liked, being part Scottish. 8" OAL, 4" blade, forged in a one brick forge and pounded out on a 12" piece of street car rail. The handle is Ziricote with stainless pins. It's hard to see but the grain of the wood compliments the quench lines on the blade. [/URL][/IMG] [/URL][/IMG] Any criticism or comments are welcome, because like the broken blade it helps me learn. Thanks for looking Joel
Excellent job for your first (successful) forging! I've got a good bit of the Scots in my background as well, so I'm a fan of the blades. I've always wanted a Claymore to hang over the fireplace (that would go over well with SWMBO, I'm sure.) If I was to offer any constructive criticism, it would be that I'd like to see a little more symmetry in the blade (not easy, I know) and more pronounced faux serration on the spine. Some file work might be in order there.
Thanks Myth, you're right it was really hard to pound it out symmetrically and yes I'll work of that for sure. As for the serrations, I guess I should have said it was made from an old file and those serrations are the files teeth. I tried very hard to get close to my final shape and thickness while pounding it out, maybe to hard which is why it's not as symmetrical as it could be because I was too focused on the thickness. I'm definitely going to make another and will work on the symmetry and try some file work on it. I'm also working on my viking knife and it will have some nice file work. Thanks again, it helps to have new eyes when starting out.
From a critique standpoint, it would be good to have more pictures. Perhaps different from different angles or views, such as the top view and the opposite side. IMO aesthetically speaking, and this is just a preference, I think a third pin would be good for balance. Having said that, it is a good looking knife and I love the handle.
