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I have sadly been watching too much Forged In Fire and wish to have a go at making my own knife.
I really fancy doing Damascus steel from scratch and would like to make a cooks knife type thing.
Anyone done this and any recommendations?
I haven't done it personally, but my daughter's husband is a blacksmith and does 1 and 2 day courses for making among other things, Damascus knives. He gets very good reviews and the knives look fab. Grassington N.Yorks, if that helps.
@failedengineer have you got a link for a website or contact details? Sounds like a great idea for a gift.
Cheers in advance.
Thanks Engineer
Looks like your Son in Law makes the knives from Damascus blanks.
I am looking to go from scratch .
I made an Axe with these guys
https://www.craftcourses.com/courses/60-layer-damascus-knifeaxe-making-course
Thanks Mikkel
Looks like they make a billet to start.
Was it a good experience?
Thanks Mikkel, I’ve been very impressed with your knife-making skills, that looks interesting, and now, with retirement I’ve got time to spare, and hopefully some money to spare as well, I might have a go at that.
I make knives, including damascus (layered & cannister) as a hobby.
The issue you'll find is the amount of time it takes to make a billet, especially a decent sized one. Forged in fire is great, but there are lots of shortcuts & editing going on.
For a decent billet you're looking at (least) a full day just for the billet if you want an interesting pattern, and that''s assuming you have access to a power hammer/press.
Fun, but a massive time commitment, hence courses are unlikely.
I enjoyed the 2 days i spend making the axe, i did not do damascus, that adds an extra day.
The power hammer is fun 🙂
Thanks Mikkel - looks like that place is only a few miles from my work so noted for future reference. I made chisels and stuff as an apprentice and play with a bit of fire making frames, but that looks another level. And VERY good value at £150 a day.
Anyone know of a similar place for foundry stuff? My Mrs always comments that she wants a go when it is on TV.
The axe i made, came away with the exact shape i wanted.
Plan on going back and making one sligthly bigger next year.
@eyepic - Richard (Ember Ironworks) used to make the billets, but realised that it was too time consuming (and expensive). His courses are 2 days, I think. Worryingly, an alarming number of his pupils want to make swords ....
Check out the short courses on offer at West Dean College.
Short Courses | West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
There's a four day course in Damascus steel making in March. It ain't cheap though...
Damascus Steel Making | West Dean College of Arts and Conservation