EDU: How to forge your own Katana.

**rottunpunk** · Posted On: 10/24/2006 3:52pm

um, i see cleaving through cows as distasteful to the art i practice
but yes i am interested in how they are made, and would like to have a go (under proper guidance of course)
currently im learning how to make longbows, and im not much good at that
so the thought of making a sharp object that is swung around is somewhat daunting

nice avatar by the way
:guitar:

**jubei33** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 6:48am

First of all, how would one go about making a forge in a back yard and where could one get an anvil (and other tools). I don't think average hardware store would carry those thing anymore? Is there some special 'smithy's general store' hanging around?

**///ez-prey** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 7:41am

:needpics:

or video ...

But good stuff... good job... :headbang:

:5propelle

**Chili Pepper** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 9:17am

Originally Posted by jubei33

First of all, how would one go about making a forge in a back yard and where could one get an anvil (and other tools). I don't think average hardware store would carry those thing anymore? Is there some special 'smithy's general store' hanging around?

I'm thinking alt.crafts.blacksmithing would be the best place to start.

**Dr. Sleepless** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 12:39pm

Originally Posted by jubei33

First of all, how would one go about making a forge in a back yard and where could one get an anvil (and other tools). I don't think average hardware store would carry those thing anymore? Is there some special 'smithy's general store' hanging around?

Forges are rather difficult to build and are beyond the scope of this article. If you're going to build a forge, you'd be better off just building a small in-ground BBQ as you'll be using it more often. But if you're wanting to I guess I could do a write up on how to build a forge.

**Planktime** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 4:55pm

Originally Posted by Sirc

Forges are rather difficult to build and are beyond the scope of this article. If you're going to build a forge, you'd be better off just building a small in-ground BBQ as you'll be using it more often. But if you're wanting to I guess I could do a write up on how to build a forge.

Not true. I have built a forge from a Brake drum and a hand cranked blower. The best place to start this sort of thing is some place like Centar Forge or blacksmithing supply. If you live in the west (like i do) there are lots of farm stores who carry what you need. You can look uner Farrier supply. That will get you started. I ordered my Forge from a feed store in the town i grew up in.

Here are some links
Tools
http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/
http://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
And my favorite
http://www.centaurforge.com/

In fact here is a picture of my gas forge.

http://www.centaurforge.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KNIFE

Point is if you want to learn how to do this sort of thing let me know i will point you in the direction to get started. It isnt easy nor cheap but it can be fun. I will post some pictures of my gear here in a bit.

PT

**Planktime** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 5:35pm

Ok here is my set up includeing some basic tools.

First is my anvil. I have a small 35lbs anvil right now. My big one is in storage at the moment.

Here are some of my hammers. As a smith i have more hammers then a hardware store. Here are some basic ones used most commonly. As a little peice of trivia the big ball peen is the one that i used to crush my finger with.....I love that hammer

Here is the front of my forge. Includeing some fire bricks and some stock sitting in the refractory. If you look on the stand you can see a cut hardy. (looks like a wedge)

Last and most likely least. Here is the blade i am currently working on. It is a christmas present for my brother inlaw.

Here is the forge from the side. Below it are some buckes one for Oil and one for water.

**Planktime** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 5:52pm

Here is a link to a good sorce of info on smithing.

http://www.anvilfire.com/iForge/

I would also look at picking up these books for starters. They provide great info, and can get you started hammering in no time. If you are looking from more advanced stuff I have some other recomendations.

The Art of Blacksmithing By Alex W Bealer
ISBN0-7858-0395-5

Writen in 1969 but has lots of useful info. Including how to build your own coal forge.

$50 Knife Shop by Wayne Goddard.
ISBN 0-87341-993-6

He also has one called the Wonder of Knife Making but i do not own it.

The Complete Modern Blacksmith By Alexander G Weygers
ISBN 0-89815-896-6

Good info on basic tools and techniques. Also some advanced stuff like making a pump!

**Dr. Sleepless** · Posted On: 10/25/2006 5:55pm

Well it's easy for you may be. But I don't know how great these people's building skills are. The forge we built was a brick fire forge. It did it's job and did it's job well. We tried to keep it as traditional as we possibly could.