Well, I've been in California for two weeks now, and my workshop is ready to go-- all except the forge... On Christmas day I ordered a new forge from NC Tool Co. Call it a Present to myself. My first forge was homemade from diamond plate and a circular plough blade for a bottom and cover with a horseshoe welded at top for a handle (picture a rustic Weber BBQ Grill). While it got the job done, it was still notably inefficient and I couldn't quite get the working temperatures I desired. Maybe it was by design that I simply couldn't fit the forge into the moving trailer from Texas to California, and it had to be left behind...

At any rate I'm sitting in my new dwelling, within line of site of the driveway, and constantly shifting my attention outside like a child looking for a hint of the ice-cream truck on a summer day. I'm giddy. And fidgety. And if the FedEx guy doesn't show today I just might blow a gasket!

So-- for your viewing pleasure, and some practice for me with posting messages & pictures, here are a couple pics of some recent work, before the move. Hope you enjoy!

The "Twitch" Fish and Game Knife: This is my first knife. My good friend Alex "Twitch" procured the first Anvil for Woodford Knife & Forge, so I felt it was only appropriate that the first blade to be struck on it be for him. He's an avid outdoorsman and required a diverse skinning/gutting/all-purpose utility knife. The blade measures 3.5 inches with a false edge (quite sharp) at top and thumb notches for a sure grip. This blade was inspired from a Randall Model 19 "Bushmaster" and was made from a tear drop shaped punch I found at a flea market. An older gentleman was selling off some old tools and that pitted, rusty punch now has a new life!

"Wild Weasel" Tanto: Blade Tempered, Anealed and Blued Aprox. 4 in. Blade, 8 in. Overall Complete with Japanese style handle wrap, blued steel and #002 to signify as the second knife to come out of the forge. It was made special for an F-16 "Wild Weasel" Pilot, hence the name. I'm proud of my time spent with this knife and the care it presently remains in.

The "Big Bear" Hunter: I made this knife for my brother and delivered it on Christmas day! It's made from a "Black Master" horseshoe rasp my Farrier friend threw my way (note the vertical file lines running the length of the blade). The handle is American Oak with brass pins. It's the first full tang, wooden handle I've attempted and it still requires a sealent. I hardened the blade by heating it cherry red and quenching it in olive oil, then immediately placing it in the oven at 350 degrees for three hours and finally letting it air cool. The blade measures 6.5 in. and is 10 in. overall.