After I won Forged in Fire I immediately booked the 2 week ABS class for later this year, I'm very eager to get that one on one instruction from Mike Williams and J.R. Cook.
After the last time I asked questions about sanding blocks I stumbled across something else nice. I haven't done the leather on the sanding block yet as I've done a kiridashi and one failed blade followed by the near completed second try to replace said failed blade so no epoxy mixed up yet. I DID however try using spray adhesive to put leather on my 2x72 platen to curb the weird low spots caused by the taped spot on my higher grit belts. So far that seems to have cured the tape bump. I WILL have epoxy mixed soon as I'm walking my brother through making his first knife and we'll be putting scales on it soon and I will be making a new sanding block with leather on it to accompany the bare steel block.
The platens do get worn in spots. Sometimes you can flip them over and use the other side. Eventually you just have to grind them smooth again. Some folks like to use ceramic glass platen liners to eliminate platen wear.
Allen Newberry This one is just straight up steel that lost the brake pad looking material that covered it not too long ago. I haven't done enough work on it to wear into the steel YET. It's only seen about 3 total months of intermittent use. I think buying cheaper belts off eBay is probably part of why the tape bump is AS pronounced as it is. You can really feel it and it's loud as hell, especially at 400 grit and higher.
Thanks for the info! I’m wanting to get into bladesmithing, but im not sure where (affordable) classes are. I’m living just outside Seattle and I’m 16 years old
Hi Allen!!! I live in Hawaii and would love to start forging blades, do you know of anything in my area? I have not had much luck finding anyone. ( I'm on Oahu) thank you!
That is a tough one. Off hand I can think of Neil Kamimura as a Forged In Fire contestant and knifemaker. I am not sure which island he lives on or if he teaches. But, talking to local makers may be your best bet.
Hey, Ian, I'm in east Aurora - what are you interested in learning? Are you just beginning? Established? Let me know - you can reach me from my website if you're interested; studioQ.com - Allen, great video! You know I teach historic photographic processes (Tintypes) and have had a couple of people in the forge to learn the basics. I tell people the same thing about the historic photographic processes, you can learn it on your own, but it can be a long, lonely, and expensive journey.
cool video! i just took a guy under my "wing" and showing him all i can, he's getting better way faster than i did xD hahah man, what's the forced air forge (round ribbon?) around 3.50?
Are there any near Chicago? I just finished my first knife today, and have been smithing for two months and would love to learn from someone instead of UA-cam. How expensive are classes? I am going to be a sophomore in college so I am strapped for cash at the moment.
Forged in Fire contestant Dustin Rhodes lives a few hours away in Illinois. I’m pretty sure I have heard him mention doing a few classes. If I think of some more I’ll let you know.
Allen Newberry thanks, I will look into that, and the boar spear episode is one of my favorites, you made a beautiful spear. That's my next project and will be my first attempt at forge welding. Its going to be fun and probably frustrating.
After I won Forged in Fire I immediately booked the 2 week ABS class for later this year, I'm very eager to get that one on one instruction from Mike Williams and J.R. Cook.
Those two definitely know how to forge a knife!
Great that you are doing this! Good to see you doing well. I hope you are well!
Thanks! It is nice to hear from you. We are all doing pretty well.
After the last time I asked questions about sanding blocks I stumbled across something else nice. I haven't done the leather on the sanding block yet as I've done a kiridashi and one failed blade followed by the near completed second try to replace said failed blade so no epoxy mixed up yet. I DID however try using spray adhesive to put leather on my 2x72 platen to curb the weird low spots caused by the taped spot on my higher grit belts. So far that seems to have cured the tape bump. I WILL have epoxy mixed soon as I'm walking my brother through making his first knife and we'll be putting scales on it soon and I will be making a new sanding block with leather on it to accompany the bare steel block.
The platens do get worn in spots. Sometimes you can flip them over and use the other side. Eventually you just have to grind them smooth again. Some folks like to use ceramic glass platen liners to eliminate platen wear.
Allen Newberry This one is just straight up steel that lost the brake pad looking material that covered it not too long ago. I haven't done enough work on it to wear into the steel YET. It's only seen about 3 total months of intermittent use. I think buying cheaper belts off eBay is probably part of why the tape bump is AS pronounced as it is. You can really feel it and it's loud as hell, especially at 400 grit and higher.
I live in Florida and was wondering if there were any classes near by
Thanks for the info! I’m wanting to get into bladesmithing, but im not sure where (affordable) classes are. I’m living just outside Seattle and I’m 16 years old
Hi Allen!!! I live in Hawaii and would love to start forging blades, do you know of anything in my area? I have not had much luck finding anyone. ( I'm on Oahu) thank you!
That is a tough one. Off hand I can think of Neil Kamimura as a Forged In Fire contestant and knifemaker. I am not sure which island he lives on or if he teaches. But, talking to local makers may be your best bet.
I’d like to find a class in the Denver, Colorado area. Any ideas? Thanks for posting this up, we all have to start from the beginning
Well my first idea is to go check out the Denver Custom Knife Show this weekend. There may be someone from your area you talk with.
Hey, Ian, I'm in east Aurora - what are you interested in learning? Are you just beginning? Established? Let me know - you can reach me from my website if you're interested; studioQ.com -
Allen, great video! You know I teach historic photographic processes (Tintypes) and have had a couple of people in the forge to learn the basics. I tell people the same thing about the historic photographic processes, you can learn it on your own, but it can be a long, lonely, and expensive journey.
cool video! i just took a guy under my "wing" and showing him all i can, he's getting better way faster than i did xD hahah man, what's the forced air forge (round ribbon?) around 3.50?
Thanks! Sounds like he has a good teacher. The forge is not a ribbon burner it is just forced air. It is a Little Johnny Forge.
;) will take a look at that. thx man and take care ;)
Are there any near Chicago? I just finished my first knife today, and have been smithing for two months and would love to learn from someone instead of UA-cam. How expensive are classes? I am going to be a sophomore in college so I am strapped for cash at the moment.
Forged in Fire contestant Dustin Rhodes lives a few hours away in Illinois. I’m pretty sure I have heard him mention doing a few classes. If I think of some more I’ll let you know.
Allen Newberry thanks, I will look into that, and the boar spear episode is one of my favorites, you made a beautiful spear. That's my next project and will be my first attempt at forge welding. Its going to be fun and probably frustrating.