Advice for woodworker trying bladesmithing?

Going to need an anvil and a good hammer.


Watch all 8 seasons of Forged in Fire.

Tons of videos on u-tube that show you how it can be done.

From the list of tools you posted, it sounds like you have the bare minimum to get started and depending on how large your forge is will determine just how big a blade you can make.

You didn't mention a container for oil quenching, but if making only smaller type blades, it really won't take much of one to get started.

Good luck with your endeavor. I've always found blademaking interesting, but not enough to invest in the tools to do it.

I already have many thousands of dollars in woodworking tools on hand and no room for more hobbies involving even more tools.

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This sword will cut!!

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But will it keeeel?

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You know how it goes....all the ideas - not enough time, space, and money.

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I'm now retired, so I have the time, but being retired and living on a fixed pension will sometimes find me with limited funds to buy good lumber for cabinetmaking, especially in todays market with wood prices through the roof.

My shop is also kind of small with only about 800 sq. ft. of space.

I've made some of my own furniture: a large bookcase, computer desk, entertainment center, china cabinet, sideboard, dining room table, gun cabinet, queen size bed frame with nice headboard and footboard for my stepdaughter, many porch swings, Adirondack chairs, planters, etc.

Also done a good bit of refinishing and restoration for friends and one-off cabinets for customers over the years.

I refaced all my kitchen cabinets a few years ago and used naturally finished cypress and was bored to tears building raised panel doors, making drawer fronts and building face frames for them.

I love the process of creating truly unique things. I LOVE turning and incorporating it into my tables and other smaller items. I hope to turn the handles for the blades and eventually learn the art of blacksmithing to create furniture that is 100% unique and made by me.