Old Cup Archives

7/09/2006 "Using somebody else's starting point is a great way to get lost," Mike Blue.

It has been a while since I updated the site so there will be quite few new links that I have accumulated. The reason for my inactivity is that my wife has been fighting cancer for the past five years. She passed away this Spring and it as been a long and difficult period in my life. I am slowly getting back on my feet and hopefully my productivity will come back up to speed and I will be able to devote more time to the web site and writing. I hope to resume teaching and start going to shows again, but I am being cautious with my time and taking small steps. I appreciate your support and community over these past few years, it has given me strength.

R.W. Mack hand forged knives; Don Hanson is doing some beautiful work; Walter Sorrells is doing some fine Japanese style pieces and has an interesting site.

1/21/06 Gray Fighter and Yakuza Bowie II two new additions to the gallery. Work this winter has been focused on refining my lines and developing a greater understanding of the hamon and its characteristics, along with learning to bring out more with the polish. This method of heat treating, more commonly associated with Japanese style blades, is finding a home in my blade work. While some may find it culturally conflicting to use this technique on American styled knives, I would encourage folks to look at the work with fresh eyes. What you are seeing is the visible record of the blade's heat treatment, it is visually compelling and at the same time contains much subtlety. As a maker, it is like painting with crystal. There are almost always surprises because the steel is so responsive to this technique and consequently there is always more to discover. Connoisseurs of Japanese blades have long ago discovered the fascination and appreciation for this technique and have invested in learning its myriad of variations. At this stage in my career, I have opened a new door and am excited by the possibilities.

New Links: Don Hanson is doing some nice work. Dan Gentile posted a new tool for tsuka, handle wrapping. Wayne's Word, an online textbook of Natural History that has a great resource on the toxicology of poisonous plants. Glossary of Ironmaking by the online group Early Iron. There are some good tutorials and information on smithing at How To Metalsmithing. Material Science course with concise definitions and diagrams, good article on annealing. Surplus Center has a good information page on hydraulics with calculators. Leeson Motors has a good motor reference.

There is a lot of new and useful information on the craft posted on the Bladesmith's forum. If you have not joined us yet, please stop by and take a look.

11/22/05 American Bowie II, second in a series of Bowies I am doing with carved handles.

10/21/05 I just posted a Robbin Hudson Damascus Bowie on the Available page. Since I last updated there have been several new knives that I put up DhaChi 2, a collaboration between Wally Hostetter and I and the New American Bowie. I wrote a section on swordmaking in the new book, Blade's Guide to Making Knives edited by Joe Kertzman.

4/2/05 I posted a photo gallery of images from the 2005 Doc Price Hammerin in Plymouth, England.

New Links: Vince Evans, a wonderful smith who has taken the time to learn to reproduce authentically many cultural blades; Dan Pfanenstiel, forum contributor and excellent maker has a new site; Tsukamaki by David McDonald; Blacksmith's Forum.

3/15/05 A short tutorial on Making a Sen; a new piece, Taimu, a Polynesian fighter.

11/21/04 I have a new knife available, E.B. Fighter that features a nice blade and carved ebony handle.

New Links: Saya making tutorial by John Tirado. Dan Gentile has nice drawings of venturi burner design and controller plans. Anthony DiCristofano Japanese style work.

10/03/04 Bill Fiorini is offering Japanese style bladesmithing hammers for sale. They are well made and perfect for the job, highly recommended. Jake Powning posted a good tutorial on Celtic carving, he is doing some exceptional work, check it out. Japanese Sword making process interesting page.

You may have noticed the Click to Pay link from Knife World Books at the top of this page. It is an attempt to recoup some of my costs in offering you this site. While this started out as a hobby, it quickly has gotten to be much more work than I anticipated. If you have found this site useful and would like to support future writing, your support will be most welcome. Thank you.

8/9/04 This past half year has been one I will mark time by and one that has left me with little time to keep up with the web site. Coming back to it, I will catch up on some of the interesting links that I have accumulated in the interim.

3/29/04 I made a stake anvil for forging edges, a handy tool. If you haven't checked out the Available page lately, I just sold a nice Gentleman's knife that raises the form to another level. If you would like to receive an email notice when new knives are posted send me an Email.

This coming weekend is the 16th Batson Bladesmithing Symposium. I hope you can make it.

3/7/04 I have been doing some carving lately and needed a bench the right height to work close up without bending over all the time. My solution for my tight space was a folding jeweler's bench check it out. In a reflective moment I added a new section to the way called Seeing.

New Links: Phil Baldwin has put up a new web site Shining Wave that highlights his work with mokume. Phil is one of the pioneer mokume and Damascus makers in the country, his work is incredible.

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer, a man who works with
his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his
hands and his brain and his heart is an artist." - Louis Nizer
(1902-1994)

2/21/04 I made a new long forge for sword heat treating that is the best so far. It is based on a 55 gal. drum and I posted a gallery at Drum Forge. There have been several great work in progress threads on the forum. Jake Powning created a Viking sword that is exceptional and his latest work establishes Jake as a rising star in bladesmithing. Tai Goo did an Enchanted Blade and documented the whole process in detail, wonderful work. If you have not joined our forum, I encourage you to do so.

New Links: Brazilian swordmaker, Rodrigo Sfreddo posted a Swordmaking gallery on the Brazilian Bladesmith's site. George Witzke has an interesting blacksmithing site.

2/08/04 I have posted a couple of tutorial galleries. The first comes from a day spent in the shop of Alex Daniels, Town Creek, Alabama. The session was on making Lockback Folders. The second is a reposting of a paper done by Matthew Harsh for Northwestern University on The Wootz Process by Richard Furrer. This paper was originally published on the NWU site and when it was taken down, I received permission from Richard Furrer to repost it. Ric also had permission from Matthew to use the information. I thought it was too valuable and have reconstructed the photo gallery on this site. Zoe Crist and Jason Dingledine sent me pictures of the presses that they build and they are found on Press Gallery 5 If you have tips, tools or anything else you think might be of interest send them to me. Thanks.

I have been working on a new style of knife that combines Bowie and Japanese influences. The original design was inspired by Craig Bird, I call the Yakuza Bowies. Ivory Yakuza and Gidgee Yakuza

1/04/04 We are here at the beginning of a new year. I haven't written anything new for the web site, but have been really enjoying the dialog on the forum. We have had some good tutorials posted along with some excellent new work. I am resolved to do more writing this year, but in the meanwhile enjoy some of the fruits from my surfing.

12/04/03 Murad Sayen has published a photo book, Maine, The Home Place, just in time for the holidays. In this collection of beautiful photographs, Murad has captured and expressed a special view of this unique and rugged place. I found myself thinking as I studied each image that there was something more, something beneath the foliage that spoke of roots. Maine is familiar to us all as Americans because it symbolizes our heritage. While Murad is not a Mainer by birth, he has found his roots and shared his vision. I highly recommend this book.

9/18/03 I added new sword images, Macadamia Wakisashi and a new Gidgee Shiv shows the evolution of the shiv into a clean integral.

9/5/03 Sorry for the long spell between updates, but the Forum has occupied me lately. It is a great source for information and comaraderie. There are some new additions to the web site. I posted a photo gallery on an interesting tool, the parser used for inlay. Also another photo gallery showing some of the steps to making a forged intregal shiv. There are a couple of new Tips: the magnetic blower flap and Babbit pouring tips by Ben Parker. I posted some knife pictures: Cloud Bowie, Shoals Bowie, and Samuri Skinner.

4/28/03 I created a new Bladesmith's Forum and it has become the focal point for the web site over the past few weeks. If you haven't checked it out please stop by. I have donated a sword for the ABS Auction to be held at the Blade Show in Atlanta June 13, 2003. We are accepting online bids for the pieces offered, the highest bid will start the auction at the show. For more images of the sword go to Dha-Chi.

New Links: Ikkyudo, Japanese work; a source for Ho wood for saya; Frugal Machinist, interesting articles on toolmaking and casting; Precious Metal Inlay, an article by engraver Francolini; Steve Corkum, a tactical knifemaker with martial arts background.

3/03/03 I posted a new series of photo galleries covering the making a tsuba, shitodomi and tying the knot on a sword handle. Also a photo series covering the stages of building a Bowie from the forged blade to finished knife.

New Links: The Canadian Blacksmith's association is having their conference CANIRON 7/10-13/03. Patrick Giacobbe, sword polisher. A tip from Tai Goo, the animated Turkshead knot. Viking site nicely done. The WayBack Machine is an internet archive and repository of old sites and information. If the link is broken check the WayBack and it probably will still be there. Electricity in the Workshop useful site that covers wiring motors and more. Steve Lindsay Engraving truly amazing work. The Backyard Metal Casting site has lots of useful information of building forges, burners, casting etc. A new process using household microwave, Microwave Casting, by David Reid.

12/14/02 I just posted a gallery of images of a Long Heat Treating Forge that I built for hardening swords based on a design by "Doc" Price.

Swordmaking class to be held at the ABS school in Hope, AR February 3-7, 2003. Chuck Patrick and I will be teaching basic sword making. Enrollment is limited so if you are interested contact the school as soon as possible. SouthEastern Heaters has put together a controller package for those who want to build a high temperature salt pot.

10/02/02 I will also be demonstrating at the Ocmulgee Blacksmith's Guild's 8th Annual Bladesmith's Hammer In, October 5-6, 2002 in Macon, GA. If you have never attended a hammerin before it is a fun way to learn about knives and knifemaking, an opportunity to meet the makers and network with others who are interested in the craft and maybe pick up some great knives for your collection.

Links: Dan Morris of Old World Anvils is a good resource for anvils, tools and fly presses.

9/24/02 I am getting ready to go to the New York Blade Forging and Knife Symposium. It should be a great hammerin with top makers coming in from all over the country for this event. Saturday will be mostly a knife show so if you can make it, please stop by and enjoy yourself.

Moveable platen attachment now being offered by suppliers is a novel approach to flat grinding.

9/12/02 Available a new Utility Shiv. I really like these knives. They are a handy size and are meant to be used. Check it out.

New links: Daniel O'Connor has a new article on building a Charcoal Retort This is a very efficient method for making charcoal. While you are there read his article on building a Japanese Box Bellows I have to have one of these. Mugen Dachi Co. is selling tatami omote for tameshigiri.

9/5/02 New carved tanto for your viewing pleasure. I posted some Utility Shivs and they went very quickly. If you would be interested in getting advanced notice when new knives are available send me an email and I will add your name.

Jim Kelso just sent me an image of an amazing new box the Evening Moth he just created. Check it out. Tim Lively has a new video out Knifemaking Unplugged it is 2 hours packed with instruction and tips on how to build a simple charcoal forge, forge and heat treat a blade and make the handle and fittings all without expensive tools or electricity.

I will be demonstrating in the Northeast at the New York Blade Forging and Knife Exposition, September 26-29, 2002 in Albany, NY. It will feature some great demonstrations and a custom knife show on Saturday. Please come and visit us.

I will also be demonstrating at the Ocmulgee Blacksmith's Guild's 8th Annual Bladesmith's Hammer In, October 5-6, 2002 in Macon, GA. If you have never attended a hammerin before it is a fun way to learn about knives and knifemaking, an opportunity to meet the makers and network with others who are interested in the craft and maybe pick up some great knives for your collection.

Jonathan Loose has posted an interesting article on mokume. Dan Morris of Old World Anvils is offering anvils, tooling and supplies that are of interest. There is a new video series called The Gaijin's Guide to Polishing that are very informative and an excellent introduction to polishing using readily available materials and tools, excellent series. Crucible Damascus Steel by Anna Feuerbach covers information she developed on the subject for her doctoral thesis, very well done and informative. Online Metals is a resource site for materials both ferrous and non ferrous. I found an interesting and informative site How to Make Springs that is very informative. A really well done web site for blacksmith/artist Jeff Fetty also has some interesting images of tools and power hammers.

8/4/02 I have new knives Available a new Shivark, a camp knife by Jimmy Fikes and a katana. Please check them out. If you would like to receive advanced notice when new knives are available send me an Email

It has been a busy time around here and I haven't had the time to write anything new for the web site in a while. I apologize for not keeping up with it better, but it is labor of love and doesn't pay the rent. If you have articles, tips, links or information that you think would be appropriate send it along. I could use the help. Hope you are having a good summer.

7/9/02 New Available knife is a variation on the Shiv called a Shivark, Shiv with a shark fin. William Cottrell has shared pictures of his new double press configuration, check it out at Press Gallery 4

New Links: Euro Anvils offering European style anvils made in USA. Joe Walters, Moonlit Forge, making Japanese style blades.

New Links: I was introduced to Janel Jacobson through our mutual friend, Jim Kelso. She does exceptional carvings in wood and organic materials. Norwegian knifemaker and friend, Harald Selevold, has a new web site. John Tirado does wonderful saya work check it out. Brownell's, a gunsmithing and knifemaking supplier has a web site. They carry top quality tools and supplies and the only source for many things.

5/20/02 I am pleased to offer five knives of exceptional quality from Dr. Fred Carter Available Rare Pieces Check out these classic knives.

Tommy McNabb's Hydraulic Presses compact, powerful and well made. Rex Price's Hybrid Burners new venturi burner designs. Australian bladesmith, Barry Gardner, has a new website with some nice knives. William Latham, sword polisher. Gilmer Wood's for fine handle materials has serving knifemakers for decades. From Wes Byrd, a link to Congress polishing stones. A Brief History of Martensite an interesting article. A good article on heat treatment at Three Planes. And last, just to give you a different slant on how you have actually just spent your time, A Psychology of Cyberspace, a free Ebook by John Suler, Ph.D.

4/1/02 Rare Pieces an online auction of rare Kemal and Kelso-Mills knives. These are exceptional knives and rarely are offered for sale. Explore the web pages I created for them and place your bid.

Jacob Powning doing beautiful Celtic and Norse work, check it out. Jonathan Loose has posted a good article on salt tanks. Another good site for Tips is Bob Warner's. Dellana the Queen of American custom knives has a new site to showcase her jewels, check it out. David Schlueter is making Japanese style swords, nice work.

Don't forget Batson's Bladesmithing Symposium is this weekend at Tannehill State Park in McCalla, AL. Ya'll come down and join us.

2/10/02 Rob Hudson has posted a beautiful Damascus fighter for sale. Rob's waiting list is years long so if you want to acquire a classic of American handmade knives this is a wonderful opportunity.

Coming Soon I will be privileged to offer two truly museum quality pieces from Kemal These are knives that are rarely are traded and are significant in the history of custom knives in America. I have also been selected to offer another piece, a classic tanto by Jim Kelso and Louis Mills. They are exceptional pieces from a private collection that can not be duplicated and are very rare.

If you would like to receive advanced notice when these knives will be posted for sale please email me with your name and address. I am excited to have the opportunity to offer this work.

I have been working with a new style of knife I am calling Gentlemen's Knives They are a departure from bar stock knives and have a nice look and feel to them.

Steve Lindsay Engraving, an amazing engraver; Daniel O'Connor has posted an good article on building a charcoal forge and Japanese style bellows; Kevin Cashen a wonderful young sword smith and I just discovered an interesting article on salt baths that he posted on his site; Ivan Campos one of the driving forces in Brazilian custom knives has a new site. The North Carolina Knifemaker's Guild has posted the schedule of classes for 2002.

1/14/02 This summer I had a chance to visit my old friend Louis Mills and watch him make steel in his forge. I finally got around to writing it up and think you will enjoy it. Making Steel with Louis Mills

Kaj Embertsen has a new web site address, check it out. Michael Bell has a new web address. Also, I like Wildlife Photo Net a site with lots of digital photography information and wonderful photographs.

12/23/01 I am saddened to say the Margaret Moran passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Her funeral will be held on Thursday morning. For details go to the ABS site

It has been a long time since I have worked on the site and I apologize for the lag. I added a new page to The Way called Truth, some more reflections. I also posted a new knife Texan.

Blades International is a new online magazine published by Bud Lang, former editor of Knives Illustrated.
Mel Pardue has a new web site, check it out.
Digital Camera Views is an interesting new DC site that I like.

9/13/01 The sword class at Montgomery College, Troy, N.C. has been cancelled. I apologize for any inconvenience.

7/29/01 "When the final design seems too simple for the amount of work you've put in, then you know you're done" - Brady Clark

I have posted a new short sword/dagger in my gallery, New Viking, check it out. I am also including a slideshow of images that I took during the construction of this piece. It is not complete, but you might it interesting go to Construction. New links: Patrick Hastings, making nice fittings. Moorcat's Link Library good source point. Metallurgy FAQ V 1.0 by Drake H. Damerau metalworking info.

7/4/01 I am pleased to be a new affiliate with Knife World Books. Knife World publishes and distributes many books on custom knifemaking, collecting as well as books on antique knives and factory collectibles. Please follow the link to explore their complete listings. I have folded their offerings into my bookstore and the selections from Amazon.

A new Tip for holding onto a sharp blade while polishing. I will be demonstrating at the first Scagel Blade Forging and Knife Exhibition, Fruitport, MI. August 24-26, 2001. This is a brand new hammerin in this area and we invite you all to come visit. There will also be a tour of Scagel's shop as a highlight.

Links: new knifemaker sites; Tom McGuane, Len Landrum, and swordmaker, Peter Farquhar. I found a good site on Sharpening with some useful information and tips. Of the subject, but a very interesting site for lots of reasons Becoming Human covers archeology in a rich media format.

6/19/01 Time goes by...I will be teaching a class at Montgomery College, Troy, NC September 14-16, 2001 titled "The Secrets of Swordmaking." It will cover the basics of forging, grinding, heat treating and finishing a sword blade. I believe Tommy McNabb was a bit optimistic, but I will give it a try. There are still spaces available so if you are interested go to the North Carolina Knifemakers Guild site. Also check my Shows page for a listing of the other classes and hammerins this year.

Steve Bloom, Iron Flower Forge, sent me a neat tip for clamping up handles Tips 7 and while we are on clamping Dave Goldberg, Gold Mountain Forge, is selling a neat looking sword vise that appears to be very versatile.

Ventura Metal in Ventura, CA has a supply of A-2, D-2, O-1 and W-1 in both round and flat stock that they are cleaning out of their inventories AT COST. Anyone interested in seeing a list should email Dean and he will gladly email it to you.

In response to the popularity of the Bladesmith Locator I am adding a Bladesmithing Forum to the site. It is hosted so there will be a way to interact with each other and as a place to post questions and answers. Hopefully it won't get too out of hand, but I would appreciate all the help I can get.

That said, I want to thank those of you who have been so generous in contributing via Amazon to the support of this site. It has been a really motivator for me and is helping to defer the costs involved in keeping this site going. Thanks, I really appreciate it.

5/23/01 New press photos in Press Gallery 3 There will be a workshop in Japanese knifemaking and chisel making taught by two Japanese smiths August 5-12, 2001 Hiraide America for details. Richard Furrer has pictures of his Wootz making process. Susan Sarantos hosts a MetalCyberSpace site with many links. The National Ornamental Metals Museum in Memphis, TN is hosting a new exhibit, A Double Edged Weapon: The Sword as Icon and Artifact with sword forging demonstrations. They are showing highlights from the Higgins Armory.

3/25/01 I apologize to those of you who had expected to see me at the shows and hammerins this winter. I have had to cut back my schedule due to an illness in the family. I am working though and to that end I have posted an

knife for sale for images go to MokTanto If you would like to receive notice when knives are posted on the Available page email me and I will put your name on the list. I posted a Stag Bowie last week that has classic lines.

For those of you who receive email notice of updates, I was temporarily unable to send out to the list because of a problem with the latest security update from Microsoft. In an effort to patch leaks, they completely removed any functionality to their popular Outlook program. If you have the SR1 stay with it and don't upgrade. This has had a happy consequence in that I have found a new email program Calypso that is fast, simple and cheap. Goodbye Microsoft.

Jeff Carlisle has started back up production of the Imagination Xpress after a short readjustment in personnel. I am waiting on new pictures and will post them when they arrive. Jeff is also carrying powdered metals as well as steel and materials for knifemakers.

The Batson Bladesmithing Symposium is right around the corner and master Steve Schwarzer is going to show everyone how to work with powdered metals. It is going to be a packed weekend so if you can make come on down.

My friend, Tommy McNabb, got us in an online article on swordmaking at HowStuffWorks.com It is generating lots of email and I would please ask you to read through my site and look over the links before you write me. Thanks.

10/6/97 I just returned from a teaching tour in North Carolina that culminated in a one week hands on class at the J.C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. I had twelve students and the objective was to forge, shape and harden a katana during the week. If I had given it a moments thought, I would have never have attempted it, but with the help of Chuck Patrick and a class of wonderful smiths, we were successful. Click on the link for the notes on sword forging

10/12/97 The Way of Bladesmithing. Making knives is more than manufacturing an object. It is more than a means of creative expression. It is a path, a way through life and if you are interested, follow the link. This will be slowly formed and is definitely under construction.

11/17/97 High Temp Salt Pot page describing how to build a salt heat treating forge, also I am beginning a new page on Grinding

12/5/97 Finally got back to the site and tried to make it faster and more uniform. I learning as I go, anyway added more text to the Grinding page and some new links. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything you read here, please email. Your feedback is helpful.

12/17/97 More work on the Grinding. There was a new hunter available, but it is sold. I have upgraded to FrontPage 98 and added some page menu bars and other goodies to help unify the site. I received some nice email about the site and appreciate the comments. Thank you.

12/25/97 Ideals: The Way. I have been spending time reworking the site and trying to make it a more uniform interface with faster downloads. This takes time, but felt it was necessary. I will be getting back to content now, but would appreciate your feedback. If there is something that you would like for me to include or change let me know. I also appreciate all the positive feedback you have sent, thank you.

1/1/98 A new year and one day closer to the millenium. I have added a link to Bob Engnath's web site. It is chockfull of valuable information. Bob is one of the most prolific grinders in the business and a first class gentleman and teacher. I have also added a section to the Way on Perfection. Here's wishing you have a new year full of peace and happiness.

1/5/98 Just finished a piece for the upcoming exhibition at the Craft Alliance show and it was a good way to start out the year. I only have a poor digital image, but check it out at the Shows page highlighted above. I am slowing bringing my 1998 year into focus and will be updating the shows page in the next few weeks. The dates are set for the 10th annual Batson's Hammerin and also my sword forging class at JC Campbell. I have begun a page on hardening, but it not completed. I have also added a new blade to my favorites page Enso.

1/6/98 Just added a new page Shop Tips with some little ideas that can make work easier. I want to add to this page and would appreciate any tips that you have that might be useful to others so let me have them.

1/12/98 New "Life and Death Dagger" collaboration between myself and Jim Kelso. Blade was featured at the Art Knife Invitational Show in San Diego, cover photo. This is a unique piece check it out.

1/13/98 New image of an iron tsuba currently on display at the Craft Alliance show in St. Louis, MO

1/14/98 New tip includes Bader spring by Howard Clark. Broke up Sword Forging notes into two pages for faster download. Not much else, been busy, but more to come.

1/24/98 More on heat treating. This is a huge subject and I sometime feel like I have taken a big bite trying to cover this topic, but I will do my best to keep it simple and still cover what is necessary.

1/28/98 Been a little busy here, but did add a little more to the Creative Process. Will try to do better with the content next week.

2/1/98 More on Heat Treating. A little more on Creative Process, I have also started a new Shop Tips page. I appreciate the feedback I have been getting on the site, thanks. I am amazed by the following this site has developed and hope to make it worth your while. Thanks for stopping by.

2/11/98 I have had much time other than to clean up pages, but did add to heat treating, a new mosaic by Barry Gallagher, and cleaned up Handmade knives section. The ECCKS show in New York is coming up and it has been hectic here getting ready. Thank you for check in, I will try to make it worth your while stopping by. Any suggestions or tips are welcome. Drop me an email and let me know what you would like to see on the site. Thanks.

2/14/98 I have created a new page for information on the Imagination Xpress and available die sets. There are drawings of the basic dies that are used on the press. I am waiting for a photo of the press, but you can get a look at one on the Hydraulic Press page.

2/16/98 My friend, Randal Graham has just set up his web page. Randal is a swordsmith who has been forging European style weapons and just recently got into Japanese blades. His grandfather was a frontier bladesmith in Canada and Randal grew up learning from an old master. He is knowledgable, dedicated and a rising star in swordsmithing. Check him out.

3/3/98 More on the Damascus page including a fresh page on Contrasting Steels. I am getting ready to head to New York for the East Coast Custom Knife Show on March 13-15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Manhattan. If you are in the area please come by the show and say hello.

3/5/98 I accidentally deleted an email that asked if you could make a living making knives. My answer is posted on Right Livelihood. I have also included a new tip for doing blind tangs, the blind tang saw. I am also posting a digital photo of a blade I just finished for the show the Feather Fighter. Don't be shy about writing to me, I enjoy the feedback and would appreciate any tips or information you might want to share.

3/18/98 Back from the NY show and recovering. Hopefully, I will be able to get back to working on the site in the next few days. I have a new sculptural piece available for sale at Available and intend to offer more knives via the site in the next couple of weeks. If you would like to be notified when pieces are available for immediate sale please email me and I will add you to the list dfogg@dfoggknives.com

4/3/98 Batson's 10 Annual Hammerin was a success. I didn't get any still photos, but am hoping to have some videos of the various demonstrations for sale in the coming weeks via the Alabama Forge Council and Tommy Having, photographer. I will post them when I do. Also I have a new hunter available, check it out. I plan to get back to the writing soon so keep checking back. Let me know if there are articles you would like to see included. Check out the latest issue of Blade magazine for a profile on yours truly. Thanks.

5/1/98 I have quite a busy month last month and wasn't able to add to the site as I had hoped. Part of my time was spent attending a workshop featuring three Japanese craftsmen including a swordsmith Enomoto Sadahito. I have begun a series of notes taken from that workshop listed under Workshop and the first page covers the forging and clay coating of the sword. Howard Clark has his web site up and running now and I encourage you to check it out at www.mvforge.com. Also there is a better photo of the Seven Year Sickle by Barry Gallagher. I hope to be getting back to my regular routine over the next few weeks so keep checking back. Thanks.

5/10/98 Another page completing my observations at the Japanese workshop at LaCrosse. This page discusses the heat treatment shown and can be found at Workshop Page 2 June is going to be a busy month for smiths. The Blade show in Atlanta is coming right up June 12-14 and will be followed the next week by the ABANA conference in Asheville, NC June 17-20. The ABANA conference will feature blacksmiths and bladesmith from all over the world and promises to be a special event. I will be working with Jim Batson to demonstrate the hydraulic forging press. Jim is also going to do a blade forging demonstration. Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you at the upcoming events.

5/11/98 I added more to the Contrasting Steels page including a beginning section on etching. I also have a knife photo for the link to Darrel Ralph's page a beauty he calls Diablo, check it out. Life is good.

5/15/98 There is a new item for sale under available, Sober Sticks, a self defense weapon. This isn't technically a knife, but it sure is handy. There are two new links, George Dailey and Chantal Gilbert. George's page is done by Brian J. Bonislawsky - Astigma. He also did the Magnus site, nice layout, fast and graphically interesing. Chantal is a wonderful Canadian knifemaker that I first saw in Paris, she has a jewellry background and her work is flowing and beautiful. If you have suggestions for my site please let me know. I appreciate your visiting, since December this site has had 338,641 hits, 78,000 in April alone.Thank you for stopping by, if there is anyway I can improve the site or content please let me know.

6/11/98 The Blade show in Atlanta is this weekend. If you are in the area please come by, it is an event and the industries trade show. For more information call the number listed on my shows page. I have let the site take a back seat to work lately and I apologize for it, but intend to get back to the writing after the ABANA conference. Ron Reil has a nice page up on forge construction. He builds and elegant venturi forge and burner. Worth a look.

6/15/98 I just returned from the Blade show and have to say it was the biggest and best ever. It has truly become the trade show for the cutlery industry both custom and commerical. While at the show I had the good fortune to meet Richard Smith of Smith Abrasives and got to talk about sharpening and edges. I just have time to catch my breath before heading out for the ABANA conference in Asheville, NC. If you have an opportunity to attend the conference, it will be worth the trip. There are demonstrations from some of the best smiths in the world.

6/24/98 Back from the ABANA 1998 Conference and have posted a look at the hot working craft from my vantage point. I also took an extra day off and drove up to see the Mokume exhibit at the National Ornamental Metals Museum in Memphis. It was a beautiful collection of varied pieces by some of the best metalsmiths in the country. I am still get my rhythm back from all the events of the past few weeks, but will be adding more when time allows.

6/25/98 More on the ABANA 1998 Conference2. This includes some photos and reporting.

7/7/98 It has been a busy spring for me and much of it has taken me from the shop. I am settling down for a spell and hope to get back to regular additions to the site. Tonight I added a bit to Fire including a graphic from Phillip Sugden a graphite artist who travels regularly to Tibet to draw on location. His work is wonderful and enchanting. I also added a bit to the heat treating page covering testing of blades.

7/18/98 I have two new items on Available First, are laser cut pierced iron tsuba ready for finishing. Next I have an early boot dagger made in 1988 and offered for resale. I also have a new image of a camp knife set on Hunters page.

7/22/98 Posted more of the tsuba blanks and got them a bit more organized. These are a good start to making a nice tsuba check them out. Also posted a new tip from Carl Soderstrom for dampening a ringing anvil. The heat index in Iowa this week was 138F, watch yourself forging this summer.

7/24/98 Jose de Braga has a web site up now and has some amazing knives and swords. I encourage you to check it out. Jose is famous for his Highlander sword, but has a wide range of talents, a must see.

9/2/98 I added a new tip for a neat, cheap blade vise on Tips. I have also added some more on daggers on Grinding Daggers. I will be attending the Southeastern Custom Knife Show in Winston-Salem, NC September 12-13 and hope to see some of you there.

9/6/98 I have been trying to clean up the format of the site and make it easier to navigate. There are problem areas that I still need to work on, but hopefully it will be a more pleasant interface. Let me know if you find any problems. Thanks and have a nice labor day.

9/9/98 The Forum is up and running and I hope that it will become a useful gathering point for us. I am going to try and reinstall the previous messages, but for now we have a fresh slate. Please jump in. Watch out for the menu buttons at the bottom of my pages, I still haven't figured out how to configure them and for now it will be safer to us the back button or the sidebar menu to get around. I will clean it up after I get back from the South Eastern Custom Knife Show which is this weekend in Winston-Salem, NC. If you are in the area come on by and say hello.

9/19/98 Ah the wonderful world of computers, I have been down because of a misalignment of electrons and am only able to update now by going directly to my server which is very slow. I hope to correct this soon, but until then not much new. The NC show was fun, some new makers from South Africa showed up with nice looking knives and some interesting handle material including giraffe bone and red bush burled wood, tipped over by elephants. For more information contact Nico Bernard.

Mosiac master and leader of the gang, Steve Schwarzer now has a web site check out the beautiful knives etc. and tell Steve Don sent you.

9/27/98 I have been locked out of my site due to problems with setting up the Forum. I had to remove the Forum and I regret that, but now at least I can get back to working on the site. Sorry for the inconvenience.

9/28/98 OK found a way to put the forum back and not have the update headaches. If you discover a problem with the site please let me know, I know there are some loose ends out there after this go round.

On a lighter side, if you like to listen to music while you are surfing check out Spinner.com You can select from a wide catagory list and then listen to some good music while you surf. It is a good place to hear music you can't get from the radio. If you like the song, you can pull up a profile of the artist and buy the album.

10/4/98 I have had to cut back on my show schedule and will not be attending the New York Custom Knife show this November. My next show will be the East Coast Custom Knife Show in New York in March of 1999. For those of you interested in swords, there is an active forum going on that is really well done. Check it out at www.swordforum.com I have added more to the dagger construction pages check it out at Quillions

10/10/98 Tinkering with the site again, mostly working on the navigation. Next weekend I head up to the mountains for the JC Campbell class and will pack my digital camera and give you a report when I return.

10/17/98 I will be off line for the next week starting tomorrow. If you have bladesmithing questions please post them to the Forum We are fortunate to have some really talented smiths who check the forum and are kind enough to help. Please take advantage of it, I can't answer all the questions via email and your question might benefit others. See you in a week.

12/26/98 Finally got back on line again, sorry for the shut down. Added a page on this fall's JC Campbell sword class 1998, with photos of some Japanese style hammers that really work well. Photos of a new Damascus sword I call "Oldbone" check it out.

12/28/98 I need to work out some of the navigation bugs, so if you run into problems let me know. Thanks.

1/9/99 Daryl Meier has a new web site that features his steel and memorable projects. Check it out. There is a new photo of my fullering tool on Shop Tips page 4. Also I am trying out another forums page on a public server, please stop by and join in at www.delphi.com/Bladesmithing

1/17/99 Textured titanium folder offered for sale at Available check it out. The American Bladesmith Society has a new address please note the change. I am making the switch to the Delphi forum address. It will give us more flexibility that the current forum and hopefully be of more use. Just click on the Forum hyperlinks. I am also happy to announce that this site has won the 1998 IKD Sharp Site award.

2/7/99 New dagger, Chung Kuo, check it out. The new Forum is going well and I encourage you to come and post questions or tips. The NY show is right around the corner and I am busy getting prepared for that. I will post previews as they are finished. If you can make it, please come to the show and say Hi. It will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Times Square March 12-14, 1999. Check my Shows page for more information.

2/8/99 I added a couple of pages showing the grooving tool and clean up. Check it out at Fullers. Also, there is a page showing how to make the hole for a blind tang knife at Handle Fitting

2/10/99 My mail server has been experiencing problems and you might receive an error message trying to email me. Sorry for the problem, they are working on it and I will be back as soon as they get it fixed. In the meantime, if you need to contact me use the Forum. Thanks

2/13/99 I treated myself and made something completely different. Check out the Time Out Bell.

3/6/99 The NY show is coming up next weekend. If you can come to the show it will be held at the Crowne Plaza hotel Times Square. Please stop by and say hello. For a preview, check out Wuwei, a carbon steel dagger that I will have for sale at the show. Look forward to seeing you.

3/7/98 Added a new page to the links section, Technical Links It will contain pages out there that are interesting for the content.

4/4/99 Happy Easter! I have had to take a break from the updates due to heavy work schedule. I am also beginning to work on a book and hope to have something in print by the end of the year. I will be self publishing and offer it for sale via the site. I will keep you posted. This week, I have only had time to update my links pages and have include some new sites of interested including some archeological metal sites with good source info.

The eleventh annual Batson's Bladesmithing Symposium at Tannehill, AL is coming up next weekend. The feature demonstrators is all star and will feature William Fiorini, Michael Bell, Daryl Meier, Rob Hudson, Steve Schwarzer, Don Hethcoat, Joe Cordova, Alex Daniels, Keith Kilby, Kirsten Skiles, Ed Halligan, Chuck Patrick, Ed Small, B.R. Hughes. This is going to be one of the most exciting hammerins we have ever had and encourage you to come. For more information contact Robby Armstrong 1-256-539-3975

I will be teaching a week long class on Damascus making at Montgomery College, Troy, NC August 16-20,1999.

4/27/99 I have been away from the web site for some time now, but appreciate your checking for updates. I intend to get back to the writing this spring, but have been busy in the real world and not had the juice for afterhours work. The Bladesmiths Forum has a new home. After an trial on the Delphi networks, it was obvious that we needed a faster, cleaner site to host the forum. Adrian Ko of SwordForum Magazine graciously offered to host a bladesmithing site for us. His magazine is really well done and attacts a lot of folks to his forum on swords. Please drop by and check out the new forum and the magazine, I am sure you will like it.

Congratulations go out to Daryl Meier for being honored with ABANA's highest achievement award the Alex Bealer Award this year. It was presented at the Bladesmithing symposium and richly deserved. Daryl is one of the foundations of the current movement in metalworking and many of us can trace our development through his generous and knowledgeable teaching.

I am getting some photos of the symposium together and will put up a page as soon as I can. Be Happy.

5/9/99 I got some photos of Michael Bell's demonstration at the 1999 Batson's Bladesmithing Symposium from Tim Potier and have posted them. If you have photos from the hammerin send them along and I will put them up on the site for others to see. I have also added some new links to the Technical Links page including an interesting page showing a dog head hammer. This is the cutler's hammer that we used at the Folk school and is perfect for forging blades. I have been working hard and hope to have some photos of my new work posted soon. Stay focused.

5/15/99 The Bladesmith's Cafe is becoming a good place to visit. If you have any bladesmithing questions or would like to hang out please stop by. In response to a question from the Cafe, I posted a quick page with photos of a venturi burner that has good adjustment for the air flow.

5/27/99 Murad Sayen and I just finished the Bear Dagger and hope you will take a look. The Blade Show is right around the corner and folks are busy getting ready for it. If you have the time, the show is the only real trade show for the knife industry and there is something for everyone. It will be at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, GA June 10-13, 1999 for more information call 1-715-445-2214. Hope to see you there.

5/31/99 I took the holiday to do some more work on The Way. I have started a new page called Self that looks at ego and self development. I am also rewriting the Vibrations page. Memorial day is a time to remember and honor those who have made our lives possible. Thank you.

6/2/99 The summer issue of Sword Forum Magazine is on line and it is a really good issue. Coverage of Batson's hammerin, features by yours truly, Rob Hudson, Rick Furrer, Howard Clark, sword testing, forging by Randal Graham and much, much more. Check it out, you will not be disappointed. I have added some links to the technical page, one in particular, Metal Suppliers Directory is a very complete source for materials, tools, etc. It would take years to put this list together on your own.

7/4/99 Happy 4th of July! I have taken some time off, but am back at the site again and hope to continue with the updates more regularly now. This time around, I have finally updated the links pages and added some new sites to the technical page. My old friend and partner, Murad Sayen, has a new site up that features photography, writing and philosophy, please check out ShadowChasers

8/10/99 It has been a while since I have had a chance to get back to the site. Sorry about that, call it summer doldrums. Next week I will be teaching a class on Damascus at Montgomery College in Troy, NC. They have set up a new program of mini classes on knifemaking and are bringing in some good instructors, check out their offerings via the North Carolina Knifemakers Guild site. On my recommended reading list this summer is Art and Fear It deals with the problems all artist confront in doing their work and gives comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Richard Furrer sent me a useful link for building your own 3 phase generators and it has a place on my technical links page. If you have a link that you think others might find useful, please send it along. Stay cool

9/6/99 I am posting a Viking Dagger by Rob Hudson that is available for immediate delivery. Summer is nearly over and the cool weather will be coming soon. Hopefully I can get back to regular updates on the site. If you have any suggestions or would like to see something that I haven't covered please email me. Thanks and enjoy.

9/14/99 I picked up a bladesmithing anvil at the hammerin last weekend. It was made by Chuck Robinson and he has a limited number of them for sale, check it out at my new page The Tool Store This is a new page and I hope to expand it by offering tools, equipment and supplies that being made and offered by other bladesmiths and supporting suppliers. In the near future, I expect to post cutlers hammers and salt pot heat treating forges so check back.

9/15/99 I have a tanto available in shira saya, check it out at Available knives and also a new image of a Damascus tanto with Macadamia handle. There is a tip from Jim Steele for drilling Antler scales I have also added a bunch of new links and technical links including a great iron making project site

9/25/99 I am off to J.C. Campbell Folk School for the sword class. If you have a question please check with the forum at the Bladesmith's Cafe for immediate answers. I am taking my camera and hope to have some photos to post when I get back. Enjoy.

10/24/99 Some reflections on Life and a few pages for my good friend Jim Kelso check out his beautiful metal work and carving.

10/29/99 In response to a number of recent emails asking how one gets started making knives, I have posted a new page with links to the various schools offering classes and other information. Check out Getting Started

10/30/99 It was a treat for me this morning to receive the url for Griffe Griffiths Griffe is the man who started my interest in metal work. His creations in copper and brass have a magical quality that makes them seem alive with energy. He is also my good friend. I encourage you to visit his site and take the tour.

10/31/99 I have posted a photo of the Blue Bowie A Bowie with blue fossil walrus ivory handle.

11/08/99 I have posted a source for Japanese polishing stones on the Tool Store offered by swordmaker, Rick Barrett. Plus, a new tip for holding handles for carving off the knife, the handle gripper.

11/14/99 Neo Tribal Master Tai Goo and his ForgeBQ Tai is using a washtub full of wood ash for a forge and is burning charcoal now. I tried to post this on the Cafe but am not literate enough to figure it out.

12/1/99 I just posted a newly finished tanto at Osaruku I had a chance to use the new synthetic jizuya stones offered by Rick Barrett and they make an wonderful difference in the final polish on the Japanese style blades. You can get them direct from Rick at the Tool Store

12/5/99 I got motivated and changed the look of the site. It is amazing how old things get to look in this fast pace age we live in. I did add a new shop tip, the Fold Up Bench Top It is a simple idea, but has taken care of an annoyance for me and you might find it helpful. It you have any good shop tips send them along.

12/8/99 I have posted a page on building a Charcoal Forge by Tim Lively This is a really neat forge and worth looking at. In my upgrading the site, I created a new category called Short Swords and posted two new images of carbon steel swords. They are nice check them out.

12/14/99 I just received a tip that Stone's Glossary of Arms and Armour will be reprinted and available in January. This is a must have reference for any knifemaker's library. I have posted several other additions to the bookstore and hope you will indulge yourself this Christmas. Enjoy.

12/17/99 I corrected the broken links to the bookstore, sorry about that. Also, if you like The Way on my site, you will enjoy an article by Dick Lehmnan about a Japanese potter, Shiho Kanzaki, posted in the online edition of Ceramic Art and Perception, 1998, issue #32.

12/29/99 There is a new knife for sale a Gentleman's Utility and it is posted also on the Available page. If you would like to be notified when a knife is offered for sale please use the Feedback form to contact me.

1/7/00 Another Gentleman's knife, I am calling it a Gentleman's Desk Knife, but could be a traveling knife or utility. It is available on a first come, first serve basis, please follow the hyperlink for the picture and details. There is also another image on the Available page with links. Thanks.

1/8/00 That date still looks odd to me, but anyway. A new Tip sent in by Tim Potier for a Straightening Jig.

1/11/2000 My friend and fellow swordsmith, Randal Graham, has his web site up again after his move, check it out.

1/16/2000 I have started to get some feedback from folks who have problems viewing the site. The web is a weird medium and I will correct problems if possible when I hear of them. Please let me know if you experience any difficulties in viewing or using this site. Be sure to tell me what browser and version you are using and what resolution. I have added a page on Water Hardening written by Randal Graham for the Bladesmith's Cafe It was so well done that I wanted to make it an addition to the heat treating section. Randal has also written more articles for Sword Forum Magazine and they are well done and a must read. I am adding a new page called Bladesmithing Highlights where I will feature cutting edge work by other Bladesmiths. This week's feature is by Ed Schempp Ed is doing some amazing work with mosaic Damascus, check it out. I have also added a link to KoKa Metalsmiths on the Tool Store. This is Bill Fiorini's site and he offers hammers, chasing tools and more.

1/29/2000 I found an interesting site, The Model Engineer and while not directly knife related, it is about making model steam engines, it is a wonderful resource with some great tips on machining etc. I think you will find it interesting and is representative of what the web can be. The powers that be are herding us up and funneling us down the commercial chutes. The search engines are selling placements now and it won't be long before this will be turned into a TV like wasteland. This site is what I think the web can be all about and hope you will agree. For those hard to find bladesmithing steels check out Hy Alloy Steels Jeff Carlisle is carrying steels and refractory supplies for bladesmiths. I have also posted some blades by Louis Mills that are available for immediate purchase. They represent beautiful work by one of this countries finest Japanese style bladesmiths. Enjoy Super Sunday.

2/6/2000 I have indulged in some reflections on Winter which I will share. From the email I receive, it seems that it would be a good thing to have a listing of bladesmiths from different areas around the world so that we would be better able to connect. I have looked at setting up an online database, but am just not up to learning SQL and the easiest way to get it started right now would be to set up a Guest Book and then use the Search page to look up smiths in your area. Anyway if you are isolated and want to connect with others no matter where you are please log on the Bladesmiths Locator My swordsmithing class at J.C. Campbell Folk School has been scheduled for September 24-30, 2000. If you are interested please contact the school for more information. The class usually fills up quickly so if you intend on coming make your plans soon. Thanks.

2/27/2000 I have a new hunter for sale Clip Point Hunter click on the link to see images. If you are interested email me. It will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Work is going slowly for the coming New York show March 10-12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Times Square. If you are in the area please stop by and say hello. I have a bunch of new stuff to add, but don't have the time now. If you would like to receive notice of any updates to this site use the Updates form and I will send you and email.

3/20/2000 The New York show was exciting, but it is great to be back home. Tonight I have posted an article by Craig Bird A Collectors View This is a thoughtful explanation by a knowledgeable collector of why he chooses to seek out and surround himself with objects of quality. It will give you something to consider. Before the show, I slipped in an image of the habaki I was working on. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to photograph the short sword, but want to share the habaki with you at least. Mark your calendar for the weekend of April 7-9,2000 and plan on attending the Twelfth Annual Batson's Bladesmithing Symposium at Tannehill, AL. Click on hyperlink for online brochure with all the information.

2/18/01 I have added and changed some of the supplier information on the Tool Store of note is that Jeff Carlisle is no longer going to be offering the Imagination Xpress hydraulic forging press. I have added a source for a new forging press built by Tommy McNabb Pictures of this press have already been posted on my site at H-Frame Press where I have updated the contact information for Tommy. This is a great forging press for the small shop. I also put a link to Michael Miller on the Tool Store. Michael is now offering stabilized juniper burl for knifemakers and it is really pretty. Also, Ric Furrer is now offering cutler's hammers in various weights. The designs are based on old European hammers. They are forged and hardened for maximum strength and performance.

There is a new Brazilian Online Knife Magazine and the first edition is now online. The custom makers are just getting going in Brazil and already doing beautiful work. From Australia, Heath Muirhead is creating a Forge Journal detailing his adventures in forge building and has posted some interesting images.

On my end, I have been resting on my laurels, but hope to post some new blades soon. Thanks for checking in.

1/25/01 For those of you who have sent me email in the past few days, please be patient. I have just upgraded to cable modem and there is a glitch with my ability to return email. I am receiving, but can't reply just yet. I will answer all messages as soon as I am able. Also, for health reasons, I am forced to cancel the ECCKS in New York this March. I apologize for not being able to make it and will miss seeing you there.

1/14/01 Back again and waxing philosophic, check out my latest addition to the Way under Why. I have added Japanese potter, Shiho Kanzaki to my artists links. I love his aesthetics and work philosophy and encourage you to visit his site. I have posted a new press image on the Press Gallery 2 that shows a press built using a bottle jack by Ray Maiara The North Carolina Knifemaker's Guild has posted their knifemaking class schedule for next year. These classes are offered through Montgomery College and are a great way to learn the craft.

We are coming up on the 13th Annual Batson Bladesmithing Symposium and I have posted the schedule. I have added another page to the Bookstore Metaphysical Too that contains my winter reading. And last, my graphic expression of advice as we travel through life, Duck. It is a long download and a test to see if you are spending too much time online.

"Respect old things. Experience those old things. But take the old outer shell away and create something new from it. This is the true nature of "tradition."
-Takuo Kato, Japan, current "Living National Treasure"

12/20/00 I am proud to announce that my friend and old partner in Kemal knives has just published his first novel, "Above and Beyond." It is a story of a WWII German fighter ace as discovered through his journals and retold by a Viet Nam veteran seeking to resolve his own war time conflicts. Without bias, I can recommend this book as a good read. The book is rich with details that only come from careful research, but more importantly, it is a compelling story that will keep you turning pages. Murad is using the pen name, Derek Stockton, and I am confident that we will be hearing much more from him in the future. So treat yourself to a good book and welcome in the new Renaissance.

12/18/00 A couple of new shop tips on Tips 6 A simple trick for holding onto small pieces when you are hand sanding and a practical use for the filing jig when doing slots in guards.

12/3/00 I posted a series of pages on this fall's sword class at J.C. Campbell Folk School. At the class Wally Hostetter showed a tool that he designed to help with wrapping the handles. I have added a new page Press Gallery 2 that has a couple of images of new press ideas.

10/15/00 It has been a difficult summer for my family and consequently the web site has not been maintained as frequently as I had hoped. Things have stabilized for us a bit and so I hope to be able to post updates with more regularity. For those of you who check the site often, I apologize.

This summer a good friend and fellow bladesmith, Jim Schmidt, passed away. Jim was one of the finest
custom knifemakers in the business, a careful craftsman whose work had a touch of class and elegance.
He was also a mentor to many and his presence added dignity to the craft. I will sincerely miss him.

I have posted a several new blades, check them out at Bamboo Shank, Bloodwood Tanto, Bubinga Tanto I have also added a bunch of new links both to makers and technical links. Also one of my new favorite sites to visit is New Scientist They feature really interesting articles on cutting edge science stuff like super sonic torpedoes and dividing an electron. Thanks for coming by and if you have any suggestions, corrections, comments, or information you would like to contribute, please email me.

7/16/00 Another in the Shiv series called the Bamboo Dagger Shiv For those using 52100 steel, I have added a page for Rex E. Walter, a company that is forging 52100 into bar stock and selling to knifemakers and have set up a link to that page on the Tool Store. I have also posted a page for Stephan Bader Co. and the new Bader BIII grinder. If you have tools or equipment for sale to knifemakers, let me know. I have also added some interesting new links, not necessarily knife related, but interesting check out Snow Crystals and John Stokes Puzzle Craft for something different.

6/25/00 I have created a gallery of Digital Photos to share some pictures that I have taken with my camera. While surfing I came across an article on the Global Brain published online by the New Scientist and I have quoted excerpts from it on my Strange Web page. I know this is way from the subject of bladesmithing, but it interests me and I thought I would share. There is a new video out featuring Tai Goo and Tim Lively of the Neo Tribal bladesmiths called Primitive Knifemaking." Email Tai for details. This is an informative video that emphasizes handmade knifemaking.

This past week we lost two men whom I was proud to have known, John Cross of Georgia and Dr. Van Arnem of Florida. Dr. Van Arnem had a life long interest in blacksmithing and metal work and graciously hosted an early hammerin in his shop. That event brought together many of the bladesmiths working at that time and gave us a chance to cement friendships and share enthusiasm. His patronage and support provided early impetus for many of us. The other loss was John Cross. John was a regular attendee at Batson's hammerins and jumped into bladesmithing late in life. He was a friend to many of us. John was a good man. As Ed Halligan put it in his email announcement, "May he get to heaven before the devil knows he's gone."

6/18/00 Posted another Shiv, this one has bamboo scales. I also started a page on Perfection really only a nice image and a few thoughts that I would like to develop in the future. Along with maintenance and a few new links, it has been a quite update. I have been really busy and on the road for most of the last three weeks, but am settling in to the summer schedule. Speaking of which, we are still signing up folks for the Damascus class at the ABS school the end of July. If you would like to learn how to make Damascus come on down.

5/28/00 Nothing major to add, cleared up some broken links and posted some new ones. If you are interested in getting some welded stainless tubes for heat treating, Ric Furrer is offering them for sale now. Along those lines, Newt Livesay of Wicked Knife Works has just bought a palette of Satanite refractory and will sell it in small quantities to those who want to try it for clay coating on their blades. Last, I posted a new page of musings about the Strange Web we are involved in. I hope that during the course of this holiday you find the time to time to honor the dead and fallen.

5/7/00 I have added a page for a new line of knives I am calling Shivs So far, I have only posted a couple of pictures, but I like the blade orientation of these pieces and will be adding many more. Check it out.

5/6/00 I have been working with a new line of knives I am calling Shivs and have posted one that is for sale. Check it out at Shiv and if you are interested email me.

4/30/00 OK, this has nothing to do with knives, but one of my favorite metal sculptors, Christopher Ray, has a site that I think is worth visiting. Chris was one of the co-founders of ArtMetal and in addition to his own site, he is now offering web design services I encourage you to spend some time looking at his work, it is truly amazing. I have added some links and page updates sprinkled about, but nothing new from scratch. The bench is full of projects and work comes first.

4/22/00 Jim Batson has come out with an addendum to his "Build Your Own Hydraulic Forging Press" that covers the latest generation of closed frame presses. Presses shows pictures of the new design and information on how to get the book and addendum. Along those lines, there is a new page called Press Gallery where I have posted pictures of other presses that have been made. If you have built a press and would like to share your photos send them to me and I will post them here for others. If you haven't seen the original page on hydraulic forging presses start here.

4/16/2000 I have been away from the computer for a while now so I thought I would get back in and do some maintenance. I ended up adding a new section call The Computer Interface It is in response to questions I get about computers and web sites. I have posted three pages as a beginning and will expand on them when I have the time. I would appreciate any input that you have and directions as to what you think would be interesting. I will be getting back to the knife related information next time around and have a ton of stuff to add. Thanks for checking in.

Old Cup Archives

Don Fogg Custom Knives Copyright © 1997 Don Fogg Custom Knives. All rights reserved. Revised: July 02, 2008.

Don Fogg Custom Knives
Copyright © 1997 Don Fogg Custom Knives. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 02, 2008.