Could someone help me with the proper way to make the curve up to the point of the knife. I am using a leaf spring. In the past I have used the forge and chisel to cut angle out of the stock and then use the hammer to smooth out the long sweeping curve to the point. Is the accepted method? Some of the books I've read show the hammer falling on the 90 degree edge of the bar stock to work the curve. Thanks, I would just like to learn the proper forging techniques for shaping a point or curve. Thanks Very Much.......Jack

Hello Jack!
That's a tough one to put into words, but I'll give it my best shot.......
Start by rounding off the sharp corners of your stock (file or grind) before forging. The first heat I set the barstock on edge, and begin working the rounded corner down. You must switch back and forth between the edge and the flat in order to get a smooth flow of line, and to properly draw the curve into the blade. At first it will take several heats to get the proper curve worked into the steel, but it should get easy after the first 3-4. I start as described above, and work my way from what will be the poin on back. One of the keys to manipulating the curve is to ensure edge of the stock that will be the spine is FLAT on the anvil. At this point in the game, your simply trying to work the curve into the blade, and by having the stock flat on the anvil, you ensure the only material your moving is the part you want. Remember to work both the edge and the flats! Otherwise you'll wind up with something that has a nice curve, but has a big bulge on the flats. Wish I could do a demo on the net to show you, it would be so much eaiser to understand. Let us know how it goes, and if you need assitance.....you know where to come!

Thanks Ed, I see what you mean. Saturday I will do some forging and give it a try. Thanks for your help. Jack