The Tools

This is a picture of the forge that we use. Our uncles gave it to us for Christmas one year. we are able to change the layout of the forge to fit what we need it to. It is used to heat up metal so that it is easier to move.

This is one pair of tongs that we use. These are our fancy pairs, usually we use a pair of Harbor Freight long needle nose pliers. These pliers are cheap, so when they break we just get a new pair, but this hasn't been a big issue. Tongs are used to get the metal in and out of the forge, and to hold it steady while you are hammering the product.

We use many different types and sizes of hammers, but this is just one of the few styles we have. the hammers do most of the hard work. It is used to actually move the metal and mold it into the shape that you need.

The anvil is used to give you a hard surface to bang on top of that won't get damaged or break with the hot metal. Usually, anvils are over a hundred years Old, and have been used by many different blacksmiths.

We use our stamps to put letters in our products to signify who made them or who they will be given to. This is not a crucial tool when forging, but we find them helpful and pretty easy to use. To successfully mark your piece we have found that the best results come when the metal is hot and you hold the stamp with your fingers and preform small blows to the back of the stamp with the hammer.

We use the grinder after we quench to even out any bumps and bulges in the metal. It is also used to sharpen swords and knifes.

The wire wheel is used after quench and after grinding (if needed) to make the metal look more shiny and to clean it up a bit.

The oil rag and the wax are the last steps. you use either one to prevent rusting.

The way that we set up our wax pot makes it so that the wax melts while we are forging. This way it is ready to be used by the time we are done.