Top Rated Books for Beginning Bladesmiths
So, you’ve decided to take up the time-honored craft of bladesmithing. Great! That’s step one. Step two? Do something about it. You may have the time and resources to invest in formal training or an apprenticeship program to get professional, hands-on instruction from an experienced bladesmith. If not, though, we’re here for you. Every day, creators around the world pick up their hammers, self-teaching their way to bladesmithing glory.
If you find yourself on the “self-taught” spectrum of bladesmiths, we’ve got a selection of the top rated books to help you hone your craft.
From Fox Chapel Publishing, The Home Blacksmith is a great reference for new and experienced blacksmiths alike. Author Ryan Ridgway, a blacksmith with more than 15 years of metalworking experience, provides this comprehensive volume geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have!
In addition to tracing the history of the craft and how techniques evolved differently around the world, Ridgway provides a foundation in the science of metalworking, explaining the physics of moving metal, the styles of anvils and forges, alternative fuel sources, and more.
This text includes:
- 40 complete projects for chisels, punches, drawer pulls, candle holders, gate latches, hoof picks, and more.
- Step-by-step instructions help you follow along with every process
- Over 500 photos illustrate every tool, project, and procedure in extremely useful detail.
- Learn the science of metalworking and understand the behavior of heated metal and how it moves
- Set up your shop safely and economically, learn how to salvage steel, and learn about the essential tools you'll need
- Explore the evolution of blacksmithing around the world and the differences between the tools specific to each region
If you want to learn how to make a knife and deepen your bladesmithing knowledge, then give Bladesmithing: Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced Guide to Bladesmithing a read. From experienced bladesmith Wes Sander, this book is actually a collection of three volumes aimed at helping you rise from aspiring bladesmith to seasoned professional.
In this book you will discover:
The most cost-effective method to make your first knife
How you can make your first sword, in just 17 steps, start to finish
The 10 step method to forging a pattern welded Damascus sword
4 techniques that will 'reveal' the end grain texture of your Damascus knife
How to forge, assemble, heat treat, and polish a Japanese sword
The secret temperature to correctly temper your Japanese blade
The #1 high-performance steel that you should use to make knives
How to build a simple but effective forge
A simple technique, used by master bladesmiths, that will prevent your blade from shattering, even if it's your first time making a knife
Any self-respecting knife officianado knows how hard it can be to find a knife that meets your standards. The Complete Bladesmith will show you how to take a bar of steel and forge it into the blade of your dreams. Stop wasting time searching for the ideal blade. This manual on producing top-notch blades is intended for both beginning and advanced bladesmiths.
This book will walk you through the process of:
- Constructing your own forge
- Outfitting your workshop
- Selecting your materials—from rare to common, and
- Forging your first knife.
Want to know not only how to get started as a blacksmith, but to build your skill and confidence in your craft? With Blacksmithing Made Easy, you will learn the art of blade making and the core of knife engineering so you can make pro-level quality pieces.
Specifics in the text include:
- The basics of blacksmithing, including what it entails, the lingo used in blacksmithing and more
- How blacksmithing has evolved over the years to become what it is today
- How to get started as a blacksmith by setting up your working space the right way, optimized for efficiency and effectiveness as a beginner blacksmith
- The tools you need to get started for the job
- The best materials to use for different blacksmithing projects
- Safety rules you should know about when getting started as a blacksmith
- How to forge your first knife
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