Lin, very nice. I was wondering if you have a formula or measure you use to determine the length of the rat tail? Or do you just eyeball it? If you get my meaning.

Brion

A good question Brion.

I just did some simple calculations based on this knife. The result is this: 2.25 X the desired handle length measuring from the back of the ricasso. This handle is scaled down since the knife is small. It's about 4 or 4-1/8 to the "front of the guard" (if it actually had a guard). So 2.25 X 4 = 9 inch tail.

I figured a 5 inch handle too such as would be on a Bowie sized knife and the tail comes to 11-1/4 inch. Sounds about right. So I think the formula is very close. You may have to make it to your style of forging. This might also be affected by other factors unique to your taste.

One thing about the pin. When I forged the corner of the ricasso out, I drove a 1/2 inch round bar into two places, one at the bottom and one at the rear of the ricasso at a yellow heat. This pushed the corner out at about a 45 degree angle. The round bar also upset the blade bar in the curve. I peen the upset material toward the corner never going past the ricasso's flat. At the right heat, it will move. Take several short heats if you have to.

I then file the pin to rough shape, heat it high red and drive a bolster over the pin to square the shoulder somewhat, creating a seat. The bolster is just a piece of stock with a corresponding hole. You have to hold the bolster to the desired angle to create the seat/shoulder. An actual drawing (to scale)will help a lot getting the angles and lengths in mind. I use a seamstress tape to measure around the curves.

Of course you have to get it hot and move fast to the vise or the anvil. But it certainly can be done and with a bit of practice your results can be very consistent.

I also punched the hole in the guard. I had some visitors in the shop and they were pushing me to get it done while they watched.

That is awesomely cool.

Can I try one?

I hope you do Karl.

I have some other ideas using this same method. It could get interesting.

That looks great and fun .

Scott

Thank you Lin, that was what I was looking for. Going to have to try one in the future.

Brion

Lin

Outstanding work and great detail in your photos.

What camera did you use for your photos?

Thank you Dan.

I use my iPhone5 and the "in camera editing". I take a few pains to set up the shot with the right angle and lighting to emphasize the point I am making. The biggest consideration is remembering to take a picture at the right time in the sequence. If ever I show a blurred photo, its because that is the only photo I have available and I figure that's better than nothing.

Lin

Thank you. The photos that you are taking and posting with your Iphone 5 have amazing detail and clarity.

Dan, The trick is to lick off the lens from time to time. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

That is really neat Lin. I appreciate your creativity and look forward to the new and interesting things that you come up with next.

Brian

Lin, Is this the same formula you use when forging guards as well? I know we talked on this subject a while back at a show, but I managed to lose the notes I was taking down. Landon

I did a class on "blacksmith" knives for our forge council a while back. I really like the pin to keep the guard and handle from wiggling. I'll have to give that a try in the future. Thanks Lin.

Dale

Thanks guys.

Landon, No, guards are another matter. I just size them to look right always starting bigger and grinding to size. I have no formula for that. In fact, I stay away from formulas and poetry as much as I can.