Hello Brad and welcome. Sounds like you are well on your way. As for tongs I would recommend a set of box jaw tongs to go along with your duckbill set and maybe a set of wolfs jaw for universal work. A cutoff hardy or hot cutter is a good thing and comes in real handy, and I would get a flatter as they do come in handy. The 5160 is a good steel as is 1084. You can check out the New Jersey Steel Baron for steels. Also check out Riverside Machine for knifemaking needs.

www.njsteelbaron.com

www.riversidemachine.net

One thing I really recommend is a good set of files and a second set of jewelry files for smaller areas. I am sure I can think of other things, but it has been a long day. Good luck.

Brion

Welcome Brad!

What kind of knives do you want to make? That might likely have a bearing on what tools you'll want to keep an eye out for. For instance, if you want to make modest sized ones, perhaps 1" to 1.25" wide steel would be good, thus you'll likely want tongs that are for that sized stock. Larger knives, like bowies, choppers or chef's knives, might come from 1.5" to 2" wide steel bars and require different tongs. Have you tried any of the offset goose-neck V-bit tongs? They can hold the steel more than just at the end of the bar.

https://www.blacksmi...eck_V-bit_Tongs

Some sort of a guillotine can be helpful with the offsetting of the tang from the blade. They are real handy!

http://199.231.142.3...ad.php?t=607831

You might also eventually want some sort of knife vise on your bench for filing and finishing work.

http://www.usaknifem...ase-p-1715.html

Then there are various jigs and clamps and the like. For instance, a file guide is just about a must.

http://www.bladeforu...92&postcount=43

What are you going to heat treat with? Your forge for the quench and kitchen oven for tempering? Maybe a magnet and oven thermometer then? Vinegar pickling tube to remove scale....

Geesh, there's just "tons" of stuff, like measuring tools: calipers, scribe, small square, etc. Safety stuff too to go with that fire extinguisher: safety glasses, respirator, ear muffs.

Good luck. Have fun. Be SAFE!

All the best, Phil

Thanks Guys, great advice! I need more background on the guillotine and some of those file guides. Nobody has commented on my little belt grinder, but I guess it will do until I can afford better.

Actually Brad I started out with a rockwell 1X42 inch grinder, so your 2X36 should work fine. You just have to be a little patient with them as it takes longer because of the smaller motor. A variable speed 2X72 is a wonderful thing but they are pricey. I did think of another thing that is handy. A dremel tool or something similar, preferably variable speed, and a flex shaft is a good thing. These tools can be used for a variety of things such as guard shaping and handle work.

Have fun

Brion

Hey Brad,

The link of the guillotine thread, http://199.231.142.3...ad.php?t=607831 , that the pic came from might give you more ideas. Here's a link on a thread about making a file guide, http://www.bladeforu...ad.php?t=562913 . Knife suppliers carry them too.

My first belt grinder was one of those hand-held 3x21 belt sanders for wood. I turned upside down and clamped in a vise. Before that I just used a six inch stone wheel bench grinder and files. You can do a lot with a 4.5" angle grinder too. All tools have learning curves, even 2x72 knife maker belt grinders! I guess you'll do alright, especially as you develop your forging skills. Forge the blades to shape real well and there won't be much too grind!

All the best, Phil

Thanks for bringing that 3X21 up Phil <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//laugh.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />. I still have the one I used before the Rockwell. And yes I did clamp it upside down also. I still have the angle grinder also and it gets a lot of use. Everything from grinding off scale to prepping damascus billets. Brad another item you might look for is a portable band saw for metal. They are kind of expensive new , but you should be able to find one used on craigslist or a pawn shop. A really good substitute for a metal cutting bandsaw and not as expensive.

Brion