Devan, thinking about it. I have seen some nice knives done with just hand tools and a forge and anvil. For me however, I would have to have a good belt grinder, preferably variable speed. Good forge and anvil of course. A drill press. Definitely a shoulder filing jig, so many uses for that. Then of course files in numerous sizes and shapes. Small things like quality sandpaper. A dremel tool comes in real handy, again variable speed. That would get me by. I am sure I will think of other things, like a bandsaw. Chop saw or metal cutting bandsaw is good also.

I am sure more will chime in. Good question.

Brion

I'm with Brion on the belt sander. I would also add a good vice with a sturdy table. A lot of the forging can be done on a homemade anvil and a homemade forge. Just get something that has square corners. I recently made a post anvil out a short piece of railroad rail bottom welded to a 4"x4" square tube and then cemented it into a grease drum. It works well for small and medium blades.

The 2x72 grinder with variable speed, drill press big enough to mill or vertical mill that will also drill. How about a gas mig welder and oxy/acet torch rig? You can make a lot of forges, tables, jigs, etc. You can weld up your heat treat tanks, too! Post vise, band saw and or table saw for cutting handle materials and stock. Good lighting and ventilation along with work benches and storage. And, everything listed above!

Bob

I will definitely second the vise and welder. Forgot about the vise and I could not live without it. The welder you can live without, BUT, it sure makes life easier.

Brion

Devan,

I'm not yet a Journeyman, but I know where you're coming from and hope I can help. As has been stated, you can get by on a forge, anvil, and files. However, I can honestly say that I did not become effective until I had the following:

1) Forge; 2) Anvil; 3) Vise; 4) Files; 5) Oven; 6) Grinder; 7) Cut-Off saw; 8) Mig Welder (not necessary); 9) Drill Press; 10) File Guide; 11) Dedicated workspace (This should be #1); 12) ABS Forum <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

By "effective", I also mean efficient and confident that I had what was needed to complete a quality knife in a reasonable amount of time. Do I need (want!) more tools? Sure do! But, if you're not careful (and I have done this which is why I mention it), you'll find yourself buying and making tools and not making any knives <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' /> I think the best way to discover what you need, is to make a few knives, and then work on getting the tool or tools you find you need most. OK, so now that I think about it, experience should be on the list too <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Your list may end up a little different, but I can promise you, you will always need another tool <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />

Ed C.

|quoted:

Devan,

I'm not yet a Journeyman, but I know where you're coming from and hope I can help. As has been stated, you can get by on a forge, anvil, and files. However, I can honestly say that I did not become effective until I had the following:

1) Forge; 2) Anvil; 3) Vise; 4) Files; 5) Oven; 6) Grinder; 7) Cut-Off saw; 8) Mig Welder (not necessary); 9) Drill Press; 10) File Guide; 11) Dedicated workspace (This should be #1); 12) ABS Forum <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

By "effective", I also mean efficient and confident that I had what was needed to complete a quality knife in a reasonable amount of time. Do I need (want!) more tools? Sure do! But, if you're not careful (and I have done this which is why I mention it), you'll find yourself buying and making tools and not making any knives <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' /> I think the best way to discover what you need, is to make a few knives, and then work on getting the tool or tools you find you need most. OK, so now that I think about it, experience should be on the list too <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Your list may end up a little different, but I can promise you, you will always need another tool <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />

Ed C.

Well said I second that. Only way get good/better at making knives is just to do it (over and over).

You will need a way to find the center line on your blades, You can eyeball it but will do much better work with a true center. Get a "surface block" and a hight gauge. A piece of granite tile will also work. Another small and inexpensive tool are calipers. You have to have square ricasso! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

wow thanks everyone awesome ideas! this forum is the best investment so far, so much info here!

I find myself drawn to more primitive methods. I really enjoy studying the methods of medieval smiths, feudal era Japanese smiths, etc... So for me: forge, anvil, and various hand tools for know. Trying to get a hold on a treadle stone grinder but no luck so far. Having more modern equipment would speed of the process and make certain things easier though. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />