How do you forge a knife?

To forge a knife, heat your metal to a high temperature, and then shape it to a blade and point using a small sledgehammer. After shaping, harden the blade by submerging it in either oil or water.

1. Heat the metal

   In a forge or metal-working furnace, bring the metal to at least 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. The metal begins to appear yellow in color at this temperature.

2. Shape the blade

   With a 3-pound sledgehammer, repeatedly tap the metal to bring the blade and point to definition. Leave room for the tang, which is the part of the blade that extends into the handle.

3. Harden and finish

   Once the blade has taken shape, harden it by submerging it in oil or water. Water is faster and may result in a harder steel, but it may also create a more brittle or corroded blade than oil.

4. Temper the blade

   Once it is hardened, temper the blade in an oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Handle the blade

   After tempering, let the blade cool, and then affix a handle. Drill holes on the tang, and use them to fasten the blade with screws to the two sides of your wooden handle. Alternately, wrap wire, cord or leather around the tang to be used as your handle.