Welcome

I have been interested in custom knives, and particularly the work of ABS smiths, for many years and in 2005, I finally took the plunge and started forging my own blades  I have received invaluable assistance and advice from many talented ABS smiths and this has no doubt saved me a fair amount of frustration and a number of years of trial and error.  This influence shows in the style of knives that I make.  I forge my blades primarily from  Crucible CruForgeV, W2 and 1084FG although I also have O1 and 5160 available and will be making damascus in the future from 1084FG and 15N20 .   The blades come with either a flat grind and convex edge or a full convex grind.  They are sphereoidize annealed and heat treated in my Paragon oven and quenched in Parks Heatbath #50 , AAA or Brownells Tough Quench.   I use 416 and 410 stainless steel and etched/cold blued 1018 low carbon steel for fixtures and I primarily use figured hardwoods and sambar stag carvers and rolls for handles.  I do have a very limited quantity of blue-green bark mammoth ivory scales that I got from Don Hanson III, which would be suitable for small full tang knives and some walrus ivory suitable for medium sized hidden tang blades.  I also have a small quantity of Civil War era wrought iron anchor chain for fittings at extra cost.  I prefer making traditionally style hunters, fighters, camp knives and bowies in my interpretation of both the Arkansas/Southwestern and Maryland styles.  All of my knives come with a hand rubbed finish ranging from a 400 “user” to 2000 grit “semi-mirror” finish.   All of my knives are totally handcrafted by me with the exception of the sheaths which I currently purchase from Paul Long, Treestump Leather, Kenny Rowe, and Steve Shepard.  Sheaths are provided at my cost.  Knives can also be ordered with a basswood lined, leather covered sheath or one made of polished maple, walnut or other suitable woods with the covering and belt loops done by Paul Long for an extra charge.  In the near future, I will also be offering fine silver wire inlay on handles and wooden sheaths.

Joe Mandt

jmforge@mac.com