New in Tampa

[Voldsom]

Thanks for the add guys.

I'm Steve from Tampa, FL. 5 years ago, I opened a Gunsmith Shop in my garage. Workflow is good but cyclic. So, in the down times, I began to create knives using simple stock removal method. Suddenly, this became biggest demand service. I now sell on my own site plus Etsy.

Last year, I invested in a small gas forge and learned to hand forge knives from new and repurposed steel as well as making my own forge-welded Damascus.

Yesterday, I got a call from the casting director from History Channel's "Forged in Fire", asking me to compete in season 4 which will start filming soon. They based the invite on my products on Etsy. While, flattered, I had to admit, I am not currently up to the challenge. Primarily because I have no experience with power hammers which is a must for the show.

So, I plan to get that experience some how and be ready for Season 5. Joining here to:

• Get tips on engraving and other marking techniques
• Share resources for tools, training, etc.
• Hopefully connect with someone who is fairly close to Tampa that has a power hammer who would consider renting a small section of their shop and hammer for a chance to gain experience. (If I'm a finalist, the final challenge could take place in that shop giving them great exposure - one week with film crew on-site)

[CaptonZap]

You might get a good response from any of the blacksmith forums, who have numerous blade smiths amongst the groups. Some with power hammers.
Bing "blacksmith forums", and take your pick.

CZ

[Peter Tommasini]

Hi Steve welcome to the forum
Peter

[Voldsom]

Thanks CaptonZap. Will give it a shot.

Originally Posted by CaptonZap

You might get a good response from any of the blacksmith forums, who have numerous blade smiths amongst the groups. Some with power hammers.
Bing "blacksmith forums", and take your pick.

CZ

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Welcome to AllMetalShaping Steve. You do nice work and I hope to see you on the show. I'm a watcher and enjoy the show in spite of the staged drama.

You'll find that we are dedicated to shaping sheetmetal and while some folks do have power hammers, our power hammers are very different from what blacksmiths/knife makers use. That's not to say that there aren't folks here who can tell you some things but it's not the focus of the site.