Used his new propane forge and a gifted high carbon spike. This is his first pass at ironmongery, up to now he's worked copper (clasps, rings, pins etc) We will be getting him a set of real punches, as the hole in this one was a bit of a struggle. Not bad for a HS Sophomore, eh? Yup, proud Grandpop here.
The punches are the secret, adze eye and axe eye are totally different and either is an art. Keep up the good work. In my mind smithing is 90 % sweat and practice and 10% inspiration. But I love the wonders that 10% gives us. I would hope that he can get someone to help him learn the ways of metal working, it is an art best passed down from master to student as the little things make all the difference. Very good design use of what he had available in the spike. Beauty in its own minimalist way. Can see both the axe and the spike, great job. Half way to these old gems in his design. The mortising axe or post axe
We all have to start some where. The whole world saw bicycle parts. Picasso saw a bull. Once you see it, you can never unsee it. Your grandson saw an axe in the spike and made it, others have seen knives and made them. I only hope he can keep the magic of seeing what lies hidden around us in this world. May be a small step, but I enjoyed sharing with you that first small step. https://www.moma.org/audio/playlist/19/412 Jerry Fisk shared this beautiful work of the art in knife crafting. I would love to see his first knife and how he developed into becoming a true master in the art.
