Finishing the Forging
The remaining heats are used to refine the shape of the grip and forge the final cusp shape.
Forging the Grip
The grip portion is further forged, necking down even more next to the cusp, and drawing to correct length.
Chamfering the Grip
While the stock is still hot, the edges of the grip portion are chamfered with a hammer.
After 6 Heats
The grip is ready to have the cusps forged. From top to bottom, the original size of stock, a piece after four heats, and a piece after six heats with the grip portion finished.
Forging the Cusp
This slightly out of focus picture shows the forging of the cusp into a bean shape.
After 8 Heats
After eight heats the grip forging is finished. The left piece is the final forging, the right hand piece is the forging after six heats.
Making a Latch
is a description, with photos, of the steps we go through to make a Suffolk Latch.
Making a Hinge
is a description, like Making a Latch, that shows the steps we go through to make a Butterfly Hinge.
Making a Grip
shows the process for making a Cabinet Grip.
Blacksmith's Blog Posts
collects posts we created for the Horton Brasses blog in 2010 and 2011. There's information about the shop, what we make and how we make it, including links to two videos.
Tools of the Trade
shows some of the tools in Molly's blacksmith shop.
Making a Living
describes how we became blacksmiths.
Glossary of Blacksmithing Terms
is linked to various words that are not commonly known by non-smiths throughout this section of the site.