Beginning the Grip
We make several sizes of grips. The smaller, cabinet size, grips are made out of 1/8 x 3/4 inch mild steel stock.
Starting the Forging
We use a blacksmith helper to fuller the ends of the stock. An adjustable stop is set to allow the proper amount of material for the cusp.
Forging the Grip
Each end of the stock blank is forged the same. After fullering, in the same heat, we neck down the stock next to the cusp.
After 2 Heats
After two heats the stock has been necked down, the cusp material has been delineated and the shape for the grip is started.
Creating the Cusp
The next two heats are used to shape the cusp material for a bean shape. We use the step of the anvil for this, since the angle is a bit sharper than at the edge of the anvil.
After 4 Heats
After four heats, the blank has started to be transformed to the shape of the forged grip. From left to right, the original piece of stock, after two heats, and after four heats with the cusp shaped.
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.