Forging an Integral Knife on a 12 - Ton Coal Iron Works Press | SETH LOPEZ BLADEWORKS

In this video, SETH LOPEZ will be demonstrating how to forge an integral knife on a 12-ton Coal Iron Works press.
This video is a great example of the power of a hydraulic press and the meticulous work that goes into forging a high-quality, integral knife. By the end of the video, you'll have a better understanding of the forging process and will be able to create your own superior knives using a 12-ton Coal Iron Works press!

[@KarlBAndersen]

That is a very nicely done video. Thanks for putting that together.

[@bobgore1962]

Excellent video!!! It's the best representation of the 12 ton press, that I've seen so far, and it really showed its capabilities! Thanks for sharing! 😎👍🏻🔨🔥🔪

[@CoalIronWorks]

Thank you! The 12 ton really is an incredible machine, but it does take a lot of skill and understanding to use it to its fullest capacity, which made Seth the perfect subject for this video!

[@oldpuebloforge]

This is an AWESOME video. I own a Coal Iron Works 12 ton, and I have wanted to start making gaucho knives. This method will work PERFECTLY for gaucho knives. I plan on giving it a try later today.

[@CoalIronWorks]

That sounds fantastic! Keep us up to date with your progress by tagging us on instagram @coalironworks

[@dougwatson6880]

Nice video. I have a homemade press that I have yet to fully utilize in the forging process. This gives me some good ideas and insight has to how I can more fully utilize my press in the creation of knives along side the hammer and anvil. I also like the idea of making a fully integral knife as well. Thanks Seth.

[@CoalIronWorks]

We're glad you could find some inspiration here! The press is an amazing tool, and while it can be used as a sole instrument of forging, it's capabilities really shine when used complementarity with other tools such as an anvil and even power hammers!

[@mannsdan]

thanks for this video! I have yet to work with round stock while making a knife - now I'm looking forward to doing just that. Thank you Seth!!

[@CoalIronWorks]

Working round stock makes for some easy integrals!

[@mannsdan]

@CoalIronWorks can't wait to try. I've got a 12 ton and a bunch of 5160 spring steel, so I am definitely looking forward to it! Thx Seth & CIW team!

[@brysonalden5414]

Thanks for sharing your process. Guess I need to check the Coal Iron die selection again, looks like there's one I don't have!

[@CoalIronWorks]

If you're looking the the horizontally radiused dies that Seth uses to set his edge, then I'm afraid you won't be able to find them in our selection at this time. That was actually a pair of custom dies that Seth fabricated for himself for his personal press for that exact application! We have our blank die plates and plenty of good die stock to choose from if you want to take a swing at making some :)

[@Cobbshobbies]

nice!

[@jeffreydauterman]

More videos like this please!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CoalIronWorks]

More are coming! New series format bassed on this exact video is in the works!

[@jeffreydauterman]

Awesome thank you for the reply!!!

[@cowboyyoga]

Great video! Seth do you make and sell these presses?

[@CoalIronWorks]

Hello sir! Seth is a great friend of ours but was only out to the shop to hang out and shoot some fun videos. Coal Iron Works is the manufacturer of the presses and you can contact our sales team at [e-mail] or visit our website at COALIRON.COM

[@jeremyfrench4573]

Wherefore you get 1 inch round stock?

[@CoalIronWorks]

A good place is check is pops knife supply here popsknife.supplies/collections/steel/products/japanese-cutlery-1085-forging-steel?variant=27434389798976 They're currently out of stock, but it's always good to check. Another option for working round stock would be to forge. out a nice tall billet of layered flat bar so that you can completely control the shape and dimension of your starting stock!

[@CoalIronWorks]

Another great place to check is McMaser-Carr. They carry D2 Tool steel round here which makes for a great blade steel. www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/shape~rod-and-disc/oversized-wear-resistant-d2-tool-steel-rods-and-discs/ McMaster carries a lot of different alloys and finishes, so be careful not to spend too much on tight tolerance stock that you'll be forging, and be EXTRA careful not to buy and heat up any toxic alloys or coated alloys. Do some research on any alloys or surface finishes you aren't familiar with. Lead and Galvanic poisoning are far too common in the blacksmithing world. Heat with caution :)

[@joachimsingh2929]

Make a foot pedal.