Caleb Harris

Ugh. Really feel for you here. I haven't been on the forum at all much lately so didn't see this until now. The stolen tools are a major hit. I have a fairly large and very engaged media presence ( https://www.instagram.com/bladesofbelaq/ ) - more as a young buck than anything else, but I think I can help circulate the gofundme a good bit. I'm not entirely familiar with the full extent of legacy though and would like to write up a concise but fully encompassing summary on your impact on the bladesmithing community. Is there anyone else here that can fill me in on the full impact? Especially other big names that have been affected by your work and who people would be familiar with. I'm looking into your writing right now

My sister was watching over my shoulder and says of the blade "Looks like he killed a zebra for that" . I love it!

Keep in mind that there are usually a ton of local anvils that just take some digging to find. Never new, but very often in excellent condition and you save a ton getting an antique one. I got my Peter Wright with only a bit of wear, and then over a month period I found more than twenty anvils within a half hour drive more or less suitable for bladesmithing, just after having been aware of them. I forge iron had a good article on finding 'em.

Hey that's what I started out with! Gives a kinda fuzzy feeling, seeing that

Buckeye Engraving http://www.buckeyeengraving.com/ is one of if not the most popular touchmaker maker in the bladesmith world, at least among the Instagram community. Everyone loves his stuff. I haven't got mine done yet simply because I can't settle on a design

Cracks are fairly common (I had a big ol one that I had to chuck because of them), but easy to spot when you start working.

Yeah this is how I picked them up; already in the box tangled up like that. I gotta get a space before I can properly separate them so I'm keeping them where they are to keep from getting more jostled then they already are.

I loved seeing this one come to life on Instagram. Fantastic work as always.

Generally it's like everything else; sandpaper. Otherwise, the best bet is probably dremel bits: jewelers have a ton for every purpose imaginable. I don't do much filework but my go to would be rubber polishing bits, like this one: https://www.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/accessories/462-rubber-polishing-cone-point . Rubber polishing bits are generally just rubber imbedded with abrasives. It feels like magic when you use them. Only tricky bit would be to keep all the sand lines consistent, but it just takes a bit of practice. Yes, theoretically you could get good enough with a stone rotary bit or a grinding belt, but honestly if you're grinding on a stone (as opposed to a belt) it's faster, easier, and more accurate to use files anyway. Same with using abrasive belts, except it'd technically be faster. Never underestimate the file.

It doesn't really matter all that much. Heck if I were you I'd just keep my eyes peeled at yard sales, craigslist, or facebook marketplace and buy one cheap there. I've got a dewalt, have used it (and it was used before me) a ton for a good five years now and it's never failed me.

Under three days?? Dang

So I lucked out and bought a bunch of files from a retiring machinist. A bunch of old Nicholsons (used, but well taken care of), averaging about a foot in length and medium to coarse. I didn't get a date but I believe they're pretty old, back when Nicholson was one of the best. I've also got a few brand new unused Simonds; triangle and flats, averaging about 8", most are lathe files. I'll get more dimensions and specifics if y'all are interested. Note that the Simonds are practically perfect condition, wrapped in paper when I got them. The Nicholsons are used and were together in a box when I picked it up. There's a variety of cuts. I'm looking for good needle files (mostly for guard fits and the like), anyone happen to have extras they'd like to swap? I'm also looking for various tools and materials handy in this craft, just seeing what's out there (especially grinder wheels and attachments). Money's tight so I'm shooting for trades as much as possible . Thanks all!

On files, I lucked out and picked up a ton from a retiring machinist. Old Nicholson's (from when they were good), used, but definitely still sharp. If you can pay shipping via paypal (like $10) I'll send you one or two suitable for draw filing.

That is a very good point, angle grinders especially it's worth it to get a safer one. Dangerous little buggers, but at least they're scary enough to keep you alert (unlike buffing wheels). I still have two halves of a cutoff disc lodged in the shop wall, gonna frame them when I get the chance.

The simplest and probably version is the Ron Reil style burner. Everything on it you can pick up from the local hardware store, except perhaps the propane adaptor. Check this out: https://ronreil.abana.org/design1.shtml