Leif Boyd

Thanks man, I'll keep that in mind

Thanks for the advice. I'm 43 and recently disabled. I've work either construction or in a coal mines all my life. I have way to much time on my hands and always wanted to learn blacksmithing.

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't thinking about a twist pattern, my steel is about 2 inches wide now. Should I cut that in half then attempt a twist pattern? What would you recommend on this?

I'm new at forging. I've forged a couple camp style blades. I'm starting on a Viking Seax and my question is....is it possible to forge a Damascus blade without a power hammer? Is it doable with a hammer and alot of will power?