And here's the weekly forge update:

The Oxtail Dao has begun!

Currently I have completed making a channel out of 5160 spring steel, to become the sheath which wraps around the blade, and makes up the spring steel back and side material for the sword.  now to grind the inside, cut the O1 tool steel to length and set up for the weld!

Here is the finished Damascus hunter

5160/W1, Moose Antler Handle

Nickname: The Nutcracker

Here Is an update to where things are:

The Solar Forge is now operational.

San-Mai and Damascus are off the checklist of welding experience.

My first sword job has begun, A Chinese Oxtail Dao.  I'll keep a more regular posts as I go through the steps of fabricating a sword with hand tools only.  I'll solar forge what I can, but will still use propane for the heat treatment process for more stable, quality results.

here is a recent chef knife, and an in progress hunting knife.