Knive from raw iron bloom. Stage 1

One of my new projects is to make an small folding knive from my recent bloomery (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlB1_plOjxc&feature=c4-overview&list=UUXZw76_-xa6cK532J9bqZTw). I have chosen to make the blade from the raw, compressed bloom. By this, the blade gets a very coarse look and u can see the slag inclusions on one hand, and the inhomogeneous carbon content by etching with citric acid on the other hand. The handle is tin bronze (CuSn6). You see, there is some work to be done, especially for the handle, so stay tuned.

The blade was made from the raw, compressed bloom. I started with an iron bar (right corner) made from a part of my recent iron bloom.

Detail of the blade after smithing and grinding

Polished and etched blade

The blade and the bronze handles

Bronze Age Socketed Axe

I want to show you my new tool: an bronze age socketed axe. It's a replica made from CuSn10 bronze, measuring 85x40 mm. The original was an urnfield  Ha-B-phase type. I searched  for long a time a suitable shaft and eventually found a piece of beech. I guess our ancestors must have bred trees for this special purpose... The edge was hardened by cold hammering and indeed I was able to get it razor-sharp.

Bronze Age Socketed Axe

Bronze Age Socketed Axe Detail