Railroad spikes are an important part of the rail fastening system. They can also be used as interesting artworks like knives, bottle openers and so on.
Bladesmithing is an ancient art that’s gaining popularity again. Learn how to make a knife from a railroad spike with this DIY project.
Heat the Spike
Railroad spikes are a common component of the railroad industry, and they serve an important purpose in ensuring the safety of trains. They are often used in rail fastening systems, but they can also be used for more creative projects.
If you have a railroad spike that you want to get rid of, you can recycle it at a metal recycling company. However, most metals recycling centers aren’t strong enough to handle spikes, so you’ll need to find a metal recycler who is willing to accept them.
A good bladesmith can shape steel into almost anything, and a railroad spike makes an excellent base for a knife. It may not be a very hard blade, but it will hold an edge and work well for a letter opener or prybar.
The next step is to heat the spike and hammer it into a knife blade shape. This will make the blade strong and durable, and it will be easy to sharpen after you use it.
Hammer the Blade
Railroad spikes are an excellent metal for making knives. They are malleable and can be easily forged into the desired shape. However, it is important to keep the steel hot throughout the forging process so that it does not break easily.
Once you are done forging, use a file to clean the blade and give it its final shape. You can also use a belt sander to smooth out rough edges and get the blade to its desired length and width.
The next step is to hammer the blade into its final shape. This can be done using a hand file, a bench grinder, or an angle grinder.
This process can be a little tricky, but it is worth it. It will produce a beautiful knife. Just be sure to practice! It can take a while before the blade is perfect.
Forge the Hook
Forging a hook from a railroad spike is one of the more impressive feats of the blacksmithing arts. To make the best possible use of this unique material, you’ll need all the necessary ingredients.
First you’ll need to heat the metal and hammer it down to about a 1/4 inch thick. To get the most out of this small feat, add a twist using a wrench. This will create a fun and functional twist on the usual rectangular hole in the middle of your piece.
The aforementioned feat of forging a hook from a railroad spike might actually be a bit harder than it sounds, but it isn’t impossible with a little patience and elbow grease. In the end, you’ll have a hand forged railroad spike hook that looks as good on your wall as it does on your kitchen countertop or bathroom towel rack. With a little practice you’ll be able to forge a hook that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Grind the Blade
Before you can use the blade of a railroad spike as a knife, you need to grind it down. This will create the shape of the blade and give it a smooth edge.
To do this, you need to heat the spike and hammer it down until it becomes flat. Then, clean up the edges of the blade with your hammer to refine its shape and create a rounded appearance.
When you’re done, you can finish grinding the blade and attach it to a wooden handle to complete this project. You’ll need a forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, and a grinder to complete this project.
Forging a knife is a skill that takes practice and patience. The hardest part is grinding a bevel that has the right angle and meets up with a target center line on the blade blank.