Build your own forge on the cheap!

This week I built a portable forge for my knife making endeavors. I used the rear brake drum from a mazda that I pulled from the local salvage yard. I think I paid $15 for it (can get them cheaper or free in many cases). I then went to the pipe supply shop and purchased 1 x 2" treaded flange, 1 x 3" long 2" dia nipple, 1 x 2" "T", 1 x 2" long 2" nipple, 2" end cap, 1 x 1.5' long 2" pipe. These parts make the basics for the forge and cost me around $40. I picked up a grinder stand from Harbor Freight for around $30. I then headed to the thrift store and picked up a hair drier for $5. If you have some of these things laying around this whole project can be done much cheaper.

Pic #1: Completed forge before its test run
Pic #2: I used a stainless steel shower drain cover for the screen
Pic #3: I welded 2 3/8" bolts to the bottom of the drum to secure it to the stand
Pic #4: I put a pan here to catch the ash from the trap. To clean the trap I just have to unscrew the end cap.
Pic #5: I used duct tape to attach the hair drier but will use rubber hose with clamps soon. Hair drier supplies the oxygen to heat the coals
Pic #6: Its maiden voyage all fired up
Pic #7 Heating up time. It took about 5 mins to reach temp.

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Bush Knife from an old file

So I had a wild hair up my keeshter this week and I decided after not finding a production knife I liked to make my own. I used an old bastard file I had laying around. I used a hard type of wood, the name escapes me now and treated it first. I also used a thin black spacer to give the knife a more refined look. The blade is scandi and has a very slight clip to the point. All done with hand tools including the polishing. Hope you enjoy the pics!

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Bushcrafting Axe (handy Axe)

I made this by taking an old craftsman axe head and re-profiling it to be smaller and more handy. I removed material from the top and bottom of the head as well as narrowing the bevel. I then polished her and blued her. I cut a new axe handle down to just over 18". It looks actually medieval but I had bushcraft in mind. Its razor sharp! Ill be making a leather head cover with a belt loop attachment soon. This is the perfect size axe for traveling in the back country for small jobs like collecting firewood or shelter building. With the axe and my SRK knife, I can do pretty well.

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Rhino's Survival Tin

When hiking for the day or out stream fishing, I want to stay light and mobile. When there is no need for a large pack, you will still need to carry basic essentials. Several things I ALWAYS have on me are the "10 Essentials" along with either my Mora Craftsman or Cold Steel SRK knife (Knife is one of the most important tools you can carry. Never leave it behind and keep it on you always just like your fire starter kit.).

So I decided to post what I have created based on real world experience and needs in the field. I will post a listing of each item pic by pic and the uses. Enjoy!

Pics:
1. My altoids Survival Tin.

2. 3 pieces of duct tape on the bottom (multiple uses)

3. Rubber bands.

4. Electrical tape. Wrapped around the edge of the tin to make it air tight. Can use the tape for other things as well.

5. Contends packed away. Notice zip loc bag. Keeps stuff dry. Bag can be used to store food water etc.

6. Layered

7. The basics

8. Contents:
4 - bandaids
1 - gauze pad
1 - alcohol wipe
1 - antibiotic ointment
1 - pack of salt (for hydration)
1 - small post-it pad
1 - P-51 can opener
2 - cotton balls (fire starter, blood cltotter etc.)
1 - Safety pin
8 - strike anywhere matches
2 - match strikers
1 - mini button compass
1 - mini thermometer

See the next set of pictures for more...

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Okay so continuing on. Here is the rest...

1. fishing kit

2. contents:
1 - 20 ft of 2 lb line
1 - 20 ft of 4 lb line
1 - lure
various size weights
several sized hooks
4 - Small hooks with leaders (make a trot line)

3. remaining kit

4. contents:
1 - latex condom (emergency water storage)
1 - aluminum whistle
1 - bic lighter
1 - cut down pencil
2 - exacto blades (large knife shaped) (can be used as arrowheads etc.)
1 - fresnel magnifier (fire making etc.)

5. condom

6. pencil w / post-it pad

7. lid from the tin (signaling)

8. whistle.

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