How to Forge Clyde Fischer Blades

Book excerpt: As a beginner knifemaker, you need to read this book. To be a successful knife maker, not only will you have to learn how to make knives you will have to learn how to sell them. Clyde had famous hunters and writers recommending his knives in newspapers, and Field and Stream Magazines.To be a member of the Knifemakers Guild you will have to submit to the board promotional materials in the form of a Catalog of your knives. Clyde had authored three excellent catalogs promoting his knives.The first half of this book is about Clyde Edward Fischer's life. The second half is about how I made thirteen of his knives. I would suggest that a beginner bladesmith should take the American Bladesmith Society's "Introduction to Bladesmithing". Class. It is a two-week class that will teach you how to forge, grind, heat treat and finish knife blades. The ABS also teach a one week "Handles and Guards" Class.Clyde had his Grandfather's blacksmith's shop consisting of a bellows forge, anvil, hammers and tongs. At first, he had an industrial 6-inch diameter grindstone. Later, I think he purchased a 2X72-inch belt grinder. He may have added a buffer for polishing the blades. A powered buffer is the most dangerous machine in a knifemakers shop. It has been known to take a blade from one's hand and drive it into your groin, foot or some other body part. I would suggest that you learn to hand finish the blades. Do not buy a powered buffer.As an Apprentice, Journeyman or Master Bladesmith, I would recommend that you recreate some of the Fisher knives. They are well designed for their purpose and are good looking. They are as appealing today as they were when Clyde made them. I sold the knives that I made in a short period of time.