John D. Harvey | Blacksmith

Artist blacksmith in Rhode Island

Tutorial

Forging a Leaf (blacksmithing tutorial)

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Here’s how I’m currently forging leaves. I’m still refining, but I’m pretty happy with the end results.
Start with 1/2-inch round stock and forge to shape. I use both a power hammer and hand hammering.
Start with 1/2-inch round stock and forge to shape. I use both a power hammer and hand hammering.
Forge in the center vein using a chisel. A curved- ended chisel works best.
Forge in the center vein using a chisel. A curved- ended chisel works best.
Use the peen end of a cross-peen hammer to create the texture on either side of the vein. Different peen sizes create different textures. Experiment!
Use the peen end of a cross-peen hammer to create the texture on either side of the vein. Different peen sizes create different textures. Experiment!
Secure the leaf in a post vice and use a chisel to create notches at the leaf edges. If the notches come out very sharp/jagged, take another heat and gently knock them down.
Secure the leaf in a post vice and use a chisel to create notches at the leaf edges. If the notches come out very sharp/jagged, take another heat and gently knock them down.
Place the leaf's center vein over a V channel on a swage block. Gently hammer a chisel into the center vein to form the leaf into a "V" shape.
Place the leaf’s center vein over a V channel on a swage block. Gently hammer a chisel into the center vein to form the leaf into a “V” shape.
Strike the back of the leaf on either side of the vein with an embossing hammer (ball peen also works) to create a bowl curve on both sides of the vein. Do this on a wooden stump to protect the texture on the other side of the leaf. A leather hammer is also useful to coax the edges into shape.
Strike the back of the leaf on either side of the vein with an embossing hammer (ball peen also works) to create a bowl curve on both sides of the vein. Do this on a wooden stump to protect the texture on the other side of the leaf. A leather hammer is also useful to coax the edges into shape.
7. Gently hammer the tip of the leaf into an upward curl. Because it looks nifty. Finish however you like. Cheers!
Gently hammer the tip of the leaf into an upward curl. Because it looks nifty. Finish however you like. Cheers!

A gallery of hand-forged chopsticks by artist blacksmith John D. Harvey

Finished these hand-forged chopsticks last night from 304 stainless steel. They’ll go to Heidi Jacobs of Whitehall Pottery in Pittsburgh, PA.

On December 19, 2020, I was a vendor/exhibitor at The Steel Yard’s “Holiday Art Market”, and it was really a great event held in very challenging times. All the pandemic precautions were in place: social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizer, and staggered entry of patrons to prevent crowding.