Banfield, Mark

Every knife I make is a one of a kind. I take much time in producing each one.I rely on skills and not technology.But I do have basic power tools like drill press,belt sanders,etc. My gas forges are all homemade. I have one stand up forge for general forging and damascus. I have several small forges for small stuff and one long horizontal forge with 2 burners.I can use either 1 or 2 burners depending on the blade length.. This is the forge I use for heat treating.Just about all of my knives are hand sanded.Every knife is forged unless I specifically say otherwise.My damascus is hand forged.Most carbon steel blades I make have a clay heat treat.My knives are forged first,then rough ground,filed and heat treated.I then refine the blade by belt sander.Then it is hand sanded.I often put a lot of carving and texturing on my guards and handles.Sometimes I have to make a special tool to get the look I want. I prefer to make daggers and fighters,but also like the odd Bowie,or hunter.I love the weapons of the Celts,Vikings and Anglo Saxons,but rarely make any. I like to make knives that are unique.Generally I don't make any Japanese style stuff,or tactical stuff,but I plan on making the odd one eventually. For blades I prefer 1084 and 1095,also 1075. 5160 is a great steel too that I use occasionally.For damascus I prefer the mix of 1084 and 15N20. For guards I usually prefer wrought iron or cast bronze.But I also use nickel silver,blued steel and stainless. For handles I prefer natural materials.Exotic hardwoods being my favorite..