Horse Head-Shaped Metal Letter Opener

Steps 1-3

Steps:

1. Heat a 1" x 1/4" x 24" piece of mild steel in the forge, remove it using steel tongs and put it on the edge of the anvil. Carve out the muzzle of a horse with a treadle hammer and chisel.

2. Place the steel piece back in the forge to heat the metal.

3. Remove the steel from the forge and place it on the anvil. Pit the eyes on each side with a punch and treadle hammer.

Step 4

4. Heat the piece in the forge, remove it with tongs and secure the bottom end in the vise. Grasp the steel below the horse's neck with a wrench and twist the steel four times.

Step 5

5. Heat the bottom end of the letter opener in the forge. Remove it from the forge using tongs. Place the area below the twisted steel onto the anvil and hammer it with the air hammer to draw out and shape the blade. Cut off the excess steel with a band saw.

Steps 6-7

6. Sharpen the blade portion on the belt sander.

7. Wire brush the entire metal letter opener and apply linseed oil.

Website: www.martelmetalartwork.com