TLDW #15 - Building a Charcoal Tanto Forge

Serious students of the forge can watch more full process traditional Japanese swordsmith style forge construction here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi9Sh2Dt65U&list=PLBJ5AOs7cMwCSinW7foaiHFZKbZDkasQL&index=2

Traditional Japanese swordsmithing forges are purpose-built with certain design elements specific to the tasks involved in tanren and hizukuri. This forge is a scaled down version specifically geared for tanto and smaller knives but has a removable spacer to allow for a larger fire when needed.

Most of history was forged with very simple equipment made from found and natural materials. A basic charcoal forge can be made with clay, brick, or even mud and stone. Details about traditional measurements and clay mixtures here: http://islandblacksmith.ca/2017/01/building-traditional-swordsmith-forge/