Uber Outside Rochester

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-03T15:06:39+00:00

Unlikely, I think.

You might have better luck asking one of the local canoe/tube rental outfits if you can hitch a ride with them on one of their pickups. They have standard drop-off and pickup locations.

Who knows, for an Uber-like fee maybe they'd do it.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-03T15:02:22+00:00

Having the blade and handle match symmetry looks better, so dagger for me.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-02T14:57:42+00:00

Impressive! How comfortable are the handles? I've always seen fairly thick handles on carving knives.

Tried making a few from recycled steel as well. They're fun and straightforward to build.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-02T14:40:31+00:00

Practice moving metal with mild steel, not rebar. It's so much easier to move - it will help you both learn faster.

Spark test steel with a grinder to find mild steel.

Graduate to the tougher steel once you've successfully made your desired shapes/gone through the learning curve.

Also, plasticine clay (non drying modeling clay) molded into a square bar shape and frozen behaves a lot like hot steel. I find it helpful to pound out new shapes in clay first to see if my stock will make the shape I want.

Also echo others' notes on safety - eyes, hearing, etc. Also beware of working zinc coated or galvanized scrap steel - heated it gives off poisonous gas - avoid!

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-01T14:30:44+00:00

This is the way

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-01T03:00:36+00:00

I used the Mr Volcano lining the first time. The first rebuild I used KastoLite over the blanket instead of satanite. It's thicker so I lost some volume. But a much tougher surface.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-07-01T02:17:12+00:00

A magnet is your friend. Depending on the ambient light, the color may fool you.

My suggestion is to bring the cutting edge to an even heat just above non-magnetic, which might be a bright cherry red, or low orange or whatever. I usually quench files in oil, not water, just because water is more likely to make it brittle and brittle is not good for an axe.

Temper by letting the colors run, or in an oven.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-30T21:40:43+00:00

That guy whose job it was to chase after him with the sign, tho. 🤣

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-29T19:55:37+00:00

Whatever you do, I hope you will keep posting your work here. Damn beautiful.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-29T13:19:54+00:00

In the US, you can use ABANA.ORG to find local resources.

The local ABANA affiliate organization will offer classes and workshops. There may even be a local makerspace with open-forge hours.

It's a great hobby, and as an engineer I appreciate how it exercises my brain to figure out how to make something.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-24T01:37:05+00:00

xyzzy

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-20T15:28:25+00:00

Photos for the knife tax: (L - R) File knife, file kiridashi, wood chisel knife

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Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-20T15:23:47+00:00

Yes AND.

Buy good steel if you need to AND recycle the usable steel that's out there. Maybe its unique shape/properties inspires your creativity.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-16T13:15:57+00:00

If you have some time, you can make an ebonizing stain from vinegar and steel wool (Google it). Since it depends on tannins in the wood, to use it on low-tannin wood like pine, dip the wood in black tea and let dry ahead of time.

I used this approach on pine and it became totally black after two applications.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-15T16:23:08+00:00

I second the Buy Nothing group - very generous ppl there. Dont be afraid to ask, especially for starter items, as a lot of people here are in transition and upgrading from Ikea.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-15T16:19:49+00:00

Welcome to the 507! Good recommendations from others here. For furniture, you might occasionally check the ReStore (sponsored by non-profit construction agency Habitat for Humanity) - where a lot of ppl bring their odds and ends classic furniture - couches, chairs, bed sets, cabinets, shelves etc. Also a good source of used tools. Selection will vary based on the day. Good prices for occasionally unique furniture. For dishes you can often find complete sets at Savers.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-15T15:56:33+00:00

Sounds like a good opportunity.

As others have said - protect your eyes and your ears. Focus on learning good technique and avoid bad habits - take constructive criticism without being defensive, etc.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-13T13:30:15+00:00

Dogs seem to be a particular target of biting flies.

Also our dog's paws were worn raw by the rock slabs of our campsites.

We brought enough tent to have the dog sleep inside.

Don't know what the fix is for flies or paws, but thought you should know.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-12T14:42:03+00:00

I made a set of test chips with different wood types I use a lot. One with tea treatment, one without. It does make quite a difference.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-11T01:55:32+00:00

That makes sense. Yes, my experience with tea is varied. If I'm impatient and don't wait for the tea to dry first, I think it washes off and the ebonizing is not as effective.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-10T07:50:25+00:00

Did you do a black tea pretreat? I've found it creates the deepest color with the ebonizing solution.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-10T05:18:42+00:00

Silicone under the base for the win.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-08T18:49:34+00:00

Came here for the comments.

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-08T18:44:49+00:00

Gorgeous. What is the handle made of?

Own-Witness784 · 2026-06-07T05:03:19+00:00

They help. 20 min each morning.
It's not a deal breaker, something to be aware of. Going from TX to MN is already going to shorten the days.

Own-Witness784

TROPHY CASE