Late 15th Century German Knees

Advanced Forming Techniques

by William Hurt

Page 7 of 9



Forming the Wing



I placed a heavy T shaped stake in the vice. This hollow ground area works well for forming opposing curves like the ones at the base of greaves. The fan of the knee will curve to the back yet flair slightly at the sides. These two curves oppose each other and require some force to form. The shape when finished is very strong though.





I used the broader face of my raising hammer with strong hits striking just slightly to the right of the stake to armour contact point. This stretches and thins the metal in the back area of the wing. This spot is not as likely to be struck with a weapon so it is acceptable to be moderately thinner.





Striking the wing slightly off to the right of the stake causes it to curve towards where the back of the leg would be when worn. Several passes may be needed to get the shape rough formed.





The above picture is a little deceptive. The right side of the stake is semetrical to the left side. I am using a heavy planishing hammer to refine the V shape in the wing. The hits are fairly strong but controlled. After the desired rough shape is achieved a few more passes can be made to slightly planish the recessed area of the wing.





The recess of the wing is now rough formed and ready for clean up.





I used the medium ball peen hammer to crisp up the centre of the V from the inside. Medium light hits were applied to the steel contacting near the edge of the anvil. You can strike the rest of the area of the V from the inside to nearly planish the area provided your anvil surface is fairly smooth and clean.





The crease is defined and the recess area is nearly planished.

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