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I have been forging several days a week and seeing some improvement. I always start with a paper pattern and sometimes make a metal forging pattern.
One technique I like is to forge a blade in two sessions. After the blade is cool, I trace my forged piece over my pattern and then make a step by step list of corrections and refinements for my second forging session.
How have you improved on your own forging?
I never use drawings or templates, forge whats in my head very, very close. Just more fun for me that way. From anvil to finished blade there is no more then 1/16" variation, with rare exception.
Matt, how have you become better at forging? Influences?
For me its been alot of trial and error. The influences ive had were primarily just looking at work that I liked, ie Bagwell, Fisk, Fikes etc.
I basically forge whats in my head... just more fun for me that way.
I forge whats in my head sometimes but I use an aluminum pattern often. When I have one sketched that I want the exact lineand flow I make and use a pattern. This makes it a predictable and repeatable process. I have been forging axes also. This helps learn where and how to strike the steel for a desired outcome. Practice is great and really the most enjoyable part of the process for me.
Chris