Del
I knew a guy who is a member of the Knife Guild he make some real beauties, but I can't afford to own what he makes
I've watched and try to duplicate his process.
He's doing Damascus blades now... but when he started he used Files & Railroad spikes and hammered them with twisted grips.
I have some high carbon (old Farriers rasps) and some basterd files>
I heat them red-hot and allow the blank to cool slowly, to anneal it....I use delta 1" belt and disk bench sander and when the metal get almost to hot to hold I allow it to cool before I continue shaping.
To finish I heat to blue hot turning Dark red under the torch and quench in oil and polish....
I'm sure I'm not scientific, but it makes a pretty good servicable knife... but a no Knife Guild show stoper.