Metalworking Forge

I am constructing a metalworking forge to make a small knife.

I am planning to use fire cement and bricks to make the frame of the forge, and a 2 inch steel exhaust pipe tube with a 12v fan for air.

I will be using regular coal or charcoal for the fuel.

I am planning to use Damascus steel to make the knife, I should be able to get the forge hot enough to melt this type of steel.

The most difficult part so far has been finding the parts to build this. I have had to make educated guesses as to how powerful the fan needs to be, how long and how thick the air inlet needs to be, how much fire cement I need, etc etc. I think trial and error is common in homemade forge building, however.

I will post updates as I progress in this project.