Fuller Power: Drawing Out Steel with Top and Bottom Fullers

Sometimes, shaping a blade isn't just about grinding. It's about manipulating the steel itself, pulling and stretching it to achieve the desired form. Forging isn't just about hammer blows; it's about understanding how those blows affect the metal. That’s where fullers come in, and this video from

If you’ve been chasing that perfect blade profile, you know how frustrating it can be to fight the inherent grain and tendencies of your steel. Fullers, used correctly, can be a game-changer. They’re a system – a top fuller that sits on the hot steel and a bottom fuller that secures in the hardy hold, allowing you to leverage a sledgehammer and a willing helper to really draw out the metal.

What are Fullers and Why Use Them?

Essentially, a fuller is a specialized tool used for upsetting or drawing out steel. Upsetting adds thickness, while drawing out extends the length and thins the material – exactly what we’re seeing in the video. Think of it like a controlled, localized forge weld, but instead of joining pieces, you’re reshaping a single billet. This technique is especially useful for:

• Creating unique blade profiles: Need a distal taper that’s more aggressive than you can achieve with grinding alone? Fullers can help.
• Refining existing shapes: Correcting minor imperfections or subtly altering a blade's geometry.
• Working with thick stock: Drawing out thick bar stock into thinner, more manageable pieces for forging.

The Top and Bottom Fuller System

The video clearly demonstrates the best practice: using both a top and bottom fuller. The top fuller sits directly on the hot steel where you want to draw out the material. The bottom fuller is secured in the hardy hold – a critical part of the anvil setup. You’ll need a friend (or a very strong apprentice!) to wield the sledgehammer. The force applied through the fullers spreads the steel, allowing you to control the direction and amount of material drawn out. It’s a team effort, and that’s part of the fun!

While you *can* use a top fuller alone, the results are less precise and the effort required is significantly higher. The bottom fuller provides the necessary leverage and control to really make the process efficient.

Beyond the Basics: Considerations for the Bladesmith

• Steel Temperature: The steel needs to be hot enough for the fuller to work effectively. Check your heat treat temperatures for the steel you’re using.
• Fuller Size: Different sized fullers will create different effects. Start with smaller sizes and work your way up.
• Safety: This is serious hammering. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, and ensure everyone involved understands the process.
• Practice: Like any bladesmithing technique, using fullers takes practice. Start with scrap steel to get a feel for the process.

If you're looking for ways to expand your forging skillset beyond the basics of hammer and anvil, this video is a great starting point. We've seen some incredible work from folks like Alec Steele and Will Stelter pushing the boundaries of forging techniques, and mastering tools like fullers will open up new creative avenues for you too. Maybe one day you’ll be demonstrating your skills at a Live Workshop at a HolyPlace!

Want to get your hands dirty? Consider joining a forge class to learn from experienced bladesmiths, or even better, find a Blade Angel in your area to guide you. Got a custom commission in mind? List it here and connect with a skilled maker. And be sure to claim your creator profile to showcase your own work!